Beat the Flu for $4 a Month.
An apple a day....
Ok, tis the season for everyone to start hacking and coughing and come down with something. Of course the best course of action is to never get sick in the first place…..but sometimes it happens. One thing to keep in mind, is that you never really “catch” a cold. Viruses and bacteria are everywhere….they are out there…in the air, on doorknobs, everywhere people are. So to say that you catch anything is silly because you are constantly being exposed to things. What really is happening is when you get sick, your body loses the battle to control the amount of bacteria infection inside of you and then it has to take more drastic actions (get a fever, create mucus, etc).
No one is perfect, not even me (sigh….gasp….I know!). Sometimes we all need a solid reminder to not take things for granted and think we are so “indestructible”. We never know how good our state health really is, until it is gone. So that being said….I have the 5 top ways your doctor won’t tell you on how to keep healthy (or beat the flu) this season while everyone else is walking around with a box of Kleenex and doped up on NyQuil. I’m skipping over the boring stuff like “exercise”, “eat healthy real foods”, “avoid sugar”, “getting plenty of sleep”, and “reducing stress”….because we already know those work right? So here’s some other stuff:
- Contrast (hot/cold) showers – Oh yeah, these are fun. What you do is start with a hot shower, after a couple min then turn the knob to as cold as you can tolerate for 30 seconds. Then back to hot for 1-2 min, then another cycle of cold for 30sec. You should notice that each cold cycle is colder as you build up the tolerance. Repeat for 3….5…10 times. This will help you to increase circulation and lymph flow (the lymphatic system being your “trash collecting” service of the body). Get all the toxic waste out and start the healing process…..or just do daily and keep your body as clean as you can on the inside.
- Cinnamon in your Coffee/Tea - ever try it? Delicious! Not only that….cinnamon is a great anti-bacterial agent you want fighting off the bad guys. I use it every time I get an Americano (espresso in hot water)….it’s great stuff!
- If you are going to drink, try avoiding Beer for a while – Beer is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast in the body. With all it’s yeast, sugar, carbohydrates and starch….it can keep things growing in your body that you should be trying to kill off. Drinking more hard alcohol like vodka, gin or tequila will have less yeast growing potential than beer. Of course, alcohol should be in moderation.
- Winter months means Cod Liver Oil, not Fish Oil - What’s the difference? Cod Liver Oil has higher amounts of Vit A and D. You will see plenty of new research and findings nowadays linking Vit D to all sorts of health and immune system benefits. What’s the best way to get Vit D? The sun! But….winter time and I don’t think many of you are going out for a tan in 30deg weather. So time to boost the Vit D and one of the best ways is through good ole Cod Liver Oil (Grandma knew best!).
- and lastly…my secret weapon…Apple Cider Vinegar every day - I’ll admit, even I fell off the ACV bandwagon a while back and a recent day of feeling run down reminded me that prevention is key and my ACV was my best friend. 1-2 tablespoons of ACV mixed in some boiled hot water first thing in the AM and last thing PM are what the body loves. Talk about killing off fungus, bacteria and anything else growing. Also it’s a great Ph balancer and about 1000 other health claims made by people from helping to get rid of Acid Reflux to improving their joints….heck you could probably shine silverware with it. Best part….get a big bottle at the local store for $4. Even the deductible for one doctor visit is way more than that! For $4 a month I never have to see a doctor! If you want to spice it up add some cayenne pepper for increased circulatory benefits. Warning: NEVER take it straight!! (always mix in water). Also when buying ACV ALWAYS get the kind “WITH the Mother”….it’s the cloudy kind that has the good stuff still alive inside. The standard clearer bottles on the supermarket shelves (next to the regular white vinegar) are not the same thing. Look in the health food section of the supermarket of find a health food store (a good brand to look for is Bragg, started by Paul Bragg who has been preaching the health benefits of ACV for a very long time).
There you have it……prevention is daily. So you can either spend $4 a day to keep healthy……or $100s in doctor bills….it’s your choice.
If you want to learn more about how to keep yourself healthy, cells strong, and the easiest eating plan to lose fat and feel better than ever….then you will want to check out how many use intermittent fasting.
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Great advice!
I’ve used and recommended ACV before as a digestive aid (an ounce or so taken with water half-way through your meal – it has a very similar acidity to your stomach), but I’d never considered it as a potnetial helper in the bodies ongoing efforts to clean itself out. Cool.
