The flu is rampant. Even if you take precautions it is only a matter of when, and not it, you will get the flu. Therefore, we should all take steps to prepare ourselves for the flu. The healthier you are going into the flu, the easier it is to come out unscathed and recovery is more complete. This is why we should always work to keep our immune system in a healthy place.
How to Protect Yourself from the Flu Naturally
1. Cut Back on Sugar
Eating too much sugar can weaken your immune system. Studies show that high sugar intake can reduce your white blood cells’ ability to fight off viruses for several hours after consumption [1]. Try swapping sugary snacks for healthier options like nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit.
2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your immune system stay strong. Brightly colored foods like berries, citrus fruits, spinach, and bell peppers are especially good choices [2].
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water keeps your body running smoothly and helps flush out toxins. Dehydration can make it harder for your body to fight infections, so aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day [3]. Herbal teas and bone broth are also great for hydration and extra immune support.
4. Take N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body produce glutathione, a key player in immune defense. Research suggests that NAC can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms [4].
5. Boost Your Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C is well known for its immune-boosting benefits. It helps your body produce more white blood cells, which fight infections. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are great natural sources, but you can also take a supplement to ensure you’re getting enough [5].
6. Get Enough Glutathione
Glutathione is your body’s “master antioxidant,” helping protect your cells from damage and boosting immunity. Foods like asparagus, avocados, and spinach naturally support glutathione production, but supplements can also be helpful [6]. Tylenol depleted glutathione. If you take Tylenol, then please take glutathione to protect your liver.
Motrin can cause G.I. bleeds. If you take Motrin, then please take G.I. Complete to protect from G.I. bleeds and leaky gut.
7. Prioritize Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for immune function, and low levels are linked to an increased risk of flu infections. Sunlight is the best natural source, but during winter months, a vitamin D supplement can be beneficial [7].
8. Consider Other Protective Nutrients
Several other nutrients can help protect against the flu:
- Zinc – Supports immune function and may reduce the duration of colds and flu [8].
- Probiotics – Help maintain a healthy gut, which plays a big role in immune defense [10].
Did you know The Flu virus is a common trigger for celiac disease in people with a celiac gene?
Celiac disease is an elusive clinical chameleon that is often misdiagnosed as something else. There is a misperception that celiac just causes digestive problems. The truth is that many people with celiac disease have no digestive problems, and instead have inflammation in their brain, joints, skin, pancreas, or really anywhere in their body.
A colleague of mine, Dr. Christy Sutton, DC, has spent a lot of time studying and looking at family histories, genes, labs, symptoms, and examining patients; she can tell you that if you have a celiac gene, then you are at a high risk for health problems from this gene causing an autoimmune reaction to gluten. You are also unlikely to be properly diagnosed, but instead be given a red-hearing-misdiagnosis or symptom-suppressing-drug.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by gluten and can affect any part of the body. It will increase your risk for type-1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, depression, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, skin problems, ADHD, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and much more. One of the saddest things that Dr. Sutton sees, is when the brain is damaged by celiac, and the person suffering is not mentally capable of trying a gluten free diet. This is why we must diagnose this disease early.
Dr. Sutton is passionate about this topic because she has a celiac gene and knows that if she had been told to avoid gluten when she was a child, then her health would be much different. She would likely have be able to avoid being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and likely wouldn't have lost part of her intestines to Crohn's. Almost every Crohn's patient that Dr. Sutton has seen has at least one celiac gene.
Dr. Sutton also believe that she lost her mother to celiac disease causing autoimmune encephalitis, which led her to become mentally ill with paranoid schizophrenia. Dr. Sutton will never know for sure, but she do know that she is on a mission to educate the world about this disease.
Please take the time to find out if you or your loved one's have a celiac gene. I often look for this gene in my patients. Learn about this gene and the health problems that it can cause. Dr. Christy Sutton has so much that she can and needs to tell you about this disease. Please take her gut and immune workshop so that you can learn what you need to know, but you will NOT learn anywhere else.
Even if you don't have a celiac gene, gluten can still be destroying your health. This is why Dr. Sutton also discusses how to diagnose gluten sensitivity, wheat allergies, and many other important gut and immune health topics in her gut and immune workshop.
This is one of the most important and best workshops that Dr. Sutton has taught.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no guaranteed way to avoid the flu completely, making these simple changes can help support your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. Eat well, stay hydrated, and keep your nutrient levels in check—you’ll be giving your body the best chance to fight off infections naturally!
If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with chronic health challenges or autoimmune issues despite having medical management. Thank you, help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living!
Always remember one of my mantras., "The more you know about how your body works, the better you can take care of yourself."
For more details about the natural approach I take with my patients, take a look at the book I wrote entitled: Reclaim Your Life; Your Guide To Revealing Your Body's Life-Changing Secrets For Renewed Health. It is available in my office or at Amazon and many other book outlets. If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with chronic health challenges, despite receiving medical management. Help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! Thank you!
ALL THE BEST – DR. KARL R.O.S. JOHNSON, DC – DIGGING DEEPER TO FIND SOLUTIONS
This post was generously used by permission from Dr. Christy Sutton, DC
References:
- Sanchez, A., et al. (1973). Role of sugar in impairing immune function. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- Li, W., et al. (2018). The impact of fruit and vegetable consumption on immunity. Journal of Nutrition & Immunology.
- Popkin, B., et al. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition Reviews.
- De Flora, S., et al. (1997). Effects of N-acetylcysteine on influenza and immunity. European Respiratory Journal.
- Hemilä, H. (2017). Vitamin C and its role in immune defense. Nutrients.
- Wu, G., et al. (2004). Glutathione metabolism and immune function. Journal of Nutrition.
- Ginde, A.A., et al. (2009). Association between vitamin D levels and respiratory infections. Archives of Internal Medicine.
- Prasad, A.S. (2008). Zinc and immunity. Molecular Medicine.
- Zakay-Rones, Z., et al. (2004). Elderberry extract and its effects on flu recovery. Journal of International Medical Research.
- Probiotics and the immune system. (2015). Current Opinion in Gastroenterology.
