Can Natural Remedies Prevent H1N1 Virus?

MONTEREY, Calif. - KSBW.com

While many are lining up in droves to get the H1N1 vaccine, others are seeking a more natural way to fight the virus.

One of these alternatives is using naturopathic medicine, which is based on the belief that the body can heal itself through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

"I don't recommend vaccinations for H1N1," said Beatrice Levinson, owner of Monterey Bay's Naturopathy. "My recommendation: the very basics are exercise, diet, water and sleep. I call them the four pillars of health."

Besides a diet full of natural health foods and getting plenty of exercise, naturopaths also recommend certain natural products and supplements to boost the body's immune system.

One of those products is elderberry syrup. Packed with Vitamin C, the super-concentrated syrup contains compounds that can fight off viruses.

Levinson said she has seen an increase of clients who are choosing naturopathy over conventional western medicine because people are looking for ways to not only prevent and treat diseases, but to restore health.

Levinson also said sweating, which removes toxins and boost the body's immune system, can help fight the H1N1 virus.

The FDA, meanwhile, is warning people to be aware of dozens of products and nutritional supplements sold over the Internet that are marketed as natural H1N1 cures.

The FDA said it has confiscated 135 products online making unproven H1N1 claims.

Health experts said they are most concerned about products that use silver.

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