How Do I Prevent The Flu

How Do I Prevent the Flu

By this time of year most people who planned for a flu shot has received one. The vaccine makers have done a remarkable job at marketing this product such that by early Autumn, advertisement banners rain down over every pharmacy and megamarket. If you consider some statistical data regarding the flu vaccine, you might re-consider this vaccine next year. Multiple independent studies show little reduction in cases of influenza, pneumonia nor deaths as a result of widespread use of the vaccine. That’s not to say that select individuals won’t benefit from the flu shot. Such groups of people are thought to be health workers with direct patient contact, pregnant women, caregivers of children younger than 6 mo, children and young adults under age 24 and adults with underlying conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or any immune suppressive condition. Even some of this list are questionable as data from studies in children fail to show a significant drop in cases of the flu.

Reasons not to receive the flu vaccine: risk of Guillan Barre Syndrome (3000-6000 cases in the US annually), thiomersol/mercury exposure ( a potent neurotoxin), aluminum exposure (found in damaged brain cells of Alzheimer disease), allergic reactions to the vaccine.

So what do I do and suggest you do as well to prevent the flu?

▪ Vitamin D3: Needed for optimum immune function. Easily checked with a blood test (Vit D25oh). Strive for OPTIMUM levels in the upper half of the range. Despite the controversy in the medical literature, most of my adult patients need 5000u/day (more to catch up to the optimum range), children often need around 1000iu.
▪ Multivitamin/Mineral: Ensure it is high quality without chemical fillers (Metagenics, Orthomolecular are good examples)
▪ Buffered Vitamin C: 500-1,000 mg or more.
▪ Zinc citrate: Take an additional supplement of 30-50mg (more that 60mg on a long term basis can interfere with copper absorption) or consume more foods high in this powerful immune supporting nutrient. Seafood—such as oysters, red meat, and pumpkin seeds are the foods highest in zinc.
▪ Probiotics: Healthy gut bacteria keeps your gut working normally as well as preventing the wrong bacteria, parasites and yeast from infesting your intestinal tract. Healthy bacteria also stimulate your immune system to working correctly. Unfortunately 1/3 of probiotics on the store shelf are no longer living. Look for products in the refrigerated section of the health food store. Again, I find Metagenics and Orthomolecular to be some of the more reliable sources. Genereally you want a mixed variety of organisms rather than just one or two (such as bifidobacteria or acidophilus). Also higher quantity of 20 or more billion are better..
Fish Oil (Artic Cod Liver Oil): High quality brands include Nordic Naturals, Carlsons and my standbys of Metagenics, Orthomolecular.

Besides supplements. Also conside the following:

▪ Drink plenty of fluids, especially warmer fluids. Generally drink half of your body weight in ounces of water. For example 150lb weight drink 75oz/day
▪ A daily saline (salt water) nasal flush. Flushing the nostrils/sinuses with mild salt water such as with a neti pot keeps the moisture barrier present protecting you from bacteria. Don’t go beyond 2 times daily.
▪ Minimize simple sugars as much as possible. Processed sugar is very inflammatory and immediately reduces your immune response.
▪ Have protein with each meal. Protein enhances your immune system.
▪ Add spices to your food. This SUPERSIZES anttoxidants
▪ Garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric.
Especially raw garlic and onions contain natural antimicrobial properties
▪ Keep moving and exercising. At least try to walk 15-20 minutes daily even if it is only over your lunch break.
▪ Eat as many colors in fruits and vegetables as possible. 3-4 servings of fruit (unless diabetic then check with your doctor) and 4-6 vegetables daily and as much raw as possible.
▪ Get sufficient sleep! We need sleep to restore our immunity as well as most other functions. Aim for 7-8 hours for most.