What to do about the Swine Flu

Swine Flu or H1N1, is becoming an epidemic, highly contagious influenza virus.

Since appearing last April, Swine Flu, a highly contagious influenza virus, has quickly become the number one health concern for most Americans. H1N1 first appeared in Mexico and is a trio of influenza viruses that were first known to infect pigs, birds and humans. Influenza combinations such as this are thought to be rare and may cause these hybrid viruses to be much more dangerous.

Most serious cases in the U.S. have been in young adults and children. This is thought to be because most adults have some immunity from exposure to one or more of the viruses in the past. In the US, there have been several outbreaks of swine flu most notably in 1976 and 1988. According to the CDC for 2009, there are estimated to be over 3000 deaths linked to H1N1 in the US with between 2 and 6 million people infected.

There are also those that are at a greater risk from H1N1, asthmatics and those with chronic lung conditions, weakened immune system or people taking immuno-suppressants should be especially diligent to avoid the flu. But, the biggest factor affecting mortality in young adults between 25 and 49 is obesity. The Archives of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology has found that over 90% of patient deaths from H1N1 occurred in individuals with underlying medical conditions and over 70% were clinically obese. 

So what can we do to protect ourselves? Number one, wash your hands. Soap and hot water can go a long way to being our first line of defense. Next we have to build our immune system. Our immune system determines not only if we get sick, but how long we are sick and how badly we feel. The immune system is an intricate system that’s job is to produce the necessary antibodies needed to fight infection. 

Antibodies are proteins that seek and identify foreign material in the body and destroy them.  Our immune system faces a daily onslaught of invaders and with a poor diet the immune system can grow weak and tired, not able to produce the antibodies needed to fight disease. The most important thing we can do for our immune system is to nurture it by eating a diet that aids in healing, rather than further inflaming it. Additionally, add moderate activity and adopt smart lifestyle habits that will allow you to boost your immune system to operate at an optimum level. 

Study after study has shown that a poor diet literally cripples the immune system.  Bad fats reduce white blood cell production and also compromise the lymphatic system, making the body more vulnerable to infection. Refined carbohydrates and sugars, chemicals and toxins, (many immunosuppressive), everyday foods and a lack of necessary supplementation keep our immune system in a negative state.  Given the diet of the average American, it’s no wonder so many people are sick all the time.

One nutrient that is getting a lot of attention in the fight against H1N1 is Vitamin D3.  Most people do not live in locations that allow them to get the consistent but moderate sun exposure needed to keep their Vitamin D levels healthy, therefore supplementation is necessary. Bioidentical Vitamin D3 has a very powerful effect on the immune system increasing the body’s own natural supply of AMPs (Antimicrobial Peptides). These AMPs are very helpful in boosting the immune system’s ability to fight all types of infection.  A lack of Vitamin D is associated with many types of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure and more.

Along with Vitamin D, the body needs other vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other elements such as Astragalus and Ionic Silver to function optimally.  Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A also help keep the immune system healthy.

Researchers have long observed the powerful benefits of moderate exercise on your immune system.  One study found that moderate exercise (3 or more times weekly) increased immune cell counts of women undergoing breast cancer treatment.  This time of year is also a great time to exercise outdoors since studies have shown that cold stimulates the thyroid gland.  Be mindful, however, not to exercise too long, as too much activity can actually hurt the immune system.

Did you know that stress affects the immune system also?  Studies show that chronically high levels of stress hormones (like adrenaline) reduce the immune system’s ability to defend and repair its self.  Minimizing stress in today’s hectic society is hard but we should do all we can through healthy stress and time management, proper amounts of sleep, and behavior modification.

And for the idea of getting a flu vaccine, there are valid pros and cons. Please check with your personal physician and they will discuss the options with you. Regardless of your personal decision to vaccinate, it is still wise to focus on keeping a healthy immune system to enjoy extraordinary health.