Dr. G’s 5 Ways to Stop Flu
Q: