Nutrition News

Nutrition News: Nutritional Ways to Fight the Flu
By Dr. Craig Bentham

With the winter upon us, worries turn to that nasty flu virus. But most of us don't realize the truth about why winter is the flu season. The reality is that bacteria will flourish in a warm, wet climate; not in the cold. So why do so many people get sick during fall and winter? Well, to start with, I think we can agree that it is the most stressful time of the year. Stress induces the release of a hormone called cortisol that is actually an immune system depressant, making your body much more susceptible to infection. In addition to stress, our diet often becomes overrun with refined sugars and other carbohydrates during the holiday season, not to mention the additional alcohol that we often consume. Then, to top it off, we're trying to function on a fraction of the sleep that our body requires, in order to fit in all the holiday shopping, baking, parties, and other functions. With the overwhelming amount of stress on our immune system, it's no wonder our bodies become a haven for the flu bug to have its own holiday party. So if you're tired of taking drugs to combat your symptoms, try some natural ways of supporting and boosting your body's own immune response. Share these ideas with your family and friends!

Here are some natural remedies to help build up your immune system & combat the flu:

Garlic
Garlic is a triple-whammy: it's antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. Garlic is one food that you should be consuming every day. It is important to note that the garlic must be fresh in order to give you optimal health benefits. The active ingredient, allicin, is destroyed within one hour of crushing the garlic, so garlic pills are virtually worthless and should not be used.

Antioxidants
They help prevent the damaging effects of oxygen and other free radical-forming substances that can damage your immune system. Foods such as blueberries, grape seed extract, sweet peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits, melons, strawberries, tomatoes, raw cabbage, and leafy greens are packed full of antioxidants. Focus on these during winter months.

Immune-Boosting Vitamins
Unless you are eating organic daily, you need to supplement with vitamins. The best vitamins for boosting your immune system are vitamins A,C,E, selenium, zinc, and echinacea.

Get More Omega-3 Fats and Less Omega-6 Fats
Prostaglandins are a key compound for regulating immunity. Depending on the intake ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, your body produces different types of prostaglandins. When your body ingests too much omega-6, your body produces a prostaglandin that lowers immunity. Conversely, if your intake of omega-3 is equal to or greater than omega-6, you will produce a prostaglandin that actually strengthens your immunity. Research on omega-3's continues to support other health benefits. For example, a study showed that people who have replaced saturated fats with omega-3's lost weight at an accelerated rate (within three weeks). New studies have shown that omega-3 blocks your body from storing other types of dietary fats. Omega-3 fats are found in avocado and cold water fish oils, or can be taken in a capsule form.

Reduce Sugars
Sugar decreases the function of your immune system, and as you know a strong immune system is the number one element in fighting the flu fast. It is especially imperative to avoid sugar if you feel you are coming down with flu-like symptoms.

Greens (also called Superfoods)
Give your body the nutrients it requires to combat illness, as well as increase energy and alertness. Greens cleanse and oxygenate cells, increase energy, improve mental acuity, strengthen the immune system and emulsify cholesterol & fat. Greens contain newly discovered substances called "phyto-chemicals" (plant chemicals) which help our bodies stay healthy and fight off disease. The darker the greens the better!

Probiotics
Probiotics are your first line of defense before your immune system. These friendly microorganisms are essential in helping to maintain your body's delicate microbial balance and are often overlooked. Probiotics are clinically proven to synergistically provide benefits in the areas of nutrition, digestion and immunity, and protecting the body from the stresses of modern living. Examples such as lactobacilis, acidophilis, and bifidis can be found naturally in organic, unsweetened yogurt or you can supplement by taking them in capsule form.

Remember that the flu is caused by a virus and cannot be "cured" with antibiotics. But, if you are still sick ten days after its onset, or if you become very sick very quickly, you should see a doctor. It's possible to have a bacterial infection along with a viral one, or to have an extremely virulent case of the flu.

Remember, our bodies were designed to be strong in fighting disease and infection. Learn to take care of your body naturally and it will take care of you.