Personally, once making the switch to “real” foods a few years ago, I almost never get sick. It used to be a big surprise if I didn’t get whatever cold or flu that was going around. Now I’m to the point where I am really surprised when I do. I don’t even worry about being around sick people nowadays, whereas when I used to eat the “mainstream” diet I would be weary anyone with the slightest sniffle…
Cheers,
Adam
Dude,
I totally did not know that about Apple Cider Vinegar — that’s an awesome tip — will researc this more and most likely put it to use!
Later
Caleb
Seriously….ACV is the best $4 you could ever spend a month….I’ve seen people get off acid-reflux meds using it , people say their arthritis gets better….and I use it to fight off anything I feel that is taking over my body. This site could keep you busy for a long while…with all the pages of testimonials for loads of things….from colds to foot odor. Fun stuff.
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvinegar.html
I fear that your recommendation of ACV crosses the line, at least in my eyes, between science and anecdote. I would caution other readers of this fine blog to excercise skepticism with respect to this “treatment”. Find actual science that supports its use which outweighs potential risks, and make your own, informed decision.
Peace, Erik
Erik – I always preach that people can (and should) question everything and find their own answers. What I have provided is just something that I have personally used and seen good results as well as many other people who I have trained or consulted with over the years. It’s been around for hundreds of years in some form, and I’m not selling it via MLM or have any stake in it. I just try to help people the best I know how without having them spend a fortune. In the end, it’s just based on my opinion and experience in using it as well as seeing others use it….but everyone is entitled to make up their own mind.
Here’s some basic science although research is limited for ACV:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar?page=2
The big warning I stated above is to NOT drink it straight. You can damage your esophagus with straight vinegar (repeatedly). One should always consult with their doctor before adding anything new to their diet to make sure it does not negatively effect your current health or have adverse reactions with medications you may be on. Use at your own risk.
I second Erik’s comment. What is the science behind the advice, including the (forgive me for saying this) ridiculous advice for cold/hot showers?
I have always wondered about this mystical detox thing. They never taught me in med school was detox was. I doubt anyone knows. What are the toxins and how does one purify the system? I have never seen or heard of any quantification, and would love to learn.
Criticism over, I really like your blog, and read your posts regularly.
RamboDoc – Just curious (as I don’t mean this in a negative way…but I just don’t know), do they cover the lymphatic system and it’s role in cellular waste/bacteria removal in med school? Contrast showers have been touted for a long time about how to improve lymph flow with the expand/contract effect of hot/cold therapy. The science for the ACV is above in the last comment. There is always this 100+yr old person who credits his long and healthy life to cold showers: http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/04/24/living.well/
I would personally classify the word “detox” as a natural waste removal process of the body, as your body create waste products through cellular metabolisms and it cleans up/removes it. Now the “hype” about detox nowadays is another thing, as it’s being oversold to sell books and supplements.
If someone never gets the flu and never uses ACV or cold showers, then that is great. For others it may provide relief and improved health. Science I doubt will not likely get around to doing research studies on cold showers anytime soon, so it’s more something passed down from generations of people who have felt it benefited. Much like many who say that Yoga and Massage has improved their health with improved circulation (and healthy cell building, immune function)….but again, there’s no science for those either.
good simple steps to prevent a cold. also great for waking up in the morning with hot-cold-hot showers (might not even the cinnamon coffee after that!)
Thanks for the feedback. While I don’t doubt the results that many claim from using ACV (or whatever treatment) it is important to keep in mind the source of the advice/recommendation.
I guess it boils down to this (for me): I have just recently come out from underneath the cloud of tribal “knowledge” of the dangers of saturated fat, cholesterol, the virtues of complex carbs, etc. and I have become extremely skeptical about advice freely given.
“Hey, I read on the internet somewhere that coconut oil is really bad for you!”
“Oh, OK. I’d better steer clear. Pass the Shedd’s Spread.”
People are always looking for a way to a healthier life, and will accept little tidbits like this as gospel. I think the best way to avoid that habit of swallowing the hook first is to be really transparent in how you disclose information and advice. I’m not saying you don’t, but I feel it’s a good policy to stick to.
“I’ve personally had a lot of luck with a Yak crap poultice. There’s not a lot of evidence to support it, but many people report good results…”
I feel that that is a more responsible way to recommend things of this nature.
BTW, I don’t mean to gripe. I love your blog and find it to be a great resource.
Thanks, Erik
[...] Beat The Flu for $4 a Month [...]
