Tis the influenza season!
Tis the season, the flu season that is. I have been asked by many if I have received the flu shot for this year, I just smiled at them and replied no. I tend to shock people with my response because in my opinion I do not believe in flu vaccinations. It is just a bunch of chemicals (the actual flu virus) made up in a lab to inject into your body. Here is a direct quote from the CDC website about Influenza (the flu, H1N1 virus), “CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. While how well the vaccine works can vary, flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school, as well as prevent hospitalizations. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to 
set in.” I took the liberty of bolding some key words. The vaccine they created in the lab may not even be the correct strain for this season, so you just took the risk of putting random chemicals into your body which in retrospect alters your hormones and causes an imbalance.
Our bodies were not meant to collaborate with such chemicals! This is why people tend to get sick
after they get the shot, but of course it doesn’t last long so they don’t believe they have the flu. I’m not completely trashing the vaccinations, yes I do believe under certain circumstances the vaccinations have helped us. Just step in my mind for a second, way back in time humans didn’t have these chemicals and they had to protect themselves with what they were given, natural foods that they grew. If they were able to survive with just the crop they grew themselves than why can’t we? A few people I know have already received the flu vaccination for this season and have become ill, but I have yet to catch a sniffle (knock on wood). Let me tell you about some foods that I consume and that can help prevent or even get rid of any colds or flus for this season. By consuming these foods, you are naturally protecting yourself from any virus which is the best way to protect yourself. This too can reduce illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school, as well as prevent hospitalizations.
- Mushrooms: selenium, which helps white blood cells produce cytokines that clear sickness, and beta glucan, an antimicrobial type of fiber, which helps activate “superhero” cells that
find and destroy infections. - Fresh Garlic: Strong smelling foods like garlic can stink out sickness thanks to the phytochemical allicin, an antimicrobial compound. “A British study found that people taking allicin supplements suffered 46 percent fewer colds and recovered faster from the ones they did get.” So start cooking with it daily, experts recommend two fresh cloves a day.
- Wild Caught Salmon: “In a recent study (University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine), participants with the lowest levels of vitamin D were about 40 percent more likely to report a recent respiratory infection than those with higher levels of vitamin D.” Increase your intake with salmon. “A 3.5-ounce serving provides 360 IU, and some experts recommend as much as 800 to 1000 IU each day.”
- Tea: Researchers at Harvard University found that drinking five cups of black tea a day quadrupled the body’s immune defense system after two weeks, probably because of
theanine. “Tea also contains catechins, including ECGC, which act like a cleanup crew against free radicals.” - Yogurt: The digestive tract is one of your biggest immune organs, so keep disease causing germs out with probiotics and prebiotics, found in naturally fermented foods like yogurt. “One serving a day labeled with “live and active cultures” will enhance immune function”, according to a study from the University of Vienna in Austria.
- Dark Chocolate: Nutrition experts agree that dark chocolate deserves a place in healthy diets, and a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition says it can boost your immunity, too. “High doses of cocoa support T-helper cells, which increase the immune system’s ability to defend against infection.” How awesome does that sound?!
- Oysters: Zinc is critical for the immune system it rallies white blood cells to attack bacteria
and viruses like flu or cold. One medium oyster provides nearly all of the zinc you need for a day, while a portion of six gives you over five times the recommended amount. - Almonds: “Heart healthy almonds provide the immune boosting antioxidant vitamin E, which can reduce your chance of catching colds and developing respiratory infections” according to researchers at Tufts University. You’ll need more than a serving of almonds for your daily dose though, so try fortified cereals, sunflower seeds, turnip greens and wheat germ, too.
- Sweet Potato: Beta-carotene improves your body’s defenses. It’s instrumental in the growth and development of immune system cells and helps neutralize harmful toxins. Sweet potatoes and other orange foods like carrots, squash, pumpkin, egg yolks and cantaloupe are top sources.
- Ginger: It may help relieve your stomachache and nausea. Some studies suggest it fights
inflammation, too. You can add it to other foods, either freshly grated or as a powder.
So this season why not try something new and healthier, try the diet that fights back with natural foods! Wishing you all a healthy sick-free season!
Klaudia.
PT, Nutrition Consultant.