Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.[1] Flu is not the same as a cold. Flu usually comes on quickly. However, some of the symptoms are the same. You could experience any of the following:
Here at Thrive Health, we are focused on being consciously proactive rather than being reactive. That’s why it is in our best interest to take preventive measures and boost our immune system to stop the flu before it knocks us down. Here are 8 ways to get you equipped:
1.Vitamin D and C.
Vitamin D works as a sort of switch in your body, turning off, or on various processes and genes that your body needs to maintain good health. Sufficient levels of Vitamin D will strengthen the immune system and reduce your risk of sickness and disease. Vitamin D can initiate the peptides in your immune system that trigger a powerful antimicrobial response, allowing you to fight off any foreign invaders before they become a complete infection. Vitamin C is another vital component in helping to enhance your immune system. Some foods high in Vitamin C are rosehips, camu camu, kiwi, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli. One lemon alone packs 139 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C!
Most of us struggle to get the recommended amounts of each in each day and so that is why we suggest taking a supplement. We offer a wide variety of high-quality options for your convenience. Check them out here Shop Vibrant Life.
2.Sleep and rest.
We all know that not getting enough sleep can lead to health issues, such as memory problems and depression, but it can also lead to a weakened immune system. Lack of sleep is correlated with higher levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Stress is known to suppress the immune system. Studies have shown that less than 5 hours of sleep negatively affects the immune system and that 7 to 9 hours of sleep is ideal for adults, and 9 to 11 hours of sleep is ideal for school-age children.[2]
3.Eat healthy and stay away from sugar.
Avoid processed foods and instead eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Limit all sugar, a notorious immunity suppressant.[3] Start each day with a wholesome breakfast, such as eggs, turkey or grass-fed beef breakfast patties along with fresh organic fruit or a veggie-packed omelet. Make sure you follow up with a balanced lunch and snacks, like a sandwich with lean turkey using ancient grain bread, sprouted crackers with cheese, and fruit. End each day with a healthy dinner of fish or other lean protein with plenty of vegetables. Other foods particularly good for your immune system include fresh garlic and shitake mushrooms which both help fight viruses and bacteria.
4.Get chiropractic adjustments.
Subluxation is the term used for misalignments of the spine that cause compression and irritation of nerve pathways, affecting the body's organs. Subluxations are an example of physical nerve stress that affects neuronal control. According to researchers, such stressful conditions lead to altered measures of immune function and an increased susceptibility to a variety of diseases.[4]
Our endocrine system also impacts our immune system by producing cortisol in the adrenal glands – endocrine glands that are directly connected to the nervous system through the sympathetic nervous system – a stress hormone that inhibits the immune system. Chiropractic care is the only way to remove subluxation. Chiropractic adjustments reduce the stress on your nervous system, thereby increasing the synchronized responses of the nervous and immune systems. One research group found that when an adjustment was applied to a subluxated area, the white blood cell count collected rose significantly.[5]
5.Exercise.
Regular, moderate exercise boosts our cells responsible for attacking bacteria. These cells also appear to work faster in those who exercise, which better equips your immune system against viruses and infections. A simple 30-minute walk each day is a great activity to improve your immune system and can also improve your sleep!
6.Manage your stress.
Chronic stress creates a constant stream of stress hormones that can suppress the immune system. Not all stress can be removed, but you can learn how to manage it better for your benefit. Here are a few ways to do so:
- Meditation
- Self-care such as massage or a relaxing bath
- Connect with other like-minded people
- Exercise
- Speak to a counselor
Lessening your stress lowers your levels of stress hormones. It also helps you sleep better, which again improves immune function. People who meditate regularly may have healthier immune system responses, some studies show. In one experiment, people who meditated over an 8-week period made more antibodies to the flu than people who didn’t meditate. Amazingly they still showed an increased immune system response up to 4 months later.[6]
7.WATER, WATER, WATER.
Staying hydrated is very key to all of your organs working in harmony. Just make sure that you have a high performing water filtration system in your home or select bottled water that has a PH of between 7 and 8.5. In addition to enhancing your immunity, consuming at least half of your body weight in ounces of water in your daily routine can also improve skin health, prevent kidney stones, and increase weight loss.
8.Prime your environment.
Diffusing or using essential oils directly have abundant benefits for any ailment that you can imagine! Each natural oil has a profound effect on health, healing, and wellbeing. When focusing on immune boosters alone, we recommend using OnGuard by Doterra or any high-quality brand of lemon, eucalyptus, thyme, and ginger essential oils to promote healthy air. There are so many others that are beneficial as well!! Take the time to educate yourself on the many uses of essential oils as another amazing defense mechanism for you and your family.
Washing your hands often is another way to help protect you from spreading viruses. If soap and water are not available, use Onguard spray from Doterra or Thieves Spray from Young Living.
[1] http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/need-sleep/whats-in-it-for-you/health
[2] https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/10-immune-system-busters-boosters#1
[3] https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/11/30/surprise-chiropractors-can-treat-these-5-conditions
[4] https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/11/30/surprise-chiropractors-can-treat-these-5-conditions
[5] https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/10-immune-system-busters-boosters#2
[6] https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm#whatisinfluenza