Surviving the Bird Flu Pandemic
In the documentary, "Science: Super Flu - Race Against The Killer" (UK), shown on television around the world, a leading WHO scientist discussing a possible Super Flu pandemic stated, "It's not a question of ' if ', but ' when '."
Fatal strains of the "Bird Flu" have apparently infected humans who have been in direct contact with infected birds. Some have died.
Zoo tigers, fed infected chickens, all contracted the deadly Bird Flu and died. Scientists are saying that these virulent strains are capable of mutating in the human body, particularly in people who are suffering from a common strain of Flu. They could then be capable of being transmitted from human to human.
If this happens, the world could have the greatest disease pandemic in recorded history. More than two-thirds of those infected could die.
Some Vegans are saying, "We are not afraid of Bird Flu". But do Vegans have a need to be concerned for their own health?
It is believed that the one-third of survivors will be those who have a strong immune system and are "healthy".
Many Vegans believe that just because they are Vegan, they are healthy. Over thirty years of practice has shown me that this is rarely the case, although, in general, Vegans tend to be healthier than omnivores.
If the deadly Bird Flu transmits from human to human, then our only real defence is to be in the "healthy" one-third who is likely to survive.
We have no reason to be complacent just because we are Vegan.
1. Perhaps it is time for each of us to think of moving from large cities and towns to rural communities and farms. Modern transport arriving in large cities will be the major carrier of the disease. There are no borders in the modern world. Where there is already disease, squalor and sick people, the disease will spread quickly. It is suggested that transport will quickly come to a standstill and fresh food supplies will quickly be exhausted.
2. Some food, such as nuts, dried fruit, and seeds, can be stored for years. These can provide our energy and protein needs for a period of months. In addition we need to obtain a regular supply of Vitamin C from fresh food. Sprouting seeds can provide some Vitamin C. Dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and capsicum (peppers) can supply our daily Vitamin C needs. Citrus and berries are other good sources, if available. We can all grow some of these foods in pots. If we have a garden, the time is now to grow these foods. Another valuable source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A in the tropics and sub-tropics is papaw or papaya. Papaw is used in the diet in preparation for a therapeutic fast, as it helps detoxify the body and clean out the colon. These quick-growing trees will be fruiting in 12 months.
If a Flu pandemic does not occur, we will have achieved a fresh source of healthy Vegan fruit and green leafy vegetables!
3. Attaining and Retaining Optimum Health. This one is not so easy. Here is a quick reference list of what you can do:
We are now approaching the natural diet for human beings - raw fruit and nuts, and raw green leafy vegetables. See The Natural Diet For Humans.
How do we retain optimum health? The natural way to allow the body to cleanse and heal itself is Therapeutic Fasting. When the body is given the opportunity to rest, it will cleanse and heal itself, if the body has enough vitality. If you are taking "medicines", it is advised that you see a qualified Natural Hygiene Practitioner before fasting. If you haven't fasted before or don't know anything about it, then it is suggested that you consult a practitioner who has personal professional experience with therapeutic fasting.
See: Therapeutic Fasting - Contra-Indications.
For the humorous and informative story of one medical practitioner's experience with therapeutic fasting, see The Tanner Story.
If you are unable or unwilling to fast, a less effective option is to have, say, one day a week on only raw fruit and green leafy vegetables.
If there is a pandemic, the availability of drugs will be drastically reduced.
It is very sad for many of us when we see our relatives and friends eating animal products and suffering the consequences. So we may want to go to them with renewed fervour and ask them to remove or reduce the animal products from their diet, if only for their health's sake!
In conclusion, we don't need to be afraid if we are prepared. Now is the time for us to prepare.
Reference: Channel National Geographic (Jan. 17 2006).
Super Flu - Race Against A Killer available on DVD - January 17 2006.
