Just about all of us have experienced some form of pain, fever, chills, fatigue and other flu like symptoms at one point or another. Other wise known as Influenza, better know as "the flu." The flu is highly contagious and I think we are all in agreement that it's NO fun and can sideline you for days.
It can be avoided though.
The 2006 flu season is upon us and the best way to protect your self against the flu is to keep your immune system strong and "in check" all year long, especially now during flu season.
How do you do this?
It all goes back to the basics: getting enough rest, getting enough exercises, and getting the right nutrition.
If any one of the 3 are lacking the other 2 tend to be less effective.
Without enough rest or sleep you are putting large amounts of stress on the body, both mental and physical, which lowers your defense system making you more susceptible to the flu during flu season. Sleep and adequate rest also balances the immune system and keeps it strong.
Regular exercise keeps your immune system operating at peak levels as well. One study suggests that regular exercise can cut in half the number of days a person suffers from colds and the flu. Exercise stimulates the disease-fighting white blood cells in the body to move from the organs into the bloodstream.
Have you ever noticed that people who are in good shape and exercise consistently very rarely, if ever catch a cold or the flu? Look around. This holds true about 99% of the time.
Proper nutrition and getting the right nutrients on a daily basis may be the most important of the 3 and the most over looked. When your body doesn't get enough good, quality, balanced nutrients on a daily basis your immune system comes under attack very quickly and is wide open for viruses such as the flu. Not only can quality nutrition prevent the flu, but it can get rid of it as well during flu season.
Most people wait until they experience the flu to put the above measures in place. Often times it is too late and this is a 'reactive' approach rather than a 'proactive' approach. When you think about it, you should be getting adequate rest, consistent exercise and proper nutrition on a regular basis anyways. The problem is, most people wait until they are sick before they decide its time to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Don't let this happen to you.
Get proper sleep and adequate rest each night, stay consistent with a workout regimen, and get your nutrients and anti-oxidants every day from fresh, whole foods and natural supplements - especially Vitamins A, C, D and E along with the mineral zinc which are the most well known immunity boosters.
Furthermore, an herb called Echinacea is well known for its positive effects on strengthening the immune system and fighting the flu. In addition to a Pharmaceutical Grade and highly absorbable vitamin, mineral and antioxidant blend, I use Echinacea at the first sign of any flu or cold like symptoms that come my way. 9.9 times out of 10 it knocks out any flu or cold like symptoms within the same day and I tend to feel better by the next day without any major down time.
You must find Echinacea in organic, liquid form or in drops for it to be effective though. It needs to be pure and it needs to get into your bloodstream to get the results I mentioned above. I have been fortunate enough to have not experienced the flu in over 5 years now.
Knock on wood.
Take action this 2006 flu season! And stay in action with the above 3 principals to prevent the flu or any sickness for that matter that may come your way.
Andrew J. Cass is an Alternative Health Consultant, Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC) with a specialization in Integrative Nutrition, Age Management, and Personal Development. Regional Manager with one of the fastest growing, privately held Nutraceutical Corporations in the United States, Natural Health and Wellness Author, Editor, Entrepreneur. Member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), The American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC), the American Nutraceutical Association (ANA), The National Health & Wellness Club, The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the Teachers College at Columbia University, The Center For Educational Outreach And Innovation. His consulting practice and home is in Miami, Florida. Contact: Andrew J. Cass, CNC (212) 969-9930 |
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