Are you ready for flu season? Even though it’s only early October, I’ve noticed commercials about flu shots are in full swing.
As noted in earlier blog posts, flu season does not happen because we’re indoors more-but due to our decreased exposure to sunshine and the drop in our vitamin D levels.
Enhancing your immune system is key to your health and well-being in general, and preventing colds and the flu, in particular.
So what measures can you take to ensure you are not sidelined with nagging colds or a debilitating flu episode?
Vitamin D3: I believe, based on research and my personal experience that getting adequate vitamin D3 levels, is the key to not only preventing the flu, but cancer, heart disease and many more illnesses.
The best way to know where you stand is to get your vitamin D3 level checked. Anything lower than 40 ng/ml is suboptimal.
Vitamin C Numerous research studies have demonstrated the value of vitamin C supplementation, in terms of prevention and treatment of colds and flu. In fact high dose vitamin C saved the life of a New Zealand man during the H1N1 epidemic when intensive medical care, and anti-viral medications were unsuccessful.
Zinc: This mineral plays a key role in the regulation of certain enzymes within white blood cells that enhance our immune system response.
Minimize Your Consumption of Processed Foods, Especially White Sugar and White Flour: Drink more water and decrease your consumption of Ease up on soda pops, pastries, pasta, etc. Less than a teaspoon of sugar can damage and destroy your white blood cells’ capacity to fight infections for several hours.
Exercise: Moderate exercise, enhances your immune system, and in particular aids your lymph system to remove toxins from your body.
De-Stress Yourself: While over 90% of all doctors visits are stress related, or stress is probable the leading cause for decreased immunity. Find ways to diminish your stress response through rethinking your perceptions in a more positive way (i.e., this too shall pass), using mind-body techniques such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, etc.