Natural Approaches to Stay healthy During Flu Season
The flu shot. Just those very words spark conversation on a daily basis. My point in writing this article is to educate on the available natural options to boost your immune system. We are inundated with information that we have to sort through and sometimes you have to take every piece with a grain of salt. If you take away anything from this I hope it’s that our bodies are amazing and sometimes they just need a little boost to do the things they were born to do!
Although I do want to discuss natural remedies to boost your immune system, I want to touch on the flu shot briefly. What everyone truly needs to understand is that vaccinations are a choice. You will hear that kids MUST have this and MUST have that for school, but in reality they don’t need to. You are the gatekeeper to your child’s body and you will decide what will go in it or not.
BE EDUCATED. Being a chiropractor I want my patients to take my treatment recommendations seriously, but I understand that patients need to seek out numerous forms of information. The benefit versus the risks of vaccines is a difficult subject, but being informed is your first line of defense. Read articles that are for and against the flu shot, from various sources to form your own opinion.
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Once you are educated on the flu and the flu shot, make your decision. No one can doubt your decision either direction if you have been properly informed! I stick by my patients regardless of their vaccination choice. With that being said, I will always provide the following as a way to naturally boost the immune system, especially during this time of year!
Regular Chiropractic Visits – Chiropractic care can actually improve your immune system. In 1992 a research group found that an adjustment to the thoracic spine increased the neutrophil (WBC) count. These are your first defenders!
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Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in northern latitudes and is considered an epidemic in the United States, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. D3 is synthesized solely by our exposure to sunlight(UV light). During the winter, we need to supplement due to our lack of warm sunny days! Vitamin D3 not only aids the immune system, it reduces the risk for MS, improves brain function, helps maintain a healthy weight, improves mood AND can decrease asthma symptoms. It is best absorbed under the tongue in liquid form.
Probiotics – The jury seems to still be out on probiotics, but all the research I can get my hands on says they are worth their weight in gold. Probiotics are the good bacteria of your gut. You are born with a set amount, and do not replenish them. Do to our poor diets and increased pharmaceuticals; we are flushing these bad boys out on a daily basis. Over 60% of your immune system is housed in your gut – therefore, healthy gut, healthy self. Probiotics help boost your immune system, improve digestion, decrease acne and much more. The important factor is that they are a good organic quality, and should be refrigerated!
PRX – PRX is a fantastic enzyme created by a company called Theramedix. It has no additives and it works. It is an immune boosting enzyme complex that can be taken year round for preventative measures, and you ramp the dose up when you start feeling those sniffles.
How to know what is right for you? Visit your chiropractor! At our office we do a lot of education on nutrition and supplements. Not everything is right for everyone. It is important to talk to a professional to recommend dosage and not just take what you think is correct.
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Dr. Jade Leasure is located at North Shore Pro-Active Health. 112 W. Lake Street. Libertyville, IL 60048. 847-362-4476. www.Drleasure.com
