Every year, countless people suffer with the flu that don’t have to. And it’s NOT because they didn’t get a flu shot! No. Truth is, many people get the flu even if they have had a flu shot and some even suffer directly from the vaccination itself. There is a better, more natural way to maximize your chances against the flu. Actually there are seven of them…here they are:
1. Get Enough Rest – One of the most overlooked aspects of staying healthy is simply…getting enough sleep. Studies have shown people who sleep…on average… eight hours a night were healthier than those who only averaged six per night. New studies are actually indicating a possible link to cancer in individuals who do not get enough sleep. It is important to remember everyone requires a different amount of sleep. If you are tired all day…or…run out of energy in the mid-afternoon, chances are you need more sleep. And if you feel tired all day…guess what? So does your immune system that fights off disease and the flu. One more important note: If you consume alcohol or caffeine, simply sleeping more hours will not be enough. Alcohol and caffeine decrease the quality of sleep that is impossible to make up.
2. Stay Away From Sugar - Besides making you gain unwanted pounds, sugar weakens your immune system immediately after it is eaten. If your immune system is weakened, your defenses to the flu will be lowered… increasing your chances to get sick. Any time you are feeling run down, sugar (simple “junk” sugar) should be eliminated from your diet. And it is a good idea to eat as little simple sugar at all times to keep yourself healthy and functioning optimally.
3. Control Stress - More and more illnesses and diseases are being linked to stress. From our nation’s #1 killer…heart disease…to diabetes, and the common cold and flu. Stress SEVERELY weakens your immune system and causes many unfavorable chemical changes in your body. The bottom line is: the more stress you have…that is not dealt with properly…the greater your chance to get sick. Find ways you can regularly reduce your stress. Relaxation, naps, meditation and physical exercise are all great ways.
4. Eat Garlic - Garlic has incredible natural healing powers: it’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Garlic is one food that you should be eating every day. It is important to note that garlic must be fresh to give you optimal health benefits. The active ingredient is destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic, so garlic pills are virtually worthless and should not be used. When you use garlic, compress it with a spoon prior to swallowing it, or put it through your juicer to add to your vegetable juice. If you swallow the clove intact, you will not convert the active ingredient, allicin, to its active form.
5. Exercise Regularly - Studies have shown…over and over…exercise strengthens the immune system and promotes great overall health. Starting and sticking to an exercise program that’s right for you cannot only keep you from getting the flu…but add years to your life.
6. Wash Your Hands Regularly - Washing your hands will decrease your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. If your immune system is strong, it should be able to fight off the virus if it does enter your body, but washing your hands provides a bit of extra protection.
7. Regular Chiropractic Care – Regular Chiropractic care allows the nervous system to function properly. Since the immune system is controlled by the nervous system, the immune system is strengthened by Chiropractic care. The more you strengthen your immune system, the less chance you have to get sick with the flu, or any other illnesses.
Each one of these seven things may seem small to you, but when they are all done simultaneously, the impact of your health will be dramatic.
