It’s getting to be that time of year again. Flu shots are now available at your doctor’s office, the pharmacy and the car wash (seriously–just ask the windshield chip repair guy if he can give you a flu shot). You would be crazy not to give the child you love and care deeply about a flu shot. But what else can we do instead of the flu shot for your child?
This particular article gives us yet another powerful tool to help support our child’s immune system and keep them healthy during “flu” season. The added bonus is that, if your child does get the flu (which, of course, the flu shot has questionable efficacy and many still get sick), it is likely that the severity of the infection will be lessened.
Researchers found that in elementary schoolchildren who drank about at least one glass of green tea per day had 40% less chance of getting lab confirmed influenza (this is a much higher standard vs “influenza-like illness”). Not too shabby, especially considering that drinking green tea will likely provide a wide range of other benefits like lower risk of obesity and lowered rates of cancer. These are clearly NOT seen with the flu shot (quite the opposite with the concerns of mercury in the thimerosal).
I’m sure there are many of you who are thinking that there is no way that your child would drink green tea. I’m sure this is because you have not tried any of the very exciting flavors available through Republic of Tea, Teavana or China Mist. Unsweetened, of course.