Between family gatherings, holiday parties, cooking, buying gifts and sending out cards, it’s no wonder we reach a point where we are overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed. Unfortunately, all of that stress, combined with lack of rest and overindulgence in food and drink that may not be the most nutritious, can often compromise our immune system, making us more susceptible to colds or the flu during this “season”.
We are here to tell you that the flu is not a season. It is an inability to adapt due to decreased sun exposure, fresh air and not enough water intake combined with an increase in sugar intake and stress. You're sick because of deficiencies, imbalances, and toxicities, not because of pathogens. We exist around infectious pathogens every day, we only fall ill when the body is not in a good state of homeostasis and unable to adapt.
When two or more people encounter bugs and germs, the people whose immunity levels function at the highest levels become less susceptible to falling ill. The body carries incredible innate resilience potential when facing germs. The body adapts and overcomes sickness amidst countless environmental variables. One family member gets the flu or a cold and another does not. One co-worker succumbs to sickness and another does not. The difference rests in the health potential being exhibited by one person and not in the other.
Prevention is Key to Avoiding the Flu! You don’t have to worry about getting the flu if your immune system is functioning at 100%. Numerous studies reflect the health benefits that come from proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. Here are the top 5 ways on how you can avoid getting a cold or the flu:
1. Maintain a healthy nutrition plan!
There are several nutrients that are essential for immune health. Many Americans don’t get enough of these nutrients through their diets. But even if you are getting enough, taking additional amounts of them when people around you are sick, or if you’re already sick, can be a big help. This is why we suggest: eat real, whole foods, avoid sugar, drink water and take your vitamins and minerals..
2. Wash Your Hands!
Seems obvious, but there's plenty of people who don't do this. Many studies have shown that frequent hand-washing is one of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves during “cold & flu season”. Make sure to wash your hands every time you arrive at a destination while out and about, and first thing when you get home.
3. Minimize the stressors in your life!
Of all of the recommendations people will have the hardest time with this one. In our crazy, hectic world, minimizing stress is something we just can't get a hold on; but it’s absolutely necessary when battling a viral infection that's consuming a lot of your energy.
Of course it’s not always easy to take time for yourself to unwind, but even a few short rest periods throughout the day can make a big difference when it comes to supporting your immune system.
4. Stay Physically Active!
Look, if you're not exercising or physically working your body in any way that raises your heart rate – You Need to Start. There's no way around it, exercise and physical fitness are intimately tied to the genetics and function of our body.
5.And, of course, Get regular Chiropractic Adjustments!
The immune system and the benefits of chiropractic are more closely linked than you might think. Dysfunctions and subluxations found inside the body can actually cause a weakened immune system. By properly addressing these misalignments at the source, through the master control system of the body, the nervous system, we are able to help strengthen your immune system to fight off cold, flu and other illnesses.
Germs operate year-round. Optimal health results from a proactive approach which includes a nutrition plan, exercise, rest, and regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic provides one of the most powerful resources to improve immunity and adaptation. A chiropractic adjustment reduces stress in the nervous system, so the body can easily recognize, surround, attack, and eliminate germ influence on the body. Nothing can replace the body's incredible power to fight infectious disease all year round when given the chance to operate at peak levels of performance.
