Build a Natural Defense Against Flu and Cold This Winter

With cold weather knocking on doors, many are concerned about falling victim to colds and flu. Flu vaccine—the most effective way to prevent the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Con-trol and Prevention—remains a controversial subject. First, most flu vaccines still contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preserva-tive. Second, because of the unpredictability of upcoming flu strains, the available vaccine often doesn’t match the strain of flu that hits the population.

The medical community is in unanimous agreement that the se-cret to fighting the flu is a healthy immune system. Try these natural defense strategies this flu season!

Natural Immunity
With flu vaccine effectiveness unclear, many are looking into natural ammunition against winter viruses. Some believe that the best protection from flu is flu itself. Recent research shows that the theory may actually have validity. A recent study found no correlation between decreases in deaths from flu in the elderly—the group most vulnerable to flu consequences—and the 45 to 50 percent flu vac-cine coverage increase from the 1980s to 2001. The authors attributed the decreases in deaths from flu to “the acquisition of immunity to the emerging A virus.”

Hand washing
Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.

Vitamins and Minerals
Colloidal Silver—The best defense against swine flu, or any flu, is the age old remedy of colloidal silver. The metal silver in its colloidal state can be safely consumed and used in the body. Bacteria and viruses cannot develop resistance to colloidal silver. Silver disables a vital enzyme and mechanism in all bacteria and pathogens so that they cannot survive. It is good to take a few tea-spoons of colloidal silver daily to maintain health. More colloidal silver should be taken if experiencing ill-ness.

Vitamin C—The role of vita-min C in prevention and treatment of respiratory infections has been widely researched. The verdict, however, is not in yet. Some studies suggest that vitamin C can affect the dura-tion or severity of respiratory symptoms. Others have shown no effect on the symptoms, but suggested that vitamin C can reduce susceptibility to colds.

Zinc Lozenges—Zinc lozenges are another home remedy for fighting winter viruses. Although research on this remedy is conflicting, a recent study on zinc lozenges in school-aged children showed shorter cold duration and fewer colds with the therapy.

Diet and Exercise
One of the best ways to ward off the flu is to build up your overall immunity. Dave Grotto, author of “101 Foods That could Save Your Life,” reveals 10 foods that provide top doses of vitamins and nutrients you need to protect and defend against illness: mushrooms, fresh garlic, wild-caught salmon, tea, yogurt, dark chocolate, oysters, almonds, strawberries, sweet potatoes.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that individuals who exercise moderately experience less sickness than seden-tary individuals. In a 2010 study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine,” researchers found that individuals who exercised at least five days a week had a 43 percent reduction in the number of days of upper respiratory infection symptoms when compared to individuals who exercised zero to once a week.

Drink plenty of fluids to help break up your congestion. Drinking water or juice will prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist. You should drink at least 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water daily. (Limit cola, coffee, and other drinks with caffeine because it acts like a diuretic and may dehydrate you.)

Sleep
If you’re looking to avoid the cold or the flue this fall, make time for sleep! Studies show that sleep deprivation has an adverse effect on immune function, and chronic sleep loss can increase an individual’s vulnerability to infectious disease.

Stress Reduction
With research on natural remedies and respiratory infections producing conflicting results, healthcare researchers turn to another powerful factor that influences health—the human mind. Here’s what research shows: Severe chronic stressors (those lasting a month or longer) are associated with a substantial increase in the risk of common colds. Stress management reduces the duration of flu and colds.

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care at Sacred Health Family Chiropractic may be your answer to a clean bill of health this season. According to the World Chiropractic Alliance, spinal adjustments can help your immune system function better. A chiropractic adjustment corrects what are called vertebral subluxations which can cause interference of the nervous system. When an adjustment is performed, it releases pressure on the nerves and allows more efficient interaction between your body’s nervous system and immune system. When your immune system is healthy it is better prepared to prevent or combat the flu.

Preventing the flu is just one of the many positive side effects of regular chiropractic maintenance. If you would like to learn more about utilizing chiro-practic to combat the flu during the upcoming flu seasons, please give Sacred Health Family Chiro-practic a call! We’re here to help!

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM: 
1. Get the flu and let your body develop a natu-ral immunity!
2. Wash your hands!
3. Ask the doctors about vitamins and minerals.
4. Eat fruits and vegetables.
5. Reduce alcohol and sugar consumption.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Drink good water.
8. Get plenty of sleep.
9. Reduce your stress.
10. Regular chiro-practic care!