How to stay healthy during flu season

The flu season is already hear, although we’ve been told to take flu shots as if that is the way to avoid getting sick.  I understand flu shots may be a good idea for small number of people, but the down side of getting the shot is that we actually weaken our immune system’s ability to fight infections.  So, is there away to avoid getting sick? The answer is YES! A better approach is to strengthen our immune system so that it can do what it’ suppose to do – fight infection.  We think that we get sick when we get exposed to the flu virus, of course exposure to the virus is the first step but in order to get sick three things must occur at the same time 

1. A rundown immune system
2. Stress
3. Exposure to flu virus

So, how do we support and boost our immune system so it can do what it’s suppose to do at all time? I would like to give you 6 tips to improve your overall wellbeing

1. Get a good night sleep – Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night because this is when our bodies heal, regenerate, and detoxify
2. Avoid excessive sugar - Studies have shown that one serving of sugar reduces your immunity up to 8 hours, this means limit your intake of sodas, alcohol, refined grains, sweets and so on…
3. Drink plenty of water – Staying well hydrated is part of overall health, not just flu season
4. Maintain healthy digestion – 70% of our immune system is in our digestive system.  start by eating healthy balanced food and perhaps adding a probiotic which increases the good bacteria in our GI track so it can fight any infection
5. Manage stress – Stress hormoneseffect our immune system in many ways, so find a way to distress – exercise, laugh, write, socialize, be kind to yourself, meditate, be thankful
6. Take supplements – Vitamin D is especially important for staying healthy during flu season as it plays a big role in supporting the immune system and help prevents illness

Here are a few of my favorite herbal supplements that increase immunity

  -Echinacea Goldenseal

  -Oil of oregano

  -Grapefruit seed extract

  -Elderberry

  -Selenium

For more health and nutrition tips Visit www.eshiwellness.com