How to Protect Yourself Against the Flu

Here are nine steps you can take to boost your immune system and prevent influenza infection:

• Eat Whole Foods: Processed foods contain preservatives and sugar that decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately.
• Allow Adequate Time for Sleep: When you are sleeping, your body is rebuilding and repairing itself.  Give it the time it needs to function properly.
• Manage the Stress in Your Life: Stress is inevitable.  However, if it becomes overwhelming, your immune system's ability to do its job is decreased.
• Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels: This vitamin is a major player in a proper functioning immune system.  Although moderate sunlight exposure is your body's best avenue for vitamin D production during summer and early fall months,  supplementation is strongly recommended during winter.  
• Physical Activity: Exercise increases circulation throughout your body and maintains systemic health.
• Utilize Cod Liver Oil: Increase your intake of healthy and essential fats that are critical for health, like omega-3 fats found in cod liver oil.  Cod liver oil, unlike other fish oil supplements, contains the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which are critical for immune system function.  
• Use Natural Antibiotics in Your Diet: This includes oregano, garlic and coconut oil.  They act as broad spectrum antimicrobial agents against bacteria, viruses and protozoa in your body.  Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, they do not appear to lead to resistance.  
• Avoid Hospitals: Avoid hospitals unless you have a medical emergency, as hospitals are a prime breeding ground for infections of all kinds.
• Get Adjusted: Studies show that chiropractic adjustments boost immune system function and immune response.