I recently stopped into a local pharmacy to get my cat some melatonin (my poor senior cat Max has dementia and the vet recommended melatonin to help him sleep instead of yowling all night!).
When I entered the pharmacy, looking around to check the aisle listings for what I needed, the clerk at the front of the store asked if I as there for a flu shot and I said no.
Then as I browsed the supplements, I heard a recorded ad over the speaker system reminding the customers that, “It’s flu season and you can get your flu shot here right now—with no waiting!”
And I cringed because I thought of all of the people who get so caught up in the yearly flu “season” fear mongering and think that a vaccine is their only hope of staying flu-free.
Let me break it down:
First of all, the flu shot is frequently a failure. That’s because there are about 200 different viruses that cause flu or flu-like illness, yet the shot typically contains only 4 species—2 type A viruses and 2 type B.
So do the math and admit you’re not getting much in the way of protection.
Plus, flu shots may contain formaldehyde (a documented carcinogen), they are cultured in embryonated chicken eggs (which may be a serious issue for people with egg allergies), and you run the risk of getting paralyzed from Guillain-Barre syndrome to boot, as well as many other serious side effects!
Now, regarding the flu “season”—what most people don’t realize is that influenza is in our environment 12 months a year—not just from fall to spring!
The reason there is an increase in the number of reported cases of flu or flu-like illnesses during this particular period is because our immune systems are getting annihilated and are waving the white flag of defeat!
Here’s what I mean:
Your annihilated immune system
Once fall hits, several factors come together to create a “perfect storm” that launches its attack on your immune system.
The first of those is a tsunami of sugar and refined carbs.
This starts with Labor Day barbecues, moves on to Halloween candy, then Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookies and candy, New Year’s Eve parties, Valentine’s Day chocolates, chocolate Easter bunnies and then Memorial Day cookouts.
Sugar and refined carbs nourish harmful yeasts in your gut, which in turn can severely depress your immune system functioning.
Plus, they create imbalance in your gut microbiome, fostering an environment which favors harmful microbes. Not only does this continue the cycle of poor immune functioning, but it also irritates your gut wall making you a candidate for leaky gut and reduced nutrient absorption.
Once your gut wall starts leaking toxins into your bloodstream and you start lacking essential nutrients, it’s extremely convenient for viruses to take a hold of you.
Here are the other members of the “perfect storm”:
Stress
Stress causes the protective mucosal barrier inside your intestines to become less effective at defending your body against dangerous invaders, so you are much more susceptible to catching viruses and infections when under stress.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, especially in the northern hemisphere where there is minimal exposure to sunlight during the colder months.
Lacking sleep
Lacking sleep can compromise your immune system functioning, making you more susceptible to sickness. Just one night of poor sleep can reduce your immune function by up to 30 percent!
Public enemies
Shopping malls, grocery stores, airports and airplanes typically have thousands of people passing through every day, so they are perfect places to pick up viruses.
Take the most important flu prevention measure—Beef up your immune system!
When you support a strong, robust immune system, you are FAR less likely to get sick all year round—not just from October to May!
Here are 7 ways you can help:
1- Limit sugar and refined carbs
Avoid the white breads, pasta, pastries, cookies, donuts, cakes, bagels, rolls, white rice, crackers and snack chips as much as possible.
And stay far away from the #1 health wrecker in existence—SODA.
2- Eat real foods
Concentrate on nutrient-dense real foods—fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, real butter, avocado, coconut oil and olive oil. These are the foods that will help supply the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
3- Have a good laugh
Laughter exerts positive influences on your immune system.
4- De-stress and get some rest
Do what you must to lower stress in your life (regular exercise works wonders—hint, hint), and make sure you get enough sleep each night.
5- Get the supplemental support you need
When it comes to strong immune health, an important player here is Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B.
Optimum DK Formula:
A top-notch supplement like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B can help ensure your body has the vitamin D your immune system so desperately needs all year-long, especially when you can’t get out in the sun as much.
6- Drink at least 8 glasses of filtered water a day
Water is vital for cell and lymphatic system health—both of which are crucial to proper immune system functioning.
Be sure to avoid tap water and opt for some type of filtration. I have a Primo water dispenser in my home and get this—it only costs $1.25 to refill a 5-gallon reusable bottle with purified, reverse osmosis water.
If you like some taste to your water, drop a wedge of fresh lemon or lime into your glass.
7- Stay away from antibacterial products
Exposure to microorganisms actually makes your immune system STRONGER!
So, avoid anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizer goop. Ordinary soap and warm water are all you need to keep yourself clean.
To your health 365 days a year,
Sherry Brescia
