Former associate professor of ecology at Universiti Malaya has authored
several books on complementary therapy called, 'Ecological Healing
System'.
Dr Palaniappan said his 33 years of research had shown that high
acidity in the body resulted in loss of immunity, thus making people
more susceptible to viral diseases like Influenza A (H1N1).
Hence, to prevent acidity, it was essential to consume alkaline food
and drinks that could neutralise excess acid in the body.
Dr Palaniappan recommends coconut water, which is alkaline, and
therefore could be used as a herbal medicine for the prevention of H1N1.
For example, he said, those who felt feverish and developed a burning
sensation while attending to a call of nature because of extreme
acidity, could neutralise it by drinking coconut water, twice a day,
for three days.
He also recommended orange, lemon and pomelo which, despite containing
citric acid, were very rich in potassium and therefore, would not
disturb the body's immunity.
According to Dr Palaniappan, excessive physical activity like running a
marathon should be avoided as it produced acid due to excessive
metabolic activity.
Similarly, he said, keeping late nights without adequate sleep and
working without proper rest could also increase the body's acidity
which in turn, lowered immunity and made the body vulnerable to viral
attacks.
