8 Powerful Tips To Boost Your Immune System And Avoid The FLU

In case you weren’t aware, it’s that time of the year again.  Turn on the TV, browse the internet or pass by your local pharmacy and you will be quickly reminded that it’s Flu Season.

That’s right, it’s officially Flu Season.  Flu Season in the U.S. runs from October thru May and usually peaks in February.

This year I want you to be fully prepared to take the flu head on by boosting your immune system naturally!

It’s often during this time of the year that patients often ask me whether or not they should get a flu shot.

That my friend is a fantastic question to which I encourage everyone to do their own research before deciding one way or the other.  Look into how effective the vaccine is, the ingredients it contains, potential side effects and any other useful information that will help you make an informed decision.

One thing I do know is that right now is a perfect time to build up your immune system naturally so that you can prevent the flu!

Why is it that some people always seem to come down with the flu where as others never seem to get sick?  It comes down to how effective your immune system is at fighting off the invaders.

Today I want to share with you some tips that you can use to help boost your immune system and assist with preventing the flu naturally this season!

Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Sound like a plan to you?

Here we go:

1. Wash your hands:  very simple yet effective.  Washing your hands will help dilute and kill germs.  Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth which are entry points for potential invaders.  Do not go overboard constantly washing and using hand sanitizer.  After using the restroom, grabbing a door handle, shaking hands, etc. fine.  Just not all day long.  You need to give your immune system a chance to work so that it can make itself stronger.  Constantly washing doesn’t give you a chance to effectively build up your immunity.
2. Choose your food wisely:  eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.  They are loaded with vitamins, mineral, antioxidants and phytonutrients that provide your immune system the raw materials that it needs to mount a fight against invaders.  Stay away from sugar, dairy and processed foods which have a negative impact on immune function.
3. Reduce your stress:  high levels of stress have been shown to diminish immune system response.  High levels of stress lead to diminished antibody and T-Cell production (the “stuff” that actually does the fighting for you).  High stress also releases large amounts of cortisol which will suppress the immune system.  Practice stress reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, reading, exercise, etc.
4. Get your ZZZ’s:  A lack of sleep will also contribute to disruption of immune function.  It can also cause elevation of cortisol levels which we discussed its impact under the stress section.  Get 7-8 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep per night.
5. Supplements:  There are many wonderful supplements and herbal preparations that can help with flu prevention.  Some of the more common supplements that have been shown to help with positively supporting immune function include:  Vitamins C, D, A, E and Zinc.  Herbal compounds that include a mixture of Echinacea, Golden Seal, garlic, rosemary, and astragulas can be effective.  Probiotics provide  “good” bacteria which can help boost immune function and ward off infection.  Coconut has been proven to contain antimicrobial compounds that help fight off infection.
6. Special attention on Vitamin D:  Adequate levels of Vitamin D are vital to proper immune system function.  Your goal should be to have your blood levels of Vitamin D between 50-80 ng/ml.  This is our sunshine vitamin.  Notice how flu season starts when we get less sun exposure and our vitamin d begins to drop.  Coincidence?  I think not.  From October to May supplementation with Vitamin D3 is the easiest way to get your levels up.  Be sure to get your levels tested and to dose appropriately. Many people are not taking a high enough dose to get their levels up into the therapeutic range.  I am seeing large numbers of patients with severely low levels which is not good for your immune system and numerous other vital bodily functions.  What is your vitamin D level?
7. Fluids:  Be sure to stay well hydrated.  It helps your body function optimally and keeps your mucus membranes hydrated which makes them less susceptible to infection.  Your major sources of hydration should come from clean water and green tea (contains potent anti-oxidants which your immune system loves).
8. Chiropractic Treatment Regularly:  Every cell, tissue, organ and system in the human body is controlled by your nervous system so it’s probably a good idea to keep it healthy.  Regular chiropractic adjustments help to remove interference to your nervous system so that it can function at its best.  Getting adjusted regularly will help to boost your immune system, which is tightly linked to your nervous system, and help you more effectively fight off this season’s flu virus.

There ya go! I just shared 8 powerful and effective tips for boosting your immune system naturally to help you fight off this year’s flu virus!  Will you use them?

Be proactive and get started today with implementing your flu prevention strategy by boosting your immune system naturally.

Don’t wait for an infection.  Get out in front of it and work on preventing them in the first place.  You’ll be much happier :)!

As always I hope this information has served you and will take you one step closer to your desired health goals.