First of all, don't be afraid if you haven't gotten the flu shot. Hopefully, this article will put you at some kind of ease. Keep in mind that even the most conservative and cautious of institutions, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) states that, "the flu is not a serious disease".

But we get stressed about this topic. Who is even more stressed than the children and the elderly about a hypothetical flu epidemic? THE PARENTS. My office has been inundated with phone calls and emails in the last week. People are frantically looking for advice: what do we do now that there is not enough flu vaccine to go around? I always repeat back to them: the most important thing is to take responsibility for strengthening your and your children's immune systems. That's the crux of the issue. Whether you get the flu shot or not, it is important to support your immune system.

It's trusting in the human body. We don't have to get sick. We are strong and resilient beyond our wildest dreams and we have the ability to protect ourselves from "our attackers". Viruses and bacteria have no stronghold over us, UNLESS our defense system is weak. So we build it; we build our internal army. How exciting! We become stronger and our children are no longer as susceptible. We can trust in this process and there is much to do for a positive outcome. Let's examine some crucial topics:

1) If you think that getting the current flu shot is "better than nothing", is this just a hopeful placebo? Is your conscience relieved that you are taking some kind of action?

2) What kind of action is this flu vaccine taking? Serious repercussions. It contains the toxic metals, aluminum and mercury. It contains MSG or monosodium glutamate, which may cause headaches, bloating, hives or other food allergy symptoms. Formaldehyde, a potent environmental toxin, is also an ingredient.

3) An even greater concern is the FluMist vaccine. Inhaling this "chemical soup" can cause the potential for the viruses to enter directly into the brain. Intranasal injection of certain viruses has resulted in a serious brain infection called encephalitis.

What We Can Do and How We Can Take Real Responsibility

1) Support adrenal function. Reduce stress. Easier said than done, but do-able. Take time to relax and enjoy your life. Breathe and move. Stagnation breeds illness.

2) Stay hydrated with water. Remember that caffeine - yes, even our children and teens are drinking coffee now (horrendous). Water is where it's at. With proper hydration, your cells will stand a better chance at detoxifying and your body fluids will move more efficiently. Stagnation breeds illness! Hydration prevents it.

3) Eat well. Avoid sugar. Avoid alcohol. Eat fresh vegetables - even more than fruits. With all the sugar in the holiday season, we must keep our fruit consumption in check. Fruit contains fructose, and that translates into sugar in the body. When given the choice, however, choose fruit over processed sugar.

4) Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth often. Likewise for your kids.

5) Increase, build, and strengthen your and your children's immune systems.

• Olive Leaf Extract, a potent anti-viral
• IMEncap, with antioxidant vitamins and powerful anti-viral and anti-bacterial herbs, echinaccea and goldenseal
• Potent C, a powerful antioxidant and anti-viral immune support product
• Super Blue Green Algae, which supports the natural killer cells in the body
• FluMax Pro and PNU Pro, easy-to-administer sprays that help protect us from catching the flu virus and pneumonia

These products should always be used, even if you do catch the flu or have another infection. You will recover more quickly and vitally.

Create your own Natural Medicine Cabinet with these products. To be equipped is to be empowered. Remember, the flu is not a serious disease.

Your best insurance policy is a strong, formidable immune system.
There is so much unnecessary suffering.

Dr. Laura Thompson, Family Nutritionist and Naturopathic Endocrinologist has a nationwide practice by phone, and locally in Carlsbad, California. Call for in-home testing info, 800-608-5602.  

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products suggested, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care practitioner for your best health options.