Greg Ciola
Source: http://www.healthtruthrevealed.com
April 27, 2009

It Is Wise To Get Prepared

In the event of a flu pandemic what you need to know is that it could last for months. There could be serious disruptions in the flow of goods throughout the country including gas, water, food and other vital necessities we take for granted under normal conditions. In an October 13, 2008 story appearing on the website http://technocrat.net it stated:

“Researchers at Georgia Tech have been developing models that will help emergency planning authorities and volunteer organizations such as the Red Cross predict in advance when and where and how they would need to focus efforts in order to feed millions of people suddenly cut off from the normal aspects of the ‘just in time’ food distribution system during possible large scale pandemics.”

Take what I am saying as a word of caution. It is important to take some necessary preparations beforehand so you are not caught off guard. The CDC has actually recommended that everyone store a two-week supply of water and food in preparation for a possible pandemic or other emergency. In my opinion a minimum of 3 months supply of food for you and your family would be very prudent. This is not as hard or as costly as some might think. You can get all kinds of bulk items at places like Costco, Sam’s and BJ’s. You can get canned foods from any grocery store. Stocking up on nutritional bars and protein powders that serve as meal replacers are a great idea as well.

There are many companies in the country that specialize in long-term storable food. Check out Emergency Essentials at www.BePrepared.com. You can also call them at 1-800-999-1863 and request a catalog. Another good website is www.patriotfood.com. Having extra food on hand to survive in an emergency is an excellent idea for more than just flu preparations. The economic crisis has quickly shown us how fragile everything is in life. Hurricane Katrina showed us that the government is incapable of handling a crisis in a timely manner that can cost many people their lives. Multiply a Katrina scenario on a national level and you can quickly see how ugly things could get very fast. All kinds of circumstances could occur from weather related events to terrorist attacks to a flu pandemic that make taking precautions a wise thing to do.

Another precaution you can take is frequent hand washing. Most germs are simply spread by surface contact. Regular hand washing has been noted to be one of the most effective ways to ward off the cold and flu. Make sure you avoid putting unwashed hands in, on or near your ears, eyes, nose or mouth. Be aware that antibacterial soaps and most hand sanitizers have toxic ingredients in them that aren’t recommended. Look for 100% pure, natural alternatives. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Have a supply of face masks in case of a widespread outbreak.

If you don’t have confidence that the flu shot is the answer to protection then you need an arsenal of safe, natural alternatives that can help assist the body during a heightened time of attack.  There are many very effective products available to choose from. You can do research on the Internet or visit a local health food store for more information.  While there are an extensive number of alternatives, I’ve compiled a short list of what I’ve discovered to be some of the more effective options that are readily available in most health food stores and on the Internet.

Oregano Oil: This natural wonder has been used for its reported antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties for thousands of years. Many people in recent years have claimed that regular use of Oregano Oil during the cold and flu season has prevented them from getting sick or helped them recover much faster without the use of drugs. One of the best brands on the market is P73 from North American Herb & Spice Company. There are other versions on the market but you’ll have to do some deeper research on your own to find a better one. The best way to use Oregano Oil is to put 7-10 drops on your tongue numerous times throughout the day at the onset of symptoms with no food or water. It has a very strong taste and slight burning sensation but is very effective at targeting bacteria and viruses in the throat where you generally feel the first symptoms of a cold or flu.

Grapefruit Seed Extract:  Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is used to help ward off bacteria like Strep, Staph, Salmonella and E. Coli. It is also beneficial for dealing with Candida, herpes, influenza, parasites, fungi and traveler’s diarrhea. GSE has been proven in laboratories all over the world, and is supported by feedback from doctors, veterinarians, farmers and consumers. GSE is non-toxic, biodegradable, economical, and has no harmful side-effects.  GSE is used as an antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant, and as a preservative in food and cosmetics. GSE is often dramatically less expensive than existing treatments or chemicals for similar applications, whether human, animal, or agricultural in scope. The best form of GSE is in a liquid. There are a number of ways to use it for various conditions.

