I post and update this blog every year because I get A LOT of questions about the flu shot this time of year- "should I do it?" "What are the risks?" "It's free to get it- why not?"
Some people feel pressured into getting it by their medical doctor, employer, insurance company, family member, etc. Others are fearful of the flu or getting sick.
I am not going to get into whether you should or shouldn't. I will just tell you what I choose to do during flu season!
1) Skip getting the flu shot
2) Have supplements on hand in case I do get sick
3) Eat 3 TBS of coconut oil a day and try to do a daily coconut oil pull
4) Eat lots of fruits and veggies
First, you need to understand that if you get sick and let your body fight it off, your immune system actually gets stronger. That means the next time you get exposed to a bacteria or virus it will be stronger and more equipped to fight!
Secondly, if you keep supplements on hand and eat good foods (plenty of fruits, veggies and protein) you will get vitamins and minerals that are fuel for your immune system.
Lastly, our trusty friend coconut oil is antibacterial, viral and fungal. It helps to kill off invaders that would get you sick and it helps to boost up your immune system!
The supplements I always have on hand:
1) Immuplex- Take 6 per day when sick (Mainly for Viruses)
2) Silver Shield- take 3 to 6 TBS when sick (Works on bacterias and viruses)
3) Elderberry Defense- Take 6 to 9 per day when sick- This also has vitamin D in it which is crucial for your immune system (Mainly Viruses) and notoriously low during the fall and winter months due to lack of sunshine exposure.
4) Congaplex- Take 6 per day when sick (Mainly for Bacteria; Great for sinus issues)
OTHER:
-Herbal Throat Spray- Perfect for sore throats
-High Potency Garlic- Antibacterial, fungal- great for sinuses and congestion
-Astragalus- Antiviral, but overall immune support (GREAT if you had MONO in the past)
-Olive Leaf Extract- Antibacterial, viral and fungal- It has been working great this year
-Thymex- Overall immune support
What I Take Daily for Prevention:
-Usually 3 Astragalus and 3 Immuplex (I’ll switch between Immuplex and Congaplex)
-If I feel something coming on I use my arsenal above
Standard Process is carried by health care practitioners only. We carry it at our office, or if you are not local, click here to find the closest practitioner to you. Do not order on Amazon - first it’s illegal for us to sell Standard Process on there and people who do have the prices double or triple what you would find in our offices.
If these do not help, let us know and we have many other great supplements! These are not the end all be all, but they can REALLY help during the cold/flu season. With good nutrition and preventative supplements (and the right ones when you do get sick), you have a great foundation. If you have any questions or these don't seem to help - call us! We can get you in the same day for a sick visit and figure out the exact supplement you need to be on!
ALSO- This is my personal flu fighting remedy. I never pressure any patients or make anyone feel bad for their choices. I want to help you find a course of action that best suits you! Learn other options no matter what they are, educate yourself and then choose what is best for you!
**Quick note on coconut oil pulling: Take 1 spoonful of coconut oil and swish around in your mouth like you would mouthwash. You can start with a small amount if you are new and work up to 1 TBS. The goal is to do this for 15 minutes, but again if you are new start with 5 minutes. I have been adding in 1 or 2 drops of melaleuca (aka tea tree oil) for more antibacterial effects. DO NOT swallow the coconut oil- it is pulling out bad bacteria and toxins!
After you have swished it around in your mouth spit it into a TRASH CAN! This is very important because the coconut oil will get hard when its cold and clog up your drain. After spitting out the coconut oil, rinse your mouth with hot water with a little apple cider vinegar or 1 tbs of salt (this can be spit into a sink). Once you are done with that brush your teeth and you are good to go! Your teeth will feel squeaky clean and sore throat should be gone or drastically decreased.
If you want to read more into the flu shot read this blog post by Lindsay Bentley. Or The Pill Profit. They are great posts!
