It's that time again - flu season. Strangely this year we've seen the flu strike in larger numbers all year long. Add to that all the confusion regarding flu shots and everyone is worrying about flu prevention. There are many things you can do to prevent the flu from sweeping through your house. This article will share a few strategies I have studied but please feel free to share more ideas.
The first thing is a reiteration of what everyone has already been saying - wash your hands often. Make sure you wash for a minimum of 20 seconds. Handwashing is hard on your hands so be sure to use plenty of moisturizer. A natural lotion with rosemary, peppermint and/or eucalyptus adds to the germ fighting. Healthy skin creates a strong barrier to prevent foreign particles from entering the body. Cracked, peeling skin opens more doorways for germs.
A healthy diet and regular exercise helps the body prevent illnesses. Reduced stress and getting a good night's sleep also help the body. This is not a quick fix, however, so while you are working towards better health there are some quick fixes that may work for you and help protect the body from illness.
A healthy nose prevents foreign particles from entering the body. Nasal saline sprays and neti pots contribute to a healthy nose. They both provide much needed moisture and help clean the nasal passages. Bloody noses or blood when blowing your nose are signs that nasal passages are dry and cracking. It also means that there are more areas in the nose where germs can enter the body. Another technique is using a thin layer of moisturizer in your nose. Because this is technically inside the body - you want to use an all natural pure oil moisturizer or even just a tiny bit of oil - olive or canola is preferable but any clean oil is doable.
The next line of defense in our body is the stomach. The acid in our stomach destroys many bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately most of us work to reduce our stomach acid levels. Taking hydrochloric acid capsules can restore our body's natural acid levels. This can also reduce cases of heart burn. It is recommended to take 2 capsules every few minutes until you get a warm sensation in the stomach. The amount of capsules it took to get that sensation is the amount you need to take. If it becomes uncomfortable (not painful) reduce the amount. Eventually, you should be able to reduce to none. If you are not comfortable with that idea then just take 2 after every meal.
Drinking raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar can also increase the acidity of your stomach. Scientific research has proven that a daily dose reduces illness. A good dose is 2 oz every day. When I take the vinegar I take it before breakfast.
My final tip is from Joey Green's Incredible Country Store. According to Mr. Green in 1918 (or there about) the editor of the Elkhart Truth had his staff drink a mixture of aspirin and bicarbonate of soda. No one on his staff became sick during the flu epidemic that year and in 1921. This recipe eventually became Alza-Seltzer. I don't know how the modern make-up of the product compares to the original recipe but the recipe he shares is a simple pleasant drink -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 aspirin tablet
4 oz water
Dissolve baking soda in water. Smash aspirin into a fine powder and dissolve in the water. Stir to make sure they both dissolve completely. Add lemon juice. Drink down quickly.
Hopefully these tips will prevent your family from succumbing to the flu this season.

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