I found this very interesting – I have always been told to avoid acid (vinegar) at all costs (irritable bladder) and instead alkalize using baking soda and water. How is it ACV helps people with acid reflux then? Thank you so much for your time….especially on your blog, it’s been a great resource for me. My favorite entry was K.I.S.S.
Great suggestions. Contrast showers are evil though lol. Vitamin D is always deficient in this day and age…
Erik – I’m with you, skeptical on everything and anything….as we should be. ACV has been something I’ve used for many years and seen people personally get results (esp from Acid Reflux…and they get off meds). Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) supposedly treated his patients with it. It’s one of the few things I actually promote for people to at least look in to, that and it’s cheap. But everyone should make up their own mind, all I can do is point people in what I believe the right direction.
Beth – ACV is not the same as all other vinegars. It has an alkaline ash and actually improves the body’s pH to more alkaline (less acidic). It also can help with the digestive process (which most people have an issue with when it comes to acid reflux and undigested proteins). If you do decide to try it, start slow…like a teaspoon in plenty of water before a meal (it’s still pretty potent). Also combining foods properly helps people with acid reflux, such as not combining a high starch meal with high protein….should always be like protein + veggies, or starch and veggies….protein + starch can cause many people issues.
Yavor – I agree…they are evil, but man they wake you up in the AM! I guess those of us that enjoy that are evil too! lol
Great post. Here is a post I wrote that brings the contrast shower thing a little further. http://mydailywellnesstip.typepad.com/my_daily_wellness_tip/2009/01/10-types-of-hydrotherapies.html
I’ve added this blog to my top ten side bar!!
UPDATE ON NEW SITE/EBOOK RELEASE - The “Official” release date for both is Mon Feb 9th. Due to Scott who is iced in up in KY without power….and my unexpected trip out of town this weekend….we are probably going to be still updating into next week as things are finalized. So to be safe we are going to say Mon Feb9th as the official day, but it may be sooner depending on when we can get time to finalize the programming. Just wanted to give people the update.
Mike,
Great article. I was just wondering, how much fish oil per day do you recommend. Some places, I’ve read 3 grams and some I’ve read 6 grams.
Thanks
Jeff – Yes advice can be anywhere from 3-5 grams. If you are avoiding sugar and also eat fish, then you probably need less than someone else who is not eating healthy or has inflammation issues present. So about 1 tablespoon is usually good enough for most unless of other conditions that warrant more higher dosing (even if just a temporary basis). Personally I just take a “swig” out of the bottle.
Greetings,
I enjoyed the article ACV in association as a means for staying health. ACV represents a rather interesting subject in historical archives. Historical archives are different than scientific date when trying to extrapolate information. In order to interpret historical data one needs to look at the evolution of language because words change. Scientific data is beginning to come under scrutiny because it has never been validated as the only protocol for evaluating data. There are new ways to use statistical measures that use a new number system called quadrantals, which are more precise than the current system.
Mike – Good post. Those showers sound….well, cold! Even easier than the showers for lymph is exercise! Muscle contraction is a key mode for moving lymph through the body!
And while cinnamon I am sure is good, I usually only hear it mentioned in regards to blood sugar/insulin potentiation. The flu is a virus and better anti-virals most herbalists mention are garlic, lemon balm and licorice.
For bacterial agents echinacea and golden seal are also touted a lot.
For me personally – giving up dairy and wheat was a big key. Sub-clinical allergies lead to immune suppression.
Mike,
(she suffers from frequent colds in the winter)
Great post. I forwarded it immediately to my bull headed sister
FWIW;
For the past 2 weeks I have been taking 2 teaspoons of ACV (Braggs) in hot water in the morning.
HOLY CR>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This stuff is no joke.
This is what I’ve noticed.
Increased energy (and I don’t suffer from not having enough, ask any of my friends)
Inreased mental clarity
Better digestion
“Glowing” skin (my girlfriend tells me my complexion just looks different)
Just a very noticable sense of “well being” don’t know how else to describe it.
So like I said. FWIW.
Thanks Mike!!!!!
I can vouch for the cinnamon and blood sugar link. I was a borderline diabetic, and heard about it. I did a half a teaspoon a day, and in 24 hours my AM fasting blood sugars dropped from 120-130 to the 90’s. BUT… do not use the grocery store kind. It has oils in it that are not good for the kidneys. You need to get “real” cinnamon. I get mine from Dru-Era (do a web search).
Although I’ve since learned that Type ll diabetes can be reversed through a proper diet, (which I have done) I still occasionally add a half a teaspoon to my raw (and farm grown) eggs and protein powder and milk (raw, straight out of the cow!) shake.
