A Holistic View on the Flu

It is the fall, so everywhere you look are signs to get the flu shot.  A direction you may want to reconsider given the fact that our body is capable of fighting off these flu viruses as long as we nourish ourselves. 

Why does the flu have a season? 
Think about it.  We have viruses (including the flue virus) around all year long.  So what makes September through March flu season?  Well, there's a few theories: 

• In September, the kids go back to school and the germs spread like crazy from kid to kid. 
• October starts the candy season, which begins with Halloween and ends after Christmas. 
• It is also a time for people to snuggle up inside because it's cold outside. This leads to drier air and may make it harder for our system to fend off an invading virus. 
• We are not reaping the benefits of the sun because this time of year, the sun is tilted and we can't make Vitamin D (in NJ). And if we went outside all the time wearing sunscreen in the summer, we didn't get the needed Vitamin D then either. 
• The virus may also live on surfaces longer, which extends the time we can become exposed. 

What can we do? 
We can support our immune system.  After all, the immune system was designed to be our defender.  You do this by cleaning up your diet and eating more fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens and limiting sugar as much as possible.  Did you know that for two hours after a sweet treat, your immune system is sluggish? 

• Limit your stress and find out your stress triggers.
• Listen to your body, if you start to feel something coming on, slow down. Rest can do wonders. 
• Supplement with Vitamin D, it modulates our immune system and many are deficient to begin with. 
• Supplement with Vitamin C, it has antiviral and antibacterial properties and stimulates your immune system. 
• Zinc also stimulates the immune system and some research shows that it may decrease symptoms a day or two sooner. 
• And don't forget to wash your hands, cover those coughs and stay home if you are feeling sick. 

One more thing you can do is educate yourself so you can make an informed decision whether or not you want to receive the vaccine.   The Center for Disease control (CDC) reports that the flu vaccine is only 60% effective.  Possibly because it is almost impossible to figure out which strain is going to be most active since there are over 200 strains of flu-like viruses.  There are also questionable ingredients in the vaccine that actually tax our immune system, not making it stronger. 

Give your immune system the support it needs.  Follow these tips this flu season and give your body the extra support it needs.