Flu 101: Secrets for Surviving a Tough Season

Another flu season is upon us and many areas of our country are being hit hard already. Even our son-in-law was one the many folks in Massachusetts who needed the help of antibiotics to fight off the flu. It was also devastating to hear about the 17-year-old athlete who died of a secondary infection from the flu that caused his kidneys to shut down. 

1. Fortify your entire body with a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. 
2. Take probiotics: Immunity begins in your gut, so it’s important to populate your digestive system with health-boosting probiotics. 
3. Take vitamin C and vitamin D3 1,000-3,000 mg daily of each. Vitamin C is a protective antioxidant and vitamin D is essential for both immune system and cardiovascular health.
4. Fuel your body with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which we often think of as the heart nutrient. But it’s also a potent scavenger of free radicals, helping to prevent serious illness. Take 50-100 mg daily.
5. Take resveratrol. This popular and powerful antioxidant, found abundantly in red grape skins, impairs the replication of flu cells. Take 25-75mg daily.
6. Take Beta Glucan: Beta glucan helps to modulate your immune system—keeping it primed and “at the ready” to fight off infection. For flu prevention, you want to take WPG Beta glucan 1-3, 1-6:  500-100mg.
7. Practice good personal hygiene. Poor hygiene will drive up globulin and drive down albumin which strains immune system. So, remember to wash your hands throughout the day as you are exposed to other people and public places. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands have just been washed. We all “inoculate” ourselves and others with germs through simple touch. Also, be mindful of when you have had direct contact with potential sources, such as shaking hands with others, touching stair rails, door knobs, etc in public places. 
8. Sleep 6-8 hours a night, since sleep bolsters your immunity.
9. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially the colorful red, yellow, and dark green varieties. 
10. Eliminate trans-fatty acids from your diet that can weaken your immune system.
11. Make sure you’re taking your vitamin E wisely, limiting your dose to no more than 400 IU for men and 300 IU for women daily. Excessive vitamin E in the absence of adequate vitamin C can cause a pro-oxidant effect on HDL that weakens the immune system.
12. Practice grounding, which  lowers  your cortisol levels and balances your autonomic nervous system. 
13. Avoid toxic EMF’s, which can weaken your the immune system.

You May Also Be Interested In:

• 10 Tips for a Strong Immune System
• Five Key Nutrients for Boosting Your Immune Health