Olive Leaf Extract: There’s a reason why the olive tree holds so much biblical significance. The leaves from this ancient tree fight all types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites and are good for virtually any infectious disease. Some religious scholars theorize that it is olive leaves that are being referred to in Revelation 22:2 that are used for the healing of the nations. There are many olive leaf products on the market. Some of the better ones are extracted in sublingual form. Some companies will even sell you large bags of leaves where you can brew your own tea.  

Propolis: This resinous substance is derived by bees from trees and tree leaves, mixed with beeswax, and used as the primary disinfectant for the hive. Propolis has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Propolis has been used for thousands of years to aid the immune system. Propolis can come in a number of forms from powder, tablets to liquids. In its most potent state it is available in a thick, tar-like liquid. Generally it needs to be mixed with honey so it won’t stick to your teeth. Propolis coats and sooths the throat and works similar to Oregano Oil as far as attacking germs where they are attacking your body.

Silver Hydrosol: Since the beginning of recorded history silver has been regarded as a premier preservative and immune tool. Silver hydrosol represents the latest advancement in silver technology because the particle size and active state of silver has been shown to be unmatched against any other forms of silver on the market. According to Dr. Eric Rentz, a notable doctor who has done extensive research into all forms of supplemental silver and has become an authority on silver hydrosol: “There is no virus or bacteria on the planet anywhere that can stand up to a silver hydrosol. It doesn’t matter if it’s a DNA virus or an RNA virus. With the virus the silver hydrosol will create a binding that the virus cannot replicate. The bacteria, and the majority of bacteria species, it simply kills them, just like penicillin would if they were susceptible to penicillin.” Silver hydrosol can be taken sublingually on a daily basis to enhance your immune system for all times of the year. During times of immune challenge it can be taken every 15-30 minutes until symptoms are gone. Using silver hydrosol in a nasal spray is also effective if you’ve been exposed to the cold or flu in an airborne setting.

Quercetin:  Studies have consistently measured quercetin to be the most biologically active flavonoid in nature. Many medical plants owe their biological activity and beneficial effects to their quercetin content. Researchers at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University in South Carolina recently completed a promising study showing quercetin to be effective at fighting viruses. In their studies with quercetin they found that mice exposed to the flu were less susceptible to getting sick even after strenuous exercise compared to another group of mice who didn’t receive the quercetin. Quercetin promotes healthy histamine levels and is readily promoted for colds and allergies to help relieve congestion.
 
Royal Jelly: This wonder substance of nature is fed only to queen bees. Royal Jelly contains over 100 nutritional properties and has long been known to have a wide variety of health benefits, including strengthening the immune system. The queen bee is the longest to live of all the bees and her health and the health of the hive depend on royal jelly. This would be an excellent food to consume as a regular part of your diet. The best royal jelly is found in the refrigerator at most health food stores. If you can source out royal jelly from a local apiary that would be best.

Bee Pollen:  Bee pollen has been noted to help people with allergies and strengthens the immune system. There is a rich diversity of nutritional properties present in bee pollen that can have profound benefits on a person’s overall health. Pollen is actually a complete whole food that someone could survive on for long periods of time. Bees have an innate ability to siphon off the most beneficial life force from plants and flowers to make pollen. The best sources of pollen come from local apiaries because your immune system will benefit best from pollen derived in your region. 

Honey:  Honey has been widely used as a natural immune system booster and protective agent against viruses and bacteria since man has walked the earth. Make sure the honey you get is not processed. You want raw, unprocessed honey. 

Aloe Vera: Contains high amounts of mucopolysaccharides which kick in the immune modulators to help fight off infection and disease. This is another plant with great biblical significance that cannot be overlooked when it comes to protecting your health.

Colostrum: This is the first fluid secreted by the mammary glands of mammalian mothers in the first days after giving birth. Colostrum contains high levels of protein and growth factors, as well as immune factors. The active proteins in colostrum known to be most effective are called Proline-Rich Polypeptides (PRPs). PRPs can enhance the immune system in times of intense physical stress.

Homeopathic Remedies: There are some excellent homeopathic remedies that help build immunity and ward off the cold and flu. You can find many good homeopathic formulas at your local health food store or you can seek out a homeopathic specialist in your area that can custom blend formulas specifically targeted for your immune system. Some experts in this field may even be able to create a virus specific remedy. 

