It's
that time of year again when we begin to prepare for the flu season. According
to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), the 2017-2018 flu season was one of
the worst seasons we have seen in years. This year take the proper precautions
and steps to help reduce the risk of contracting the flu and spreading the
virus.
Wash
your hands often and thoroughly! Washing your hands is the best way to prevent
against colds, the flu and other respiratory infections that we commonly see.
Rinsing your hands under warm water will help to free germs from your skin.
When you add soap to the mix, the soap will trap the germs that have been
released from your skin and be rinsed down the drain. As a rule of thumb wash
your hands for about 20 seconds each time. It is also recommended to wash your
hands before eating, after using the restroom, after touching desks or
railings, before bed and especially if you come in contact with someone that
has the flu or cold.
Supplement
with vitamin D3, this is especially important in the Midwest, or northern
states where we see less sunlight in the winter months. The sun is a good
source of Vitamin D and it is recommended to spend at least 15 minutes per day
in the sun, however that is a difficult task in the cold and cloudy months.
According to Webmd, the recommended daily amount (RDA) for Vitamin D is 600 IU
per day for persons older than 1 year of age (age 71+ RDA is 800 IU per day),
and the maximum safe level of intake is 2,500-4,000 IU depending on your age.
Vitamin
D helps to improve the immune system by reducing levels of inflammatory
proteins throughout the body and by increasing natural antibiotics within the
body. According to The Vitamin Council, "There are two branches of the immune
system: adaptive and innate. The adaptive immune system develops based on
previous exposure to a virus. The innate immune system responds quickly to
foreign invaders, and its effectiveness is determined by the levels of immune
cells and proteins an individual has. Low vitamin D levels result in some
aspects of the innate immune system not functioning as well as they
should." Additional vitamins or minerals to help prevent or reduce the
severity of the flu include vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and a vitamin B complex.
It is also very important to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated when
fighting off the flu or a cold.
Getting
regular chiropractic adjustments also helps to boost the immune system during
the flu season. Like vitamin D, chiropractic adjustments help to reduce
inflammation within the body and restore the body's innate to help fight off
infections or disease. When the body does not have the proper nerve supply to
every tissue, muscle, cell and organ throughout the body, there will be additional
stress throughout the body. This additional stress can dampen the immune system
and the body's ability to fight disease.
Another
tool to use in the fight against the flu is a humidifier. A 2009 study by the
National Academy of Science found that flu germs spread and thrive in dry air
conditions. When you keep the humidity level between 45% and 50% this helps
curb the spread of germs. A humidifier also helps you breathe easier by
moisturizing you nose, throat and lungs making it easier for air to pass
though. By easing your airways this can help you get the rest you need to fight
off any nasty bugs.
Epsom
salt baths can also help when you feel a flu or cold begin. Soaking in Epsom
salt aids in the bodies recovery, helps detoxify, ease aches and also increases
your white blood cell count. Taking a hot bath also relaxes and calms the body
against any body aches that come along with having the flu. A hot bath is also
an effective way to loosen any mucus and assists in breathing easier. Epsom
salt is very affordable and you can find it at pretty much any grocery store or
super market.
For
more ways to keep your family happy and healthy, visit our website at
www.oxborochiro.com and check out the links below!
By:
Dr. Travis Klug, D.C.
Julia
Jacobson, Office Manager
Oxboro Family Chiropractic, P.A.
Oxboro Family Chiropractic, P.A.
Sources:
https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/expert-advice/doctors-treat-coldsflu-with-epsom-salt/
https://grassrootshealth.net/blog/vitamin-d-prevent-flu-epidemic/
https://www.sylvane.com/blog/4-reasons-to-use-a-humidifier-during-flu-season/
https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/eyes-ears-nose-throat/5-best-home-remedies-for-flu-treatment-backed-by-scientific-studies
https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/the-truth-about-vitamin-d-how-much-vitamin-d-do-you-need
