8 ways to help prevent the Flu

“Researchers, led by Vancouver’s Dr. Danuta Skowronski, an influenza expert at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, noticed in the early weeks of the [2009 H1N1] pandemic that people who got a flu shot for the 2008-09 winter seemed to be more likely to get infected with the pandemic virus than people who hadn’t received a flu shot. Five studies done in several provinces showed the same unsettling results.”

Increased risk of non-influenza respiratory virus infections associated with receipt of inactivated influenza vaccine

Annual vaccination against influenza virus hampers development of virus-specific CD8⁺ T cell immunity in children

 

 

As it is reported that the flu vaccine is practically useless and many parents are concerned about the nasal flu vaccine for children

here are 8 ways to promote a healthy, strong immune system –

 

 

 

1  Avoid PUFA’s (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) ie all vegetable oils (including rapeseed, soy, sunflower and any spreads) as they weaken the immune system – use coconut oil and butter which strengthen the immune system. Olive oil is also fine.

Why you may want to throw away those ‘golden’ oils

2  Keep your chest and neck warm with a scarf. Wear a hat and warm socks and dress warmly as shivering depresses the immune system.

3  Wash your hands. Though most infections are airborne it is easy to transmit germs to the mouth and nose from germs on our hands.

4  Ensure you have optimal Vitamin D levels.

5  Consider a maintenance dose of Echinacea. 5ml before bed appears to be ideal, upping the dose if you feel a virus coming on.    Please call for our high quality, proprietary Echinacea tincture.

6  Consider taking zinc, optimal doses of Vitamin C, Beta Glucan, and a Probiotic.

Elderberry is wonderful to help children over the winter. Elderberry and immunity.

Studies prove that Probiotics improve the body’s resistance to viruses and bacterial infections.

Effects of Beta Glucan on immune system,

7  Do moderate exercise. This increases the number of natural killer cells in our bodies, conversely too much exercise lowers them.

8  Ensure adequate sleep, optimal nutrition and manage stress levels.