COLDS AND FLU

There are 200-plus cold-causing viruses and they are very busy scouting around the body searching for an easy entry. When the body permits one or another of them to enter and feed on an imbalanced acid/alkaline balance in the system, illness can result. This depends on how much the acid/alkaline balance is off center. Flu shots can be effective in 70 to 90 per cent of cases if one is under 65 years of age, and also relates to the kinds of food being eaten. One of the best strategies against colds and flu is to eat all the immunity-boosting foods that can be found.

In Sweden, researchers gave half of a group of 262 people a supplement that contained the healthy bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri) and the other half a placebo (dummy pill) once a day. After 80 days researchers found that the ones given the supplement were two and one half less likely to have caught a cold than the placebo-poppers. Not just any brand will do. In United States, the only brand containing Lacto bacillus neuteri is said to be Stonyfield Farm. For more details check with your local health food store

If one doesn’t keep yogurt handy, eating alkaline foods such as chicken soup, asparagus, avocado, chili peppers, garlic, hot red peppers, vitamin C rich foods such as acerola berries, broccoli, cranberry juice, grapefruit, oranges and most other fruits and vegetables. Using yams instead of the white potato is beneficial because of its low glycemic index. Eating close to 80 per cent alkaline producing foods and 20 per cent of the acid producing foods is a good mix, according to Simone Gabbay, RNCP. Acid producing foods include many of the proteins such as beef, fish, and beans. Grain cereals, such as millet, amaranth and quinoa are alkaline-producing cereals. Her most recent book is: “Edgar Cayce’s Diet Plan for Optimal Health and Weight Loss.” Visit her Web site at: simongabbay.com.