It’s been a tough flu season, and it doesn’t seem to be clearing up just yet. To make matters worse, this year’s flu vaccine hasn’t been particularly effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine has perhaps protected about 56 percent of people who have received it. However, with people over age 65, this year’s flu vaccine has helped only about 9 percent of those who received it — a pretty dismal efficacy rate for a vulnerable population.
Part of the problem is that, in general, the flu vaccine is based as much on educated guesswork as it is on rigorous science. If health organizations guess the wrong flu strains in a given year, the vaccine isn’t as effective as it could be, and people can still get sick. There is also evidence that suggests that even when flu shot manufacturers create the “correct” vaccine, some individuals may still get sick.
So, what are some alternatives to protect ourselves from the flu?
Common Sense and a Healthy Lifestyle
First and foremost, your best defense against the flu, or any pathogen, is taking basic precautions. Wash your hands frequently, avoid people who are obviously ill, drink plenty of fresh water, and exercise regularly.
Pay close attention to your diet. Emphasize meals rich in whole grains, lean protein, and low-glycemic fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants, found in abundance in many fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, can significantly support immunity.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale also contain numerous immune-boosting compounds and nutrients. Vitamins C and D, vital for immunity, and zinc, essential for proper immune function, can all be beneficial to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle. Another critical factor: getting enough sleep. Sleep is necessary to rejuvenate the body, particularly the immune system, protecting against chronic conditions.
Supplementing Immunity with Herbs and Botanicals
There are various herbs and botanicals that can help support immunity. Medicinal mushrooms are well known for their immune-regulating abilities. Mushroom cell walls contain carbohydrates called beta-glucans which work closely with immune cells. These mushrooms optimize immunity, making them particularly useful for people with autoimmune disorders.
Another helpful supplement is modified citrus pectin (MCP), a powerful yet gentle detoxifier and cellular health agent. MCP has been shown to enhance the action of natural killer cells against cancer and inflammation. MCP can also help eliminate toxins from the body without depleting essential minerals.
Fighting Inflammation with Honokiol
Honokiol, an active ingredient in magnolia bark, is another helpful supplement. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, honokiol works against pathogens like the flu virus and also fights aggressive cancer. Additionally, honokiol acts as a gentle relaxant and calming agent, which could be helpful for individuals experiencing trouble sleeping or unwinding from stress.
A Tibetan herbal formula, which has decades of clinical research, can also significantly reduce inflammation and improve circulation, benefiting immunity and overall health.
Key takeaways
The key to fighting any disease, flu included, is to support immunity in several ways. Good nutrition, plenty of filtered water, extra sleep, antioxidants, and natural immune optimizers contribute to keeping the flu at bay and speeding up recovery if you do fall ill.
So, whether a flu shot is necessary or not is beside the point; a more critical factor is having a robust immune system, supported by natural therapies and good lifestyle habits.
