Garlic and the Swine Flu

The H1N1 viruses, more commonly known as the swine flu, is once again in the public spotlight as flu season descends upon us like a bull on the crowded streets of Pamplona causing panic and health official running amok screaming about flu shots. While there is nothing wrong with getting vaccinated, it is also important to take all the media hype surrounding this sickness with a grain of salt and to realize that if you keep your immune system in good shape with a healthy diet and exercise, chances are you will not get the swine flu.

The Orthomyxoviridae or Influenza Type A (H1N1) viruses was first discovered in 1918, and can be contracted through infected pigs that are handled by humans. (Please note: You cannot get it from eating pork). The H1N1 virus is a highly contagious respiratory infection that generally targets the elderly and young children with compromised immune systems; however anyone can catch this virus especially if they happen to be already sick or have a history of illness.

The hype

If you believe what the new anchors are telling you, then the swine flu is the next great plague that is sure to wipe out humanity and make the world like the one in 12 Monkeys. In reality, the amount of people who have actually died from the swine flu is quite small and nowhere near "pandemic" proportions. The people who have succumbed to the H1N1 viruses are generally in a state of poor health without any build flu defense and most people who get it, will probably live to tell their grandchildren about it.

Saying this, it is still wise to take some precautions when going to public places. Wash your hands with good antibacterial soap after you touch things and dress warmly. However, unless you have a severely compromised immune system, there is needed to go strutting about with a surgical mask on.

A healthy diet plan of prevention

The swine flu is a virus that targets weak immune system, so the best way to keep it from affecting you is to keep your immune system in tip top shape with a good diet plan that supports your immune system. Avoid processed garbage and eat a sensible meal of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats like fish, turkey and chicken.

Another thing you can do is to be sure to incorporate nature's ultimate immune booster: garlic into your diet. Research has shown that eating garlic regularly can boost your immune system, helping your T-Cell function better and more effectively. Garlic also helps improve your blood flow and keeps your arteries elastic which will also help keep you healthy and uncompromised. Garlic also contains powerful antiviral enzymes such as Allicin and Ajoene which have shown the abilty to kill off any potential invaders.

If you do catch the Swine flu

So, if you do happen to get the swine flu and feel all the symptoms including a fever, chills, body aches, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea and vomiting, do not panic. Instead there are steps you can take to limit the viruses' impact on your body. First, stay away from solid food and drink lots of filtered water, freshly squeezed juices, and broth.

Juice some garlic

Another great way to break the swine flu's hold on you is to add garlic cloves to your juicer and juice it along with your favorite juiced fruits and veggies. Fresh garlic is a powerful anti-viral herb that will make it difficult for the H1N1 to stick around. The sooner you eat garlic after you cut, crush or juice it, the better since the best antiviral enzymes are created right after.