7 WAYS TO BEAT THE FLU BEFORE IT STARTS

As a chiropractor sometimes you can't compete with Auntie Adeline's chicken soup solution, but here are some recommendations that you can take to help support the body's immune system throughout the winter months.

1. Follow a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in healthy whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein helps give the body the nutrition it needs to support a strong immune system.  Choosing foods from the earth that are rich in nutrients and avoiding processed and high-sugar products helps fuel the system for wellness.

2. Exercise: Many of our patients spend most of the workday sitting at a desk or in front of a computer.  Adding a 20-30 minute walk during the day can help support stress relief, healthy circulation, and improved mood.  In addition, doing strength and cardiovascular workouts helps keep the body strong.  A healthy body is great support for the immune system.

3. Drink Water: Water makes up more than half of a person's body mass.  You should be drinking 8 12oz glasses of water a day or half your body weight in ounces.  Maintaining good levels of hydration supports multiple body systems, from digestion to nutrient ingestion to healthy blood flow.  Water is vital to wellness and immune defense.  

4. Get 8 Hours of Sleep:  The body restores itself during sleep.  Not getting enough deep sleep can affect many aspects of life, both physically and mentally.  Lack of sleep can be stressful and impact immune defenses.  Sleeping eight hours a night can provide an important foundation for health and energy.

5. Laugh out Loud: A good laugh is a great way to improve ones's mood and outlook on life.  Laughter contributes to stress relief, which helps support a healthy body and immune system.  Being happy and having the support of people one cares about also makes a huge difference in overall well-being.  

6. Wash Hands Often: Washing hands frequently is a healthy habit, especially if one is out with other people and touching objects others have touched.  It's easy to forget, but not touching the face, mouth, eyes, or nose is also an effective way to support and defend the immune system. 

7. Take Time Out: When you begin to feel a little under the weather it's best to take time out, eat right, and rest.  I also recommend taking some specific vitamins and nutrients supplied by Standard Process that will help give the immune system a little boost like Immuplex and Congaplex.  These supplements provide short term and long term immune support for the whole family.  

 Please seek the advice of a licensed medical professional before starting any of the above treatments.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Brian Wallace