I just read an interesting article in Life Extension on how to combat H1N1 Swine Flu.

In summary:

  • During the winter months, the risk of contracting a cold or flu increases.

  • With the threat of a swine flu pandemic, people are more concerned than ever about how to protect themselves and their families.

  • Many nutrients and drugs can help prevent viral infections and hasten their resolution when they do occur.

  • Nutraceuticals that may protect against flu include Vitamin D, garlic (both aged and non-aged forms), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), lactoferrin, zinc lozenges and melatonin.

  • Pharmaceuticals that can help combat flu include cimetidine, Tamiflu®, Relenza®, ribavirin, and amantadine.

  • Individuals who suspect they may have the flu should take action as soon as possible to fight the viral infection. Antiviral medications are typically only effective if initiated within the first 24-48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

What to Do If You Contract Influenza

The article was written by William Falloon, and appears in the January 2010 issue of Life Extension. Without giving the full article, let me tell you the drugs, nutrients and hormones that he takes as soon as the first symptom of common cold or flu manifests:

1. Cimetidine – 800 mg (and higher) each day.

This drug is sold over-the-counter in pharmacies to contact heartburn, but its beneficial side-effect is to reduce T-suppressor cells, keeping the immune system in a hyperactive state. Read the package insert in case this drug is contraindicated for you.

2. High-Allicin Garlic -- 9,000mg once or twice per day.

Eat food right afterward to avoid stomach-esophageal burning. You'll stink after this, but so what?

3. DHEA – 200-400mg early in the day.

This is a much higher dose than normal to protect against inflammatory cytokine responses.

4. Lactoferrin – 1,200 mg/day.

This natural component of mother's milk boosts killer cell activity to destroy certain viruses.

5. Zinc Lozenges – two 24 mg lozenges every two waking hours.

This is a very high dose and is toxic if taken over the long term. You should only do this for a few days.

6. Melatonin at bedtime -- 10-50mg.

This very high dose induces a powerful immune response and facilitates deep sleep to fend off an infection. Only take it at bedtime, because it will make you very drowsy.

7. Aged Garlic Extract – 3,600 mg/day.

Aged garlic has unique immune-boosting properties that work differently from those found in high-allicin garlic.



William Falloon takes these in addition to his normal supplements, which include 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day. It seems to me that it would be prudent to build a flu prevention kit containing these items, most of which can be obtained at any health food store. If you choose to, you can get some of them directly from LEF at LifeExtension.com



Disclaimer: This information is based on an article in Life Extension, January 2010. The author has an affiliate relationship with Life Extension and may receive compensation in return for purchases made from them. Neither JenkiNternational LLC nor Alan Jenkin take any responsibility for the reliability of this information . Information presented in this and other articles on this site is based on personal opinion and research and is not intended to prevent or cure any medical condition. The statements made have not been approved by the FDA. Which may be a good thing. (I thought I'd check if you're still reading.)