Flu worries increase interest in alternative remedies

story by Marla Cantrell
mcantrell@thecitywire.com

Last week in Arkansas, 172,873 people stood in long lines, sat in stuffy cars or in stiff chairs at clinics across the state just to get a flu shot. But some didn’t get the vaccine, either by choice or because of a chronic medical condition.

Mary Adams, with Olde Fashioned Foods in Fort Smith, is seeing a spike in customers looking for alternative ways to fight the flu. And it’s no wonder. The CDC said the illness is widespread in 48 states, including Arkansas. Adams believes the added fear of H1N1 is making this flu season different from the rest.

“We’ve been seeing an increased trend, but this year, I guess with the swine flu, individuals who are either highly allergic to any vaccination, or they’ve chosen to prevent flu naturally, are coming in,” Adams said.

Customers at Olde Fashioned Foods are picking up vitamin C, something even your grandmother probably used to stay healthy. But the other top sellers you might not recognize.
• Elderberry
• Oregano
• Olive Leaves
• Probiotics
• Echinacea

Traditionally, elderberry, oregano and olive leaves have been used as anti-virals. Echinacea and Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal tract, are used to support the immune system. Adams said all these products are effective in the battle against the flu, but stops short of dispensing medical advice. That she leaves to local doctors. She will say, however, this method works for her.

And while the debate as to the efficacy of alternative medicine is ongoing, the National Institutes of Health reported July 30 that Americans spent $33.9 billion for complementary and alternative medicines in the previous 12 months.

According to the NIH report, complementary or alternative therapies were 1.5% of the $2.2 trillion in total U.S. health care expenditures. The more common alternative therapies included fish oil and glucosamine to treat arthritis and Echinacea to prevent or treat colds. Also, common alternative treatments included acupuncture, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation and traditional healing.

“With so many Americans using and spending money on CAM (Complementary and Alternative medicine) therapies, it is extremely important to know whether the products and practices they use are safe and effective," Dr. Josephine P. Briggs, director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, said in this statement. "This underscores the importance of conducting rigorous research and providing evidence-based information on CAM so that health care providers and the public can make well-informed decisions."

There are other products in Adams’ store for those who are already sick, such as herbal teas and an elderberry syrup for children. She said most begin relieving symptoms immediately, or the next day, depending on how bad your symptoms are.

And while there are ways to fight the effects of this seasonal illness, the truth is you probably should have been readying yourself for flu season months ago, by eating the right foods, and saying no to the wrong ones.

“If the diet is high in refined sugars, you’re at greater risk,” Adams said. “Fast food isn’t good either. Anytime you can eat whole foods, natural foods, it’s much better for you.”

If you’re regretting that doughnut you had this morning, then you’re really going to hate what most experts recommend. You need to exercise. Not once in a while. Every single day. And stop drinking. And smoking. That might not help this year, but next year you might thank yourself for thinking ahead.