Your best protection from MRSA

Now that the nation is running scared from MRSA, the people have been sufficiently prepped for the wonder drug that will finally beat this "drug-resistant" bacterium. Whether it's been created yet or not, I don't know. But I guarantee you it's in the works. Just like GlaxoSmithKline stands to make billions from a malaria vaccine, the numbers would be even bigger for a vaccine that would treat a bacterium that has already been turned loose on the "richest nation in the world."

I've told you before that you can't wait around for the government to find a solution for the latest epidemic. Like it or not, there will always be another one gearing up to attack. The good news is you don't need a vaccine for such a bacterium, antibiotic-resistant or not. Your body comes complete with everything it needs to beat down this kind of superbug.

Your best defense - whether it's against the common cold or the latest superbug - is a healthy immune system. There are a myriad of ways to build immunity, but today I'm going to tell you about 5 of my favorites. Some of it is old hat, true, but we all need a few reminders now and then.

1. Lactoferrin. I'm willing to bet that when most people hear the word lactoferrin, they think breast milk. And it's true: breast milk does have a high concentration of this important immune booster. But what you might not know is that all of us have lacteferrin in our blood, and it jumps into action whenever we contract an infection.

All of your body's invaders (bacteria, viruses, pathogens, even cancer) require iron to grow. Lactoferrin holds onto that iron, basically cutting off the invader's food supply.

For prevention, take one 100-mg capsule twice a day. Double the dose if you come down with something.

2. Elderberry. A few years ago I read a study done on a product made of black elderberry extract, and I've been using and recommending it ever since. They study done on Sambucol showed that it shortened the duration and lessened the symptoms of 10 different strains of the influenza virus.

If you want to try it for yourself, you can order it from www.naturesway.com, though there are a number of other online sources that you could also try.

3. Chamomile tea. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry showed that chamomile tea increases antibacterial activity in your body. Besides, drinking hot tea is a soothing way to take the edge off of those winter chills.

4. Homeopathy. There's plenty of controversy around this alternative health therapy. (Maybe that's why I'm such a fan…) Whole books have been written on this subject, but I'll just give you the synopsis: It involves using formulations made from diluted strains of viruses and bacteria to build the body's resistance.

To find a homeopathic doctor in your area, go to www.homeopathic.org.

5. Sleep. Don't shrug this one off. Getting a good night's sleep is one of the best ways to build your body's immune system.

To learn more about how to get a better night's sleep, I recommend reading a report written by my friend and colleague, Dr. Rutledge Taylor. Click here to get your copy of No More Restless Nights: Sleep great and restore your health every night.

Taking these steps isn't going to guarantee you against MRSA. But believe me, prevention is better than cure - especially with this infection.