Have you ever wondered why some people seem to catch the flu every year, while others never seem to get sick? Even when last year’s flu vaccine had an effectiveness rate of only around 19 percent, there were still those who managed to stay healthy. So, what’s the secret? Is there a way to make your body flu-proof?
In order to understand this better, it’s essential to know that immunity to the flu depends on the state of your immune system and your underlying health.
Exposure and antibodies
Immunity to the flu primarily depends on whether your immune system has been previously exposed to the influenza virus (or variants of it) and developed antibodies to protect you. However, it’s challenging to know if you have antibodies without testing your blood systematically.
The more you have been exposed to these types of viruses (respiratory viruses, influenza viruses) over the years and developed antibodies against them, the less likely you are to get sick from the flu — even if you live with other family members who do get sick from it.
Factors affecting your immune system health
So, if blood tests are not helpful in assessing the underlying health of your immune system, what can you rely on? Here are five questions to consider to check whether your immune health is in optimum condition:
- Do you consume a high percentage of your food from raw food and whole food sources? Consuming above 90% of whole food and 50% of raw food can lead to good overall health over time.
- Do you eat minimal amounts of refined sugar, refined flour, refined oil, foods with chemical preservatives/dyes/additives, and processed foods consistently? Consuming more than 50% of processed foods can lead to inflammation and measurable leukocytosis in the body.
- Do you consistently exercise (moderate to high intensity) at least three times per week?
- Can you consistently feel good in a state of peace with your relationships, your work, and your usual feeling state? Do you get enough restful sleep?
- Are you pursuing your life passion and maintaining a strong and passionate love relationship?
If you have answered yes to these questions, chances are your immune system is in good shape, and thus, more resistant to the flu.
Boosting your immune system
But, what if you still get sick? Here are some steps to boost your immune system when the flu has already struck:
- High-dose Vitamin C (10,000 mg in divided doses each day until recovery) has been shown to inhibit viral activity and boost the immune system significantly.
- High-dose Vitamin D (100,000-200,000 IU daily for three days) also aids in promoting innate immune function and releasing your body’s natural antimicrobial peptides against infectious agents.
- Avoid refined sugar, as it suppresses immunity.
- Get as much extra rest as possible to allow your energy to recharge and your immune system to focus on your internal system.
- Stay hydrated with mineral-rich drinks like Emergen-C, which is full of minerals your body can easily absorb.
- Drink herbal teas containing cat’s claw, ginseng, and ginger root, as these powerful tonics can fight viral infections.
- Increase your intake of garlic, as it has been proven to be effective against viruses.
- Drink fresh ginger tea, as it is a natural remedy for respiratory issues.
- Cimetidine (Tagamet®) at 800 mg daily has been shown to boost immune function by reducing T-suppressor cells and increasing natural killer cell activity.
- High-dose DHEA (200 mg each morning during flu symptoms) has been shown to boost immune response.
- Lactoferrin, an immune booster found naturally in mother’s milk, can be bought at health food stores and has been shown to potentiate the immune system and inhibit viral attachment to cells.
- Echinacea contains several stimulant compounds and has been approved by the German government for the treatment of influenza-like symptoms.
Lowering the risk of spreading the flu
Finally, don’t forget to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and don’t share cups or utensils. Viruses spread primarily from touching contaminated objects like doorknobs, phones, shared computer keyboards, or shaking hands. Containing your cough or sneeze is also important, as viral particles can stay in the air for several minutes.
In summary, optimizing your immune system’s health and taking several extra measures when the flu strikes can make a significant difference in keeping you and those around you healthy during the flu season. To your health and happiness!
