Natural Flu Prevention
There are three factors that influence a person’s risk for contracting infectious illnesses such as flu and common cold. These are the quality of the host, the quality of the germ, and the quantity of the germ. It may appear that the germ has an advantage over us, as it influences two of the three factors that determine whether or not we get sick. As it turns out, though, we have much more clout than these menacing microorganisms in deciding our health and wellness. In addition to common sense behaviors that can limit exposure, including frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from the face, and avoiding crowded settings, there are several proactive steps that can be taken to make oneself a miserable host for these bugs. Here is a short list.
1. Get enough sleep. Your immune system functions much better when you are well rested. The number of hours needed each night varies by individual, but you know when you’re body is fatigued and, when this is the case, it simply won’t be able to fight off the flu virus, or any other infection, very well [1].
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps keep your immune system strong. In fact, a recent study showed that mice who performed mild exercise as soon as they were exposed to the flu virus had much lower death rates [1,2].
3. Avoid sugar. Even small amounts of sugar can significantly impair your immune function, making you more susceptible to a flu infection. A large amount of sugar, such as the amount found in a normal can of soda, hurts your immune function for hours [1].
4. Drink plenty of pure water. Keeping your mucous membranes well-hydrated is key to helping them fight off viruses [1]. The amount of water a person should drink depends on body weight and is determined as follows: body weight in pounds divided by 2 = number of ounces needed per day. For example, a 120 pound person should drink about 60 ounces of water each day.
5. Reduce stress. Too much stress has a highly negative impact on your overall health and, over time, it will make you much more susceptible to a flu infection. Studies show that prolonged stress is at least partially responsible for a significant percentage of all illness and disease. Regular exercise and sufficient sleep both help reduce stress levels. Also, meditation is a proven stress-buster that is easy and enjoyable; perfect for daily use [1].
6. Eat immune-boosting foods on a daily basis. A healthy diet, including a few proven immune-boosting foods, such as plentiful organic fruits and veggies, garlic, green tea, and cayenne, is one of the best ways to avoid catching the flu [1].
7. Get fresh air every day. During the winter months, the dry heat from indoor heating systems dries out mucous membranes, causing increased susceptibility to viruses. When inside, crack open a window or two to give your body some relief [1]. And, of course, get outside to play at every opportunity!
8. Drink little or no alcohol during flu season. Too much alcohol impairs liver and immune function, which leaves you open to all kinds of infections. Heavy drinkers are especially susceptible to flu infections. Also, alcohol dehydrates your body which is always bad, especially during flu season [1].
9. Don’t smoke… and avoid smoke-filled places. First and second-hand smoke significantly impairs your immune system. It also dries out your nasal passages and paralyzes cilia, the small hairs in your nose and lungs that help keep out viruses [1].
In summary, don’t panic, but do stay healthy. Your good health is your most powerful weapon against serious infectious illness. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. You can also find additional information regarding flu prevention and treatment @ www.fluhelp.org.
References
1. FluHelp.org (www.fluhelp.org), 04/26/2009
2. Vaccine. 2008 Oct 3;26(42):5407-15. Epub 2008 Aug 14.
Disclaimer: All health-related information on this web site is for educational purposes only. None of the flu prevention and treatment information provided here is to be construed as medical advice. Before applying any flu therapy, you may want to seek advice from your health care professional. The information on this web site should not be a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment by a health care professional and is not intended to provide or confirm a flu diagnosis.
