If you are considering not getting the flu vaccine this year, consider these steps instead which can be a science-based, safe and effective alternative for yourself and your family. You cannot always avoid getting sick. In fact, its nature’s way of building the immune system. So try to avoid the flu and if you do get it, just take care of yourself – properly.
Tips for Supporting Your Immune System and Preventing the Flu Naturally:
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently and Thoroughly
This is the number one way to prevent the flu and other respiratory infections. You must scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds in order to kill viruses. Twenty seconds is about how long it takes to sing the ABC’s one time through. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands.
2. Take Care of Digestion
80% of your immune system is located in your gut. According to Chinese Medicine, “The Middle Jiao is the Seat of Health”. Increase fermented foods or take a probiotic. This will keep your levels of good gut bacteria up to help fight off infections.*
3. Reduce Alcohol and Sugar Consumption
Even moderate alcohol consumption suppresses the central nervous system, and therefore your immune system. Consuming too much sugar can suppress the immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections like the flu. It has been well studied that even 1 teaspoon of sugar can suppress white blood cells for up to 6 hours.*
4. Reduce Your Stress
Stress is known to suppress our immune systems. Consider meditation, yoga, and acupuncture.
5. Get 7-9 Hours of Sleep Every Night
Your body relies on sleep to recuperate from daily exposure to toxins. Chronic sleep deprivation can significantly reduce immune function. Get more sleep if you need it.
6. Increase your Antioxidants
Antioxidants are very important for your immune function. JuicePlus+ has been clinically proven to significantly increase antioxidant levels. Curcumin is the orange pigment in turmeric and a potent antioxidant that improves joint health and cardiovascular function. Vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection, and supports optimal immune function.*
7. Get Plenty of Exercise
Exercise can boost your immune system by increasing your circulation and relieving stress. Increased circulation allows antibodies to travel throughout your bloodstream faster, making it easier for your immune system to fight off an illness. Exercise can also enhance your immune system by relieving stress and slowing the release of stress hormones in the body. Just remember, excess exercise, meaning high aerobic activity, can suppress the immune system so if you are feeling like something is coming, go easy.*
Suggested Supplement Prevention Regimen
ImmuneMax – Dose: 1 capsule 3 times per day
A comprehensive herbal formula designed to promote healthy immune system function. Includes herbs, mushroom extracts and other natural compounds found to have potential antiviral and antibacterial ability, stimulate natural killer cell activity and immune response. ImmuneMax is a great formula for both acute and long-term use for all age groups.
Hi-Po D Plus K (Vitamin D3 drops) – Dose: 1 drop per day
Vitamin D supercharges the immune cells and has been clinically studied and validated for the reduction of upper respiratory infections. Optimal blood levels are important for your immune system. Ask us for a Vitamin D OH-25 test to see if you have optimal levels.
Probiotic Complete (Probiotic) – Dose: 1 capsule per day
A unique probiotic formula designed to deliver active organisms shown to promote healthy gut microflora, protect intestinal integrity and boost immune function. Each capsule provides seven proven probiotic strains chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh gastro-intestinal environment and adhere to the intestinal tract to deliver superior results.
Package Price: Buy All 3 For a 20% OFF Discount
Order from the Front Desk OR online at www: inm.center
on our Home Page Natural Store Link.
Use discount code FEELING20 when ordering. Offer good till January 31st.
If you catch a cold, do the following:
- If you are a patient call our office for treatment and advice on dosage changes.
- Take Master Chen’s Healing Soup Recipe 1-2 times per day (ask us for a handout).
Take the following additional supplements:
ASAP HCP Health Max 30 – Silver Supplement – Dose: 2 teaspoons 2 times per day
It is an immune system support, meaning that it is designed to help boost a healthy immune system, to act as a first line of defense. It has been proven safe for daily usage when used as suggested.
Muco Coccinum – Dose:
Preventatively, adults let 1 tablet dissolve underneath the tongue every 2 weeks starting early in autumn and proceeding the winter period. For children, the tablet can be dissolved in a bit of slightly mineralized water and sipped.
Muco Coccinum is a homeopathic preparation that is specifically formulated for the prevention and treatment of colds, flu-like symptoms and respiratory ailments. Each tablet of Muco Coccinum contains ingredients that reduce symptoms including mucus production, fever and chills. Muco Coccinum can be used preventively as well as therapeutically at the first sign of the flu.
Call our office with any questions: 203-740-9300 or to schedule
an evaluation of your health status.
SOPHIA Integrative Natural Medicine Center, 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As with all medical emergencies, see your doctor in case of worsening symptoms
*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Sophia Natural Health Center does not guarantee certain results.
About SOPHIA Natural Health Center: SOPHIA Natural Health Center is the largest natural health and wellness clinic in Connecticut, combining the traditional healing arts of Chinese and Naturopathic Medicine with modern science – getting our patients results when nothing else has worked.
Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DACM, L.Ac., Medical Director, has serviced thousands of patients since opening his practice in 2004. He also hosts “The Natural Medicine Connection”, Fairfield County’s only health talk radio show, on WLAD Danbury (800WLAD on the AM dial), every Saturday, from 10 to 11 a.m.