We are currently living in uncharted times. Hand sanitizers, Lysol, and toilet paper are flying off of the shelves. It can be frightening when you have to worry about how to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy. Thankfully, you have a built in way of fighting off the flu and other viruses: your immune system. Your body has an innate ability to heal itself from cuts, bruises, infection, and illness. Of course, there are ways to boost your immune system during times of stress. Here are some natural remedies for you to help your immune system fight off disease.
1. Vitamin C (1000 mg 3-4x daily)
Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the duration of colds and can decrease the number of colds by boosting white blood cells. Taking 1000 mg daily can help ward off colds. A diet consisting of whole fruits and vegetables can also be a good source of vitamin C.
2. Echinacea
Echinacea can help reduce bronchial symptoms of the cold and flu by acting as an anti-inflammatory. It is best taken when symptoms first begin.
3. Vitamin D3 (2000 IU daily)
Research shows that many people are deficient in Vitamin D, especially during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. Vitamin D is needed for proper gene regulation and expression, proper immune system regulation. Taking a Vitamin D supplement can help combat the winter blues. Take it after eating or with a fat as this vitamin is fat soluble.
4. Elderberry
Elderberry is believed to boost the immune system by deactivating the flu virus and reducing bronchial inflammation. 10 mL per day can help you fight off symptoms.
5. Probiotics
Maintaining a healthy gut is essential to keeping your immune system strong. One particular strain of Bacillus bacteria has been shown to inhibit the flu virus.
6. Chiropractic Adjustments
If you are not currently showing any flu symptoms (fever or cough) stop in to your local chiropractor for a spinal check-up. Chiropractic care is focused on nervous system health which can help your overall well-being. Flu patients during the 1918 epidemic that received chiropractic care had better survival rates.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking approximately half your body weight in ounces daily can flush the virus from your system. Try to stay away from sugary drinks that can feed infection.
8. Exercise
It is important to move your body to stay healthy. Thirty minutes of exercise 3-4 times a week can significantly boost your immune system, especially if it is outside in fresh air and/or sunlight. Working out too strenuously during this time, however, can wear you down and make it harder for you to fight off infection.
9. Eat a Clean Diet
Eating a diet full of fresh, whole foods can help you fight off the flu. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients for your body. Avoid highly processed foods or sugary foods that can be hard on your digestive system or even feed the flu virus.
10. Practice Positive Thinking
There cannot be enough said about the negative effects that stress can have on your body, especially your immune system. Too much worry about current events can may it harder to fight the flu. Engage in a favorite hobby that reduces your stress or consider meditation, yoga, or journaling to cope.
By incorporating these remedies into your routine of washing, cleaning, and social-distancing, you can help your body do what it does naturally: heal.
Stay safe and stay healthy,
MILLER CHIROPRACTIC CENTER