• Preparations for the Flu Season

    Posted on September 18, 2014 by in Boost Your Immune System, Health Tips

    Sick WomanThe flu season is around the corner and along with that comes an increase in colds and flu’s.  Here are some very simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick.

    1. Get a good night’s sleep.  Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh discovered that people who average less than seven hours sleep at night are three times more like to catch a cold (Archives of Int. Med. Jan 2009).  A healthy immune system and getting a good night’s sleep are closely linked.  Sleep is vitally important for getting better quicker when you are sick and it helps prevent illness when you are well.
    2. Take extra Vitamin D, at least 2000 IU’s / day.  Did you know that prior to the introduction of antibiotics, people with chronic infections such as tuberculosis were treated by exposure to extra sunshine.  This often included moving to warmer more tropical climates.  Unfortunately for most of us living in Canada, moving to the tropics for the winter is not an option.  Next best alternative is to take plenty of a high quality Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D has been shown in numerous studies to have a positive impact on the health of our immune system.
    3. Don’t forget to take a high quality multivitamin.  It’s especially important through the fall and winter season when local fruits and vegetables are not available and must be imported.  Produce that is picked early and shipped long distances loses significant amounts of its nutritional value.  Vitamins work in synergy and many have important roles to play in building up your immune system.
    4. Watch your intake of “sugars” and “high-glycemic carbs” which include processed carbs along with breads, pastas, rice, potatoes and corn.  When your blood sugars are constantly bouncing up and down, you are more susceptible to infections.  Keeping your blood sugar balanced not only helps you to lose weight (or maintain a health weight) but it also reduces your risk of “catching” the flu.
    5. Wash your hands!  Water and plain soap are best; antibacterial soaps are not necessary and can increase the risk of “super” bugs.  The flu is most commonly transferred from one person to another through hands.

    Following these simple solutions is not a guarantee that you won’t get sick, but it will significantly boost your immune system.  A healthy immune system will make you less likely to get sick and recover from any sickness you do catch that much quicker.

    Story of the Month

    For many years I struggled with getting every cold and flu that came around. Not only that, but very time I got sick, it would aggravate my allergies and I would have a persistent cough and runny nose for weeks after the cold was over. Having given birth to and raising 7 children had taken a toll on my health.

    A good friend of mine noticed how worn out I was and that I was constantly sick. She suggested that I consider taking a quality nutritional supplement. Now, you have to understand, I had been taught in medical school that supplementation was only for pregnant women and children. Because of this, it was several months before I finally decided to consider her suggestion and test out whether it would really make a difference to my health.

    Within a few weeks of taking what she suggested, I noticed a significant increase in my energy levels. That winter I hardly got sick at all and when I did, I was well within a few days.

    Since then I have continued to take a quality supplement and I can say that my health is better today than it was 10 years ago.

    Enjoy the season and stay healthy,

    Dr. Diana

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