It seems that the flu this season has been especially intense and many people I know have found themselves affected. If your influenza lasts 2-3 days, it is absolutely fine – simply a good boost to your immune system. However, if it lasts 2-3 weeks and possibly has some side effects, such as bacterial infection, this is not ideal at all. According to ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), flu activity this season has reached the epidemic threshold in 8 European countries (Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, UK) and is still increasing in northern, southern and western Europe. (1)
Interestingly, even people with a good immune system have suffered more than usual from the flu this year. This information confirms that all of us, now more than ever, need to focus on supporting our immune systems. Some people choose the flu vaccination while others go for natural prevention and natural remedies. The choice is yours! However, even experts suggest that flu shots may only be 10% effective (2). If the flu vaccine is helpful, why are flu symptoms getting worse and why does the number of affected people keep growing all the time?
I, personally, am a huge believer that only by building and supporting the immune system with food, herbs, essential oils and quality supplements, can we achieve great and sustainable results. Especially when it comes to our dear children! Some kids have already lost their lives to the flu (3). How unimaginably devastating is this for parents and relatives?
So, what is the best way to protect our children and ourselves from this growing issue? How can we improve our immune systems effectively?
It is important to understand that THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS WELL WHEN OUR BODY IS BALANCED AND FUNCTIONS WELL, when our immune system doesn’t constantly need to be strained and battle against many different stressors. It means we need to control the level of stress in our lives, including the one caused by artificial light, EM pollution, processed food and our ecological and mental environment. Of course, FOOD PLAYS AN ENORMOUS ROLE IN SETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT AND IS ACTUALLY THE BEST NATURAL ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY RESOURCE. For example, garlic and onion, which have, for centuries, been known for their medicinal properties; oregano oil, which kills pathogenic bacteria and fungi without hurting beneficial bacteria; Manuka honey, which is famous for its antibacterial properties; green leafy vegetables, which are strong anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory products.
However, in addition to this, we need to make sure that our body receives and utilises all the nutrients from the food we eat. It is important to recognise that EVEN WHEN WE EAT VERY WELL; MANY OTHER FACTORS PLAY A ROLE IN THE DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION OF MICRONUTRIENTS FROM FOOD TO OUR BODY AND CAN DRAMATICALLY AFFECT THE NUMBER OF VITAL MOLECULES THAT ARE DELIVERED TO OUR CELLS. Factors like the health of our digestive system, the number of good bacteria in our gut, levels of stomach acid and digestive enzymes, food allergies and sensitivities, conditions of the liver as well as many others, need to be taken into consideration! So, how do you know if the food you consume actually provides you with all the micronutrients necessary for your immune system’s support? HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT IF YOU AND YOUR CHILD HAVE A SUFFICIENT MICRONUTRIENT BALANCE?
My advice: listen to your body, take note any symptoms and make a list! Here are some possible symptoms for you to consider and to then contact me about for discussion:
- Irregular stool (constipation or diarrheal)
- Bloating after eating
- Dry, itchy, flaky skin
- Adult acne
- Red cheeks, ears
- White spots on nails
- Coated tongue
- Lack of confidence
- Foggy brain, lack of focusing
- Night sweats
- Sensitivity to alcohol, tobacco smoke, household chemicals
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, I am happy to offer you a FREE Discovery Session to discuss, advise and to provide you with an effective boost to your, and your children’s, immune systems. Please stay warm and contact me: irina@liveright.eu
- https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/influenza-europe-season-2017-2018
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/this-years-flu-vaccine-may-only-be-10-effective-experts-warn/
- https://www.popsci.com/kids-flu-symptoms-death
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