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Our Whey to Beat the Flu

Maybe it’s not just the media that’s made us uneasy about swine flu. Maybe we feel uneasy because the government told us last April they’d have 600 million doses of H1N1 vaccine ready by January, 2010, and there have been only 28 million doses available so far. That’s a big short-fall. We’ve been advised by medical experts to rely instead on gloves and masks; disinfectant wipes for door handles, phones, and keyboards; frequent hand washing for at least 15 seconds a wash – that’s about as long as it takes to sing a full rendition of Happy Birthday to you. We’ve been counseled to stop traveling, shaking hands, hugging or kissing. We’ve been told to stay at least 3 – 6 feet away from anyone who coughs or sneezes, to cough or sneeze into a tissue or shirt sleeve, and avoid touching our noses, mouths or eyes with our own fingers. Beyond that we’re supposed to have seasonal flu shots and keep healthy habits.

Healthy habits mean the usual things: balanced meals, regular exercise and plenty of sleep. If you add some calcium, vitamin B’s, C and D supplements to this protective mix, you’ve probably considered everything that’s ever been advised for health and flu prevention. Or have you?

Don’t overlook the health benefits of whey protein. Whey contains lactoferrin, a component with anti-microbial properties. This whey component is used to kill germs in mouth wash and other oral hygiene products because it’s so effective. Whey also contains alpha-lactalbumin which is a building block of glutathione. Glutathione is an anti-oxidant that’s key for a strong immune system.

Whether it’s swine flu, bird flu, seasonal flu or just a cold you want to avoid, add some whey protein to your daily diet and take advantage of its health benefits. You’ll be singing its praises in the shower, right along with happy birthdays while washing your hands.