BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY NATURALLY

 

   “Winter Cold & flu Defense”

Leaving the flu vaccine aside for a moment, there are natural ways for you to defend against a winter cold, flu or upper respiratory infection this year. Influenza typically starts in November and peaks February and winds down in March. On average 36,000 people a year dies from influenza in our country. Remember typical influenza symptoms are fever, headache, and fatigue, cough sore throat, stuffy nose, and muscle pain. Children may also experience nausea, diarrhea and ear pain, ear infections. Influenza infection can last 3-7 days with cough and fatigue lasting up to two weeks. Here are some natural ways to protect you and your family this year.

3 HEALTHY HABITS

Wash your Hands: Research shows washing your hands frequently helps prevent infection of others and yourself.  Soap & water work best but when not available use alcohol based hand sanitizer.  Realize hand sanitizers only protect you for a few minutes, the idea is to rinse off contamination.

  Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and wash your hand immediately.  you can also sneeze or cough into your sleeve.  This prevents your germs form being inhaled by others around you.

Get proper rest of 7 hours nightly.  This keeps your immune system strong and alert. 

3 BOTANICAL BOOSTS

Vitamin D: In recent studies people with the lowest levels of vitamin D had more colds, flu, and respiratory infection.  Vitamin D is converted by the body into it’s active form called calcitriol  which is then synthesized by the immune system which helps regulate cytokine reactions; defending the body against microbial invaders.  Recommended doses are 1,800 –2.000 IU daily for improved immune function. 

Turmeric / Curcumin: Stimulates the immune cellular response and regulates cytokine response leading defense against microbial invaders.  Recommended doses are between 250-450 mg daily.

Resveratrol: Helps regulate T1 and T2 immune cells influencing cytokine expression; defending the body against microbial invaders. recommended doses are 200-400mg daily. 

NOTE: Taking Turmeric / Curcumin and Resveratrol together works synergistically and has better immune response.

Research has demonstrated the chiropractic cervical adjustment can stimulate the immune response and relieve stiff and tight neck and back muscles during a cold infection.

Boosting immunity naturally ensures less infection and quicker healing.  Trust in the power of your body and it’s ability to heal itself. 

 

Curtis Haake D.C.

*Before trying recommendations in the article talk to your doctor for more information and possible medication contraindications.