Winter Immune Challenges *
This year’s flu season appears to have peaked, but there are still plenty of weeks of sickness to come. “We still have pretty high activity in most parts of the country; 41 states are reporting widespread flu,” said one expert with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
When do flu epidemics hit? When seasons change. Have you noticed that big flu seasons occur during extreme high and low temperature changes? Freezing cold one day and warm the next day then back to freezing cold the next. We see this a lot in Texas. This type of change has all the markings for a big flu season. Ever wondered why this leads to increased colds and flu’s?
One of the main reasons may be due to the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the endocrine gland of metabolism; it helps the body adapt to the changes in temperature around us. It constantly wants to keep our core temperature at 98.6 degrees. Think of it like the thermostat on your house. When it is summer and warm outside, the thyroid (thermostat) is running comparatively low, and the thyroid can have a long summer rest. When winter comes along, however, this “thermostat” kicks in and releases thyroxin and other gland stimulating hormones to speed up metabolism to keep the body temperature stable. A weak thyroid may not respond effectively to the weather changes and what follows is toxic waste build up in tissues due to decreased elimination through the liver, kidneys, spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes and vessels. When waste loaded lymph backs up into the spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes and vessels as well as having a sluggish bowel, we get the flu. If you are showing symptoms of low thyroid, call our office for an evaluation. We have effective natural therapies that can support your thyroid function.
Flu Symptoms – Your Body’s Healing Action! Every symptom of the flu is really a symptom of detoxification. For example, high fevers will burn waste and bacteria and remove these by means of sweating through the pores; diarrhea will cause the bowels to dump, and vomiting and coughing up mucous are all cleansing actions of the body.
Immune system to the rescue! There are many simple, yet effective steps to keep your immune system healthy, thereby greatly reducing your risks, such as getting 7-9 hours of sleep, eating high water/fiber vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc., avoiding sugar and refined carbs, participating in a purification program at least 1-2x/year, having good bowel movements, etc., and by adding good quality nutritional supplements.
Nutritional supplements that can change your life! Proper nutritional supplementation will keep your immune system powered up. We have used the following products from Standard Process successfully:
Congaplex – supports the upper respiratory tract, thymus gland and the health of your white blood cells, which are responsible for attacking invaders. It contains ribonucleic acid to help your body build new healthy cells.
Immuplex – contains zinc, selenium and vitamins B6 and C. Zinc is an essential component in the production of T- and B-lymphocytes – white blood cells that are key immune system fighters.
Cataplex AC – supports immune function and maintains healthy epithelial and connective tissues. Provides vitamin A and C as well as antioxidants from carrot root. Also contains whole foods such as alfalfa flour, dried alfalfa juice, mushroom and dried buckwheat leaf juice and amino acids from veal bone.
These are just a few of the nutritional supplements available, and depending on your individual needs, we will assess the best program for you! Even if you do not currently have the flu, it would be wise to have these products readily available in your medicine cabinet!
*Note: This is not a treatment for any condition. It is always important to check with your physician before embarking on any therapy and the information presented herein is not intended to be a substitute for medical counseling.
Please call our office at 806-791-0191 for an individualized nutritional assessment to power up your immune system during the cold & flu season!