Enhance Your Health

Health Tip of the Week: How Do You Handle The Flu?

As we enter the middle of flu season, once again our news agencies are reporting that the flu vaccine effectiveness for this year’s flu strain is way less then it should be, especially for children.

A lot of people, myself included, choose not to get the flu shot. Reasons ranging from the poor effectiveness cited above to side effects and post shot illness that effects many people who get the shot. That being said, if you did not get the flu shot or worry about it not being effective this flu season, there are many things that you can do to help prevent the flu from attacking your body or to cut down on the severity and duration of the virus once stricken. 

Here is a list of the top strategies for boosting immune system health during flu season and things to do at the first sign of viral symptoms.

The first thing that needs to be paid attention to is vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D3 is the sunshine vitamin. It is manufactured in the body by healthy sun exposure. It is also the reason why the flu season is in the winter months where people do not get exposure to the sun. It is very important to take vitamin D3 all winter long. Progressive science and research says that proper vitamin D3 dosage is 35 international units (IU) per pound of bodyweight. Take your bodyweight and times that by 35 and you have your daily units of D3 to take. I personally take 8000 units per day. It is important to know that Vitamin K and magnesium are catalysts for helping your vitamin D3 to be effective and utilized by the body. So, when taking D3, you also have to take vitamin K and magnesium. Vitamin D3 will boost your immune system capabilities. In addition, research is showing that vitamin D3 also is beneficial in fighting off certain cancers.

Vitamin C is anti-viral and 1000mg should be taken daily. I prefer liposomal vitamin C as it is the most effective C on the market other than intravenous.

Elderberry extract has been shown to fight viruses and kill viral cells from replicating and boost immune system effectiveness. One tablespoon a day for flu and virus prevention.

Organic apple cider vinegar with the mother floating in the bottle is also beneficial to overall health. 1 tablespoon of AC vinegar mixed in a full glass of water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice taken daily is an old Vermont fold medicine to help the body be healthy. Some studies show that AC vinegar taken daily can even help you lose weight.

Daily exercise boosts certain hormones that enhance immune system function, so make sure exercise is part of your flu fighting program. Water consumption is also very important.

A 10 oz glass of water every few hours is a big help for your body’s cells and systems.

Acupuncture, massage and chiropractic treatments also have been shown to boost immune system performance. Regular treatments from all 3 types of care have shown increases in resistance enzymes in the body which indicates stronger immune system function. As far as chiropractic care (It’s what I do!), the spinal adjustment in the thoracic region (mid back) stimulates the neural impulses to the spleen which causes a burst in white blood cell production. White blood cells are the body’s infection fighting cells. Also, research has shown that chiropractic care increases the rate at which the body’s DNA repairs itself. This is an important marker in immune system health.

So let’s say that you do all of the above and one day you start to notice that something is not right. Maybe a scratchy throat, runny nose or a bit of nausea.

RED ALERT. Time to up the ante and get yourself in battle mode. Elderberry extract and vitamin C consumption now get an increase. One tablespoon of elderberry 3-4 times a day (elderberry can be mixed in water or juice without changing the effect). Vitamin C goes from 1000mg a day to 3000mg taken every 4 hours up to 4 x per day. Continue with the AC Vinegar once a day.

Here are the additional things to do. Oregano oil is extremely anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Take 6-12 drops of oregano oil in a glass of water twice a day. Oregano oil can burn the lips, so do not take the oil straight. Dilute in water.

Aromatherapy using essential oils like lemon, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus and clove are all oils that when breathed in can boost the immune system function. Essential oil companies make immune system mixtures that contain all of the oils listed. 3-5 drops of oil are placed in a diffuser which spreads the mist in the air of your room. Breathing the mist in can help shorten the duration and severity of the virus.

Don’t fear flu season, be proactive and take the steps to get your immune system in order. If a germ does begin to overtake, you have the tools to win the battle.

 

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