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Cold and Flu Cures That You've Never
Heard Of... Start Them Now
By Dr. Mark Stengler

Every year, I advise my patients to get an early start protecting themselves against colds and flu. Reason: The best defense against these illnesses is a strong immune system - and boosting your immune system early in the fall, at the start of the cold and flu season, gives you the best protection. This year, I'm excited to tell you about several new remedies for flu and colds that really can help you. Here's how to protect yourself....

My Flu-Prevention Protocol

As many of you know, I don't recommend the flu vaccine for healthy people, although I do recommend that some people consider getting the flu vaccine (see page 3). Instead, I recommend a powerful protocol for flu prevention that my patients, my family and I all follow. My strategy this year is a little different from that of years past because several new, well-researched remedies now are available. (All can be found at health food stores and online.) Begin this protocol now or as soon as you can - and continue it through April.

The protocol includes....

• Triple Flu Defense. This homeopathic remedy, which is my new recommendation this year, works in three ways - with homeopathic remedies that prevent flu generally...with a homeopathic remedy targeted to combat the specific flu strains expected for the coming year...and with homeopathic remedies designed to boost the immune system.

Triple Flu Defense contains...

Influenzinum. I have recommended this homeopathic remedy on its own for the past 15 years. The manufacturers for Influenzinum reformulate it annually based on the flu viruses expected to predominate that year. One French survey found that 90% of 453 people who took Influenzinum did not get the flu.

Other ingredients. Triple Flu Defense also includes natural immune system boosters and homeopathic remedies targeted to combat flu symptoms (fever, chills, headache) as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and nausea.

Dosage: For flu prevention, adults and children age 12 and older should take 20 drops of Triple Flu Defense once weekly. For best results, take 30 minutes before or after eating. Children under age 12 can take one drop for every 10 pounds of body weight, up to 20 drops. Place drops on the tongue or mix with one ounce of water. Children and adults who get the flu should take the 20-drop dose three times daily until symptoms subside. Triple Flu Defense is safe for all ages and won't interact with any other medications. (888-770-1925, www.TripleFluDefense.com).

In addition to Triple Flu Defense, my protocol includes...

• Vitamin D. Many studies show an association between low levels of vitamin D and respiratory tract infections. A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that only 10% of school-age children who took vitamin D got the flu, compared with 18% who took a placebo.

Dosage: Adults and children age 13 and older should take 2,000 international units (IU) daily, the increase to 5,000 IU during peak flu months (January through March). This is higher than the dose I typically recommend, which is 1,000 IU to 2,000 IU, but these higher doses of vitamin D are safe. Infants and children up to age 12 should take 1,000 IU daily, then increase to 2,000 IU during peak flu months, though for infants, check with pediatrician about increasing the dose.

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC). This antioxidant helps prevent flu and reduces severity of symptoms if infection occurs. A landmark Italian study found that only 25% of older people who were injected with the flu virus after taking NAC for six months experienced flu symptoms, versus 70% who took a placebo.

Dosage: Adults and children age 13 and older should take 1,000 milligrams (mg) daily. Children ages six to 12 can take 500 mg daily. At the first sign of flu symptoms, increase to 4,000 mg daily for adults and 1,500 mg daily for children, and continue until symptoms subside. Higher doses, such as 4,000 mg, may cause digestive upset. Reduce the dose if needed.

Natural Cold Remedies

Colds can be hard to distinguish from flu. Colds come on slowly with symptoms affecting the chest, neck and head. Flu comes on quickly with more intense symptoms, including body-wide aches and pains, high fever and often digestive complaints.

Even if you follow my immune-boosting flu-prevention protocol, there's always a small chance that you will catch a cold. Take one or both of the herbal remedies below at the first sign of a cold until symptoms are gone. There are no side effects, except as noted - and you can safely take one or more of these remedies at the same time. For dosing information for adults and children, follow label instructions.

• Pelargonium sidoides. The focus of more than 20 clinical studies, this South African plant has been found to be effective in relieving cold symptoms, sinusitis, sore throats and bronchitis. It is available in many forms, including syrup, lozenge and chewable tablet. Brand to try: Nature's Way Umcka (800-962-8873, www.NaturesWay.com).
  
  
• COLD-FX. This remedy contains Panax Ginseng extract, which is used in Chinese medicine to increase energy. Studies show COLD-FX (877-490-3300, www.Cold-fxusa.com) can strengthen the immune system to beat the common cold. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that healthy adults who tool COLD-FX had 25% fewer colds per person than those in the placebo group.