The short story on my diabetes reversal: glucose tolerance increasing over 3 years to 198. You are considered a full fledged diabetic at 199. I then went “primal” with my diet. No wheat or grains, even whole grain. Just lots of protein and copious amounts of vegetables. 30 lbs just melted off of me (I went from 185 to 155, and I’m six feet tall, so I did not look overweight). 4 Months later, my glucose tolerance was 100. Normal is 140 or lower.
All I can say is, don’t do what the American Diabetes Association says to do. It does not work. All it was doing to me was increasing my blood sugar. Their dietary info is insane. They even say it’s OK to have some sugar, just trade those carbs for some others.
Sorry this was so long!
many food items are listed as “anti-bacterial” but the flu is viral.
Brian – Yes onions and garlic are also great for helping to keep well. Although you may not have too many friends if used too much. lol
Marc – great story…..looks like you got your money’s worth!
Dave – thanks for sharing all that, it’s always good to hear stories about real people getting healthy the right way!
Alf – cinnamon is also touted as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infective, anti-oxidant, and anti-parasitic. There is some interesting research on it’s anti-viral properties (although there is some difference to the kind used here and the kind you find in the cupboards)
[...] It may be flu season, but avoid the flu shots. Go for IF Life’s tips for fighting the flu on a month. [...]
Scientists say that we evolved in the tropics, where there was no shortage of vitamin D from sunlight. As humans migrated north, they found foods that were rich in vitamin D, and made them a regular part of their diet. For example, in Norway and Sweden, which are the same latitude as Alaska, herring is an important staple.
If you go to http://www.nutritiondata.com/foods-000102000000000000000-w.html you will see that herring is the whole food that is richest in vitamin D. The only food with more vitamin D is the cod liver oil Mike mentioned. If you look at the top ten sources of dietary vitamin D, you will discover another good reason to make fish a regular part of your diet, especially fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout.
If you don’t know about http://www.nutritiondata.com, poke around their web site. You can find the nutritional content of an amazing number of foods. You can compare several foods, and you can look for foods that are highest in one nutrient and lowest in another. It is a very useful tool.
I also agree with Mike about Bragg’s ACV. How many anecdotes does it take to make a scientific sample?
For those who don’t relish a 30-second cold shower, a simple and pleasant alternative is to gently massage your own lymph nodes. The main ones are under your jaw and under your arms. For details, see http://www.innerbody.com/image/lympov.html.
Lymph nodes are sensitive, so only use a gentle pressure. Start at the top of your neck, and work you way down to your collar bone. Repeat several times.Then stroke both sides of your sternum and try and get that whole area to rotate slightly. Finally, put the fingertips of your right hand onto your left serratus anterior (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serratus_anterior_muscle) and the heal of your hand on your pecs. Rotate the whole area, and gently pull against your ribs. Repeat that process with your left hand and right serratus.
If you feel any sore spots, give them special attention. Do not use force! Just gently massage them; a circular motion works well. You can also rotate your arms with elbows bent, and see if that relieves the congestion.
Lymph plays an important role in the immune system. The heart does not pump the lymph. It moves due to exercise. When that is not practical, you can move it with massage.
Hey Mike, great read especially because I’m fighting off a nasty sore throat/cold thing right now.
My question is should I still do all these things even though I’ve already gotten sick? Like cinnamon in the coffee? (which I tried yesterday and it was fantastic!)
Also with the ACV/cayenne pepper concoction, do you take that every day even when you’re not sick? Or only when you feel like you’re going to?
Rob – Fantastic comment. Thank You for sharing!
Rachel – I’ve also played around with “gargling” hot water/sea-salt/garlic/AVC combos for the sore throat (the hot water/salt helps with the soreness). No reason to NOT take it esp when sick as you still need to go attack all the bad stuff. I “try” for the ACV daily….but sometimes I slack off….all in all I would say it’s more 50% of the time for me now as I feel pretty damn good everyday….although it only takes just one day of feeling run down as an instant reminder to go hit it again!
Thanks Mike, good to know. Call me weird, but I actually LIKE the ACV/cayenne pepper concoction. I mean, you are talking to the girl who’s practically been drinking balsamic vinegar since she was 2 … but yeah, I wouldn’t mind drinking it every day in the mornings. For some reason it makes me feel full as well. So yeah I think I’ll start to add that into my daily routine, as long as I don’t run the risk of becoming immune to its benefits or anything
[...] tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in hot water, says Mike @ Life Spotlight, to avoid getting [...]