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Flu and Cold Season, Part 2



How to Combat the Crud
By  Dr. Jon Thomas D.C PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.
At Vibrant Life we believe that one of the best ways to stay healthy is to take positive steps to avoid getting sick. In my previous blog post, I suggested several things people can do to avoid catching the flu or a cold, which I referred to as “the crud.” Since there are more steps people can take to avoid the crud, I’m writing a second post about it. This post will explain several methods for boosting the immune system so that your body will function at its highest level.
Vitamin C from Natural Sources
PublicDomanPictures.net
In the 1600s, sailors in the British Navy had a problem with scurvy, a condition which caused people to lose their teeth, to bleed easily, and to lose bone strength. (Some sailors even died from scurvy.) The British Navy used citrus fruit to fight scurvy and it was very effective. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, was the ingredient in the citrus fruits which boosted the immune systems of the British sailors.
Although vitamin C is now available as a dietary supplement, the ideal way to get it is by eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Why is that so much better than taking a supplement? Vitamin C is somewhat unstable and it is prone to damage by heat, oxygen, and storage. The vitamin C content of food starts to decline as soon as it is picked. The decline can be slowed down by keeping the food in its whole form and by keeping it cool. However, the longer foods high in vitamin C are stored, the less potent the vitamin C becomes.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Most people are aware that vitamin C is an essential nutrient and most people know that citrus fruits are a good source of it. Other good sources of vitamin C are papaya, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and raspberries. Vitamin C is also in cranberries, blueberries, watermelons, apples, pears, and bananas. Broccoli, kale, and other leafy green vegetables are also good sources of vitamin C.
It’s very easy to find fresh citrus fruit in Florida. Take advantage of that and give your immune system a boost by eating a piece of citrus fruit or drinking a glass of fresh citrus juice every day.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D also boosts the immune system and helps to prevent colds and flu. Direct sunlight on the skin produces vitamin D. So, getting out in the sun is one of the easiest ways to increase your vitamin D level. However, when the weather gets cold, people tend to spend less time in the sun and that leads to decreased levels of vitamin D.
Another way to get vitamin D is by eating eggs, meat, and oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. Dairy products also contain vitamin D. If you’re a vegetarian and you don’t get out in the sun very much, you can get some vitamin D by drinking orange juice that’s fortified with it. If you’re still not getting enough vitamin D, you should look into taking a supplement.
Echinacea
Wikimedia Commons
Echinacea is a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. and Canada. According to an article in Medical News Today, Echinacea was used by Native Americans for hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers, settlers and colonizers. By the early 1800s Echinacea became a popular herbal remedy among those who had settled in the USA. It also became popular in Europe.
Echinacea strengthens the immune system and it also reduces many of the symptoms of colds and flu. It’s a very popular ingredient in supplements to boost the immune system. Echinacea is available over the counter at pharmacies, health shops and supermarkets as teas, liquid extracts, a dried herb, and as capsules or tablets.
Rest and the Immune System
Getting adequate rest is one of the keys to keeping the immune system functioning as it should. In an article for WebMD, Denise Mann wrote, “Sleep deprivation suppresses immune system function. The more all-nighters you pull, the more likely you are to decrease your body’s ability to respond to colds or bacterial infections.”
If you’re feeling tired, try to get some more sleep. Your immune system will thank you for it.

Chiropractic Adjustment
When you have high levels of stress, it makes you more vulnerable to colds and the flu. According to a white paper published by the American Chiropractic Association on Preventing Colds and Flu, stress reduction can play a big role in reducing the risk of catching colds or the flu.
“Chronic stress, such as unemployment or interpersonal difficulties with family and friends that last a month or longer, may substantially increase the risk of catching cold and flu. Many chiropractors have noticed that adjustments have helped prevent or reduce the duration of their patients’ colds. Some evidence shows that chiropractic manipulation may increase immunoglobulin levels and that it decreases the levels of glucocorticoid cortisol, a major component of stress.”
Regular adjustments by a skilled chiropractor will reduce your stress levels and enable your immune system to do its job effectively.   
Nucleo-Immune Dietary Supplement
Nucleo-Immune is a dietary supplement which promotes rapid cellular rejuvenation and healing of wounds. It also increases vitality and strength. Nucleo-Immune supports the thymus, the intestinal and immune systems, and is especially effective as a preventative booster during the cold and winter season. Nucleo-Immune is available through the Vibrant Life Health Center. Give yourself a boost for the season and get some today!
In this article, I have discussed some of the things people can do to reduce their chances of getting the flu or catching a cold. I’ve also made several suggestions on what to do after you have symptoms. Zinc, elderberry extract, and mucilage of oats can all be very helpful. Nucleo-Immune, a dietary supplement which helps in the production of nucleotides, can also be very helpful.
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At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.  If you’d like to try Nucleo-Immune to prevent or treat the flu or a cold, please contact us.  
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and  his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weight Lifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on  First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Jacksonville.

4 comments:

  1. I don't always get the crud, but when I do... These suggestions will be handy!

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  2. The trick to minimizing the impact of cold season is to attack it before it has you by the throat. As Ben Franklin once pointed out, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

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  3. It's flu and cold season again. Time for everyone to engage in preventative care. I supplement a lot and rarely get a cold much less the flu. I recommend taking the Doc's advice on this one.

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  4. It's important to know you have other options to help you get through the crud!

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