How to Fight the Flu and WIN

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Because flu viruses are always changing, you may be protected against one strain and still come down with another, even if you got the vaccine. One of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu is to maintain a healthy immune system. That means eating healthy, maintaining emotional, physical and spiritual balance, establishing good sleep patterns, getting fresh air and sunlight, and practicing good hygiene.

The National Vaccine Information Center suggests:

  1. Wash your hands often.
  2. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
  3. If you are sick, avoid close contact with others.
  4. Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
  5. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
  6. Get plenty of sleep.
  7. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C (citrus fruits) and vitamin D (cod liver oil).
  8. Spend a few minutes a day in sunlight to help your body make and store vitamin D.
  9. When you are well, exercise regularly.
  10. Lower your stress level.
  11. Consider including chiropractic adjustments, homeopathic and naturopathic remedies, acupuncture and other holistic alternatives in your wellness or healing plan.

Probiotics

A healthy immune system depends on a digestive system that functions well. Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the health of the intestinal tract, which is directly associated with immune system health. The probiotic supplement should contain at least four different species of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Acidophilus, Entercoccus, and Bifidobacterium.

Echinacea (purple coneflower)

This herb can stimulate the immune system. A recent Canadian study found that Echinacea promoted the activity of key factors in the immune system, including macrophages and interferon.

Garlic

Research shows that garlic stimulates the infection-fighting white cells and enhances antibody production. Garlic also is an antioxidant. These benefits are usually credited to garlic’s sulfur-containing compounds, sulfides and allicin. A suggested dose is 250 mg twice daily of a supplement containing extract of allium sativum standardized to 0.6 percent allicin.

Zinc

This mineral increases the production of disease-fighting white cells and also helps these cells release more antibodies. A recommended daily dose is 15 to 25 mg.

Ginger

Ginger has antiviral properties, and when you use it as a tea, it also helps break up mucus and congestion.

We’re here to help you Get Well & Stay Well. Let us know what we can do for YOU!

 – Dr. Michele Nickels