Debug Yourself Naturally

By Dr. John Maher

Considering the rising potential of worldwide viral pandemics (SARS, avian flu, norovirus, H1N1) this winter, it is all the more imperative that we maximize personal hygiene. The only portals of entry of the H1N1 "swine flu" virus are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming at least into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. However, contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as is its proliferation within the body.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced. Consider the following:

• Frequent hand-washing with regular soap or, even better, a hand cleanser with manuka honey (a type of honey produced by bees that harvest nectar from the flowers of the manuka bush, native to New Zealand). Make it a ritual habit. This is most important if you are already sick.
• Do not touch your face or nose if you can help it. This will reduce the likelihood that the virus will enter the body if it has been passed to you via a handshake or other hand-to-hand scenario.
• Gargle twice a day with warm salt water, or 1 tablespoon manuka honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water; or even antiseptic mouthwash. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
• Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water using a spray/ syringe applicator, or Neti pot, or even by "snorting" a palm full of salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and /or swabbing just the first 1/4 inch of your internal nostrils with Q-tips dipped in warm salt water are also effective in bringing down viral population.
• Boost your natural immunity with fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C. You may also supplement with 500 mg vitamin C tablets, preferably in lozenge form.
• Drink as much warm liquids as you can, especially green tea. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. It helps wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach, where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
• Weather permitting, get some fall / winter midday sun and fresh air with a brisk 15-minute walk. Getting out of confined spaces where germs can spread easily is key to preventing transmission of H1N1 and other flu strains.