Will your immune system fight off the Swine Flu?

It seems that every year we are warned by the media that there is a flu strain running rampant through our schools and neighborhoods. This year it's the Swine Flu. It's all over the news, people in almost every country have been affected by the Swine Flu. Fortunately the CDC has a handle on it and has a plan to try to control an outbreak in the US. The worst and best thing about this strain of the flu is that it has a very short incubation period. Which means you can be exposed and find yourself ill in just a couple of days. There have been no reported deaths in the US, and everyone has seemed to recover rather quickly according to the media.

If you find yourself wondering what you can do to avoid the Swine Flu, here are a few things you can do to help support your immune system, and hopefully minimize or prevent the symptoms.

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Avoid sugar. (Consuming sugar weakens your immune system)
4. Get plenty of rest.
5. Keep up your exercise routine, but don't over-do it.
6. Make sure you are getting your vegetables and fruit. (Vitamin C, Antioxidants etc.)
7. Eat healthy proteins, nuts and legumes.
8. Keep a positive attitude and avoid stress. (Stress is hard on the immune system)
9. Take your vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (omega 3's, etc.).
10. Lauric Acid supplementation has been shown to help your body identify and expose viruses and bacteria so that the immune system can attack them.
    

You might even try to avoid cows milk or other foods that you are sensitive to. Many people have a slight allergy to cows milk, food sensitivities and allergies keep the immune system busy. Avoiding foods that you are sensitive to allows your body to focus on fighting illness, not allergens. There are many supplements that you can use to help increase your body's ability to ward off viruses and bacteria, but most importantly it's about taking care of yourself and practicing prevention.

For overall health and immunity you should keep these things in mind:

1. Avoid taking antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary.
2. Reduce your use of over the counter antacids, cold remedies and other drugs.
   
3. Have a whole health check up once a year including EKG, Spirometry, Multi-Channel Blood test, Urinalysis and other tests recommended by your doctor.
   
4. If something doesn't seem right, have it checked out.
   

For more information feel free to visit our website, or call our office.