Swine flu fighters are powerful nutrients known to lessen the severity of symptoms and limit the number of days you're sick. The secret to beating any strain of the flu virus is to start treatment fast, within 24 hours of feeling sick.

If you develop a runny nose, sore throat, or dry cough at anytime during the next few months, begin supplementing with the swine flu fighters immediately. Don't wait for a fever to develop... that's a big mistake. By that time it's too late for any type of remedy to work.

The Swine Flu Fighters

#1: Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Cimetidine is an over-the-counter medication used to treat heart burn. Amazingly, it also has direct viral-killing effects. Take 800 mg/day until all symptoms disappear.

#2: Vitamin D

Low blood levels of vitamin D is one of the main reasons we have a flu season. Taking vitamin D strengthens your immune system while controlling inflammation. You can safely take up to 5000 IU/day if you feel sick.

#3: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that increases the lifespan of your immune cells. The longer that each immune cell can live the better the chance for stopping the flu virus from spreading. Take 2000 mg/day.

#4: Zinc Lozenges

Zinc prevents the flu virus from attaching to the cells lining the respiratory tract. Unable to "stick", the virus is prevented from infecting your body.

Take 24 mg of a zinc lozenge twice a day for 1-2 weeks.

#5: Garlic Extract

Garlic is not only toxic to the flu virus, but also increases the activity of immune cells. Pungent oils, called allicins, have been shown to lessen flu symptoms by up to 50%.

Take 9000 mg/day of a garlic extract standardized to 5% of allicins.

#6: DHEA

DHEA is the immune boosting hormone. Higher blood levels of DHEA can enhance just about every function of the immune system. Everyday dosing with DHEA is determined by a blood test.

However, if you feel sick start taking 200 mg/day for 2 weeks. At that point, you can stop taking it.

#7: Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that enhances the immune system's production of key chemical messengers, called cytokines.

Cytokines are how immune cells communicate and coordinate the fight against the flu virus. Take 10 mg at bedtime.

#8: Andrographis Paniculata

Cultivated in Southeast Asia, andrographis paniculata is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It inhibits viral replication and strengthens several parts of your immune system. Take up to 1500 mg/day.

Summary

The swine flu fighters are powerful nutrients that when taken with the first signs of infection (runny nose, sore throat, and dry cough) can help you feel better fast. Don't wait for the onset of a fever to begin a flu remedy... it's too late.

Read Life Extension's influenza protocol to learn more.

Dr. Michael Smith is an integrative medical doctor and staff physician for the Life Extension Foundation, the world's leading authority on health and wellness.