If you do your due diligence and get your flu shot each year, you may have noticed a disturbing fact: oftentimes, you and those around you still end up getting the flu anyway!
Why does this happen? Well, the truth is that the flu virus, like any living organism, wants to survive. In order to continue thriving in spite of the flu vaccine, the virus must change and mutate into different strains that are different than the vaccine.
This means that each flu season, various strains of the flu virus circulate throughout the country, causing severe headaches, chills, fever, cough, sore throat, and total exhaustion – sometimes, even for those who have taken the flu shot!
Because flu vaccines are manufactured before we know which flu strains will be circulating, the only thing doctors, researchers, and manufacturers can do is predict which strains will impact us most. And since strains of the flu virus can morph and change during flu season, it’s risky to rely on the flu vaccine alone to protect yourself. What’s more, the flu vaccine offers zero protection against all of the other viruses that can wreak havoc on our systems during the fall and winter months.
7 Ways to Beat the Flu
If the flu vaccine isn’t a guarantee you’ll be protected, how can you steer clear of the flu this season? By strengthening your immune system to ward off invaders and stop the flu virus before it takes hold. Simply follow these 7 guidelines to build immunity against the flu:
- Enhance your diet with anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables, which are packed with protective, immunity-boosting vitamins and antioxidants.
- Check for food sensitivities, especially to common allergens like gluten and dairy. Avoid simple carbohydrates and sugar as these foods trigger inflammation in the body. When the body is busy fighting off inflammation it can’t focus on fighting the flu. Remove the inflammation and you free up the body’s systems to protect you when you need it most. At Anatara, we offer a simple blood test that reveals exactly which foods you’re most sensitive to and should avoid, especially during flu season.
- Get plenty of sleep. If you’re not well-rested, your adrenal glands become overtaxed and can’t protect you from possible infection. Adequate sleep is a fantastic way to ensure optimal adrenal and immune function.
- Exercise regularly. Along with getting enough sleep, exercise is a great way to lower stress levels and stimulate a healthy immune system.
- Wash your hands often. Keep in mind, viruses and bacteria can survive on any surface for two hours or more. Therefore, clean hands leads to better flu prevention.
- Get plenty of Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies run rampant in this country, especially during the darker winter months. A lack of Vitamin D can not only compromise your immune system, but can contribute to depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. A simple blood test at Anatara can determine Vitamin D deficiency. From there, we can make recommendations to supplement Vitamin D levels orally or with our new Vitamin D injection. Since injections bypass the digestive system, this form of Vitamin D will result in better uptake, absorption, and utilization of Vitamin D by the immune system.
- Try IV Ozone with UVB/UVC. This treatment is fantastic for boosting immunity and preventing illness because of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In addition to stopping the flu before it starts, IV Ozone has the power to combat bacterium, fungi, and other viruses as well.
The flu virus is powerful, but so are you! By taking a proactive approach to your health and boosting your immunity with these 7 secrets, you can beat the flu and achieve optimal health this flu season.
For more tips on protecting yourself during flu season, and to find out more about immune-stimulating herbs and hydrotherapy treatments, schedule a consultation phone with Dr. Bonnist by clicking here now: Contact Us