The Best Flu Prevention/Management Program
By Dr Kenneth R Hoffman, DACM, L.Ac
If you are considering not getting the flu vaccine this year, consider these steps instead, which can be a science-based, safe and effective alternative for yourself and your family. You cannot always avoid getting sick. In fact, it’s nature’s way of building the immune system. So try to avoid the flu and if you do get it, just take care of your self -properly.
Dr H’s Tips for Supporting Your Immune System and Preventing the Flu Naturally
- Wash Your Hands Frequently and Thoroughly
This is the number one way to prevent the flu and other respiratory infections. You must scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds in order to kill viruses. Twenty seconds is about how long it takes to sing the ABC’s one time through. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands. - Take Care of Digestion
80% of your immune system is located in your gut. According to Chinese Medicine, “The Middle Jiao is the Seat of Health”. Increase fermented foods or take a probiotic. This will keep your levels of good gut bacteria up to help fight off infections. - Reduce Alcohol and Sugar Consumption
Even moderate alcohol consumption suppresses the central nervous system, and therefore your immune system. Consuming too much sugar can suppress the immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections like the flu. It has been well studied that even 1 teaspoon of sugar can suppress white blood cells for up to 6 hrs. - Reduce Your Stress
Stress is known to suppress our immune systems. Consider meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. - Get 7-9 Hours of Sleep Every Night
Your body relies on sleep to recuperate from daily exposure to toxins. Chronic sleep deprivation can significantly reduce immune function. Get more sleep if you need it. - Increase your Antioxidants
- Get Plenty of Exercise
Exercise can boost your immune system by increasing your circulation and relieving stress. Increased circulation allows antibodies to travel throughout your bloodstream faster, making it easier for your immune system to fight off an illness. Exercise can also enhance your immune system by relieving stress and slowing the release of stress hormones in the body. Just remember, excess exercise, meaning high aerobic activity, can suppress the immune system so if you are feeling like something is coming, go easy
About the author
Kenneth R. Hoffman, L.Ac, D.Ac (RI), started private training under the tutelage of a Taoist medical and qi gong master in 1991 where he began learning the art of Chinese healing through Qi Gong, Herbology, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage) and Tai Qi. He is the medical director for Sophia Natural Health Center in Brookfield where his specialties are hormone conditions, allergies, pain and medical thermography. It is one of the largest acupuncture and Oriental medicine centers in Connecticut. He can be reached at Sophia Natural Health Center, 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT or 203-740-9300. http://inm.center