We finally hit that time of year where everyone wants to know if they should get the flu shot. It seems like many of the people who receive the flu shot end up with the flu any way. Though you may hear much controversy about getting the vaccine, don’t forget it is still a vaccine and you should always do your research before getting any like that. Pregnant and breast feeding women should stay clear of it all together.
I strongly recommend getting proactive and getting your immune system up and running so that you can fight these things off when they come around. One of the reason the flu is associated with the fall and winter months is due to the lack of Sunlight. The sun provides us with a very important immune support through Vitamin D. Our bodies use Vitamin D to help strengthen the lungs and respiratory system. We really do ourselves a huge disfavor by staying out of the sun altogether. Many American put sunscreen on to prevent the UV rays from the sun. It is hard to know if it is the sun or the lotions that are causing all the problem with skin cancer. (That is for another topic someday) Everything in moderation I guess. In the winter months we wear clothes that cover our skin preventing our exposure to adequate absorption of D.
One article I read says, “Vitamin D has a profound beneficial effect on your immune system. For one thing, it dramatically stimulates potent anti-microbial molecules found in your white blood cells and in the lining of your respiratory tract.”
”Ultraviolet radiation (either from artificial sources or from sunlight) reduces the incidence of viral respiratory infections, as does cod liver oil (which contains vitamin D).
There are many other ways one can support their immune response when it comes to flu season.
Going back to the basics
A healthy diet and life style counts for something.
1. Lets start with sleep, with out adequate sleep one is bound to lower their immune system. The average person needs a full 8 hours a night. Living in a busy fast past world makes this very difficult to do now days.
2. Nutrition is key! Increasing daily fruits and vegetables is a good start. Remembering to take your supplements daily. Staying away from the holiday treats is difficult, but too much sugar will weaken the adrenals and immune response. Water intake is another consideration. Each person should be getting about 1/2 their body weight in ounces to stay well hydrated. Keep flushing those toxins out, the longer they sit there the great chance of coming down with something.
3. Exercise 
We all know how important this one is, but…there are no buts about it! Exercise will keep you feeling healthy and energized. Keep doing it, or start if you haven’t already.
This brings us to the final list of supplements you can take to build a healthier immune system. I am only going to mention the top five I recommend patients.
Thymex by Standard Process
Congaplex by Standard Process
Colloidal Silver
Echinacea
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Homeopathics are another way to go if you begin to feel flu like symptoms. Check out these two websites Borion or Homeopathics
There are many more to choose from if you are needing more suggestion
Here is some information on Tamiflu which is the standard of care most people get from their medical doctor. http://search.mercola.com/Results.aspx?k=tamiflu
It is common practice for pregnant women to receive this drug even though it is a class C drug in pregnancy.
I hope this helps to lesson the fears people are having about the flu. Feel free to leave your suggestions and comments below.
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October 20th, 2009 at 11:35 am
This is great information, Sarah! Thanks for sharing.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:09 pm
This is helpful and practical…thank you so much. I am taking Echinacea…is that enough?…or should I be taking more on your top 5 list. Also, should I take a vitamin D supplement along with my multi vitamin?
October 24th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I have read that high doses of Vit D are not good and that the best way to get vit D is from the sun. The UV B touches your skin and converts cholesterol into Vit D3. Exposing more skin to the sun light as often as you can is best, but when we get no sun shine you can take supplements such as Borage oil (which has vit D in it) and Vit D3, I wouldn’t take more then 5,000 IU a day for boosting your immune system. Echinacea is also great! It is good to have collodial silver and thymex on hand for when you start feeling like you are getting sick.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Great information! Thank you, Sarah