Mushroom Extracts (Shiitake, Reishi, D-Fraction Maitake): Have excellent immune-boosting properties. Shiitake increases T-cell function, Reishi has anti-tumor properties, and Maitake enhances the activity of key immune cells known as T-helper cells or CD4 cells.

Echinacea: Excellent herb for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Echinacea has been shown to be very effective when it is cycled for 1-2 week periods throughout the cold and flu season. Early use of Echinacea at the onset of a cold or flu could help drastically diminish the duration and severity of illness.

Vitamin C: Helps prevent free radical damage and has antifungal and astringent properties. High doses of vitamin C throughout the cold and flu season can help tremendously to ward off infection. It is best to look for whole food grown forms of vitamin C as opposed to just plain old ascorbic acid. There is a big difference and your body knows it. There is also considerable research available on the Internet regarding the use of intravenous vitamin C to fight a host of infections, including influenza. A simple search on Google will provide you much more information.

Garlic: Has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties and has long been used to fight off and prevent colds and infections. Use 3-4 cloves on salad or crushed onto bread when your immune system is in a weakened state. There are also various garlic supplements available in health food stores that won’t leave you with horrendous breath that can function as a substitute, although the pure clove is best.

Cayenne Pepper: Is used for a litany of health problems. Cayenne Pepper heats the body up, improves circulation, and helps ward off colds, sinus infections, and sore throats. This magical substance should be used on a daily basis during the cold and flu season. Since it is difficult to take cayenne pepper straight, there are a number of good products on the market in a capsule form to give you the benefits.

Probiotics: Probiotics help to maintain and rebuild intestinal flora. Flora plays a very important role in the healthy functioning of the immune system. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of your immune system comes from your gut. Many substances in our modern lifestyle have severely diminished or wiped out flora health in a substantial number of people. That’s why probiotic supplementation is vital for almost everyone. There are many good probiotic formulas on the market. Look for one that has a wide diversity of bacteria that has the highest possible strain count.  

Essential Fatty Acids: Good fats like Omega 3’s, 6’s and 9’s play an important role in cellular health. Good fats help to bring nutrients into the cell and discard waste. EFA’s also contain high amounts of antioxidants which help to protect your immune system.

Essential Oils: There are many essential oils like Frankincense, Myrrh, Spikenard, Rose Oil, Thieves, and others that provide tremendous immune system protection. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and have much Biblical support to back up their use. They can be diffused through aromatherapy or applied to your skin and feet. There are some decent brands in most health food stores. Young Living Essential Oils is one of the premier companies in the world that specializes in this field. Ask a representative what oils may be good to combat the flu and you will definitely be led in a good direction.

Zinc: An essential mineral that promotes a healthy immune system and fights free radicals. Zinc lozenges have been reported to be effective in relieving symptoms of the common cold and reducing duration of colds. Like all minerals, look for a chelated form of zinc or one that is produced in a 100% whole food grown form so your body will utilize it effectively.

Water: It’s very important to keep your body properly hydrated. Make sure you consume at least a ½ gallon a day of water to adequately flush out toxins and hydrate your cells. Remember, coffee, alcohol, soda and most bottled drinks are dehydrating on the body.

Rest: It’s especially important during the cold and flu season to keep from getting run down. Make sure you get at least 6-8 hours of quality sleep a night.

Conclusion

This list of supplements and accompanying information regarding the flu shot and flu pandemic only scratches the surface of what I could cover. To do adequate justice to the topic would require a full sized book. Hopefully I’ve at least got you thinking more about what could be coming down the pike very soon. 

Our world is full of instability in every facet of society today, whether it’s over health threats, terrorism, wars, economic problems, presidential politics, social issues and more. Those of you who have a grasp of the scriptures should not be caught off guard by the times and events we are witnessing and will witness in the months and years ahead. The Bible predicted that perilous times would come before the Lord Jesus Christ returns (see II Timothy 3:1-5). I believe we’ve begun to enter those times and I’m praying that I can be used as a vessel to help lead people to life saving truth so they can survive. If you want stability and a sure foundation in an unstable world, it’s time to come to the Rock of refuge and Anchor of Hope through the storm – that is Jesus (YAHSHUA), the only way, the only truth, and the only life. There is no other way to the Father except through Him and there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved (See Acts 4:10-12).

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”  (Psalm 18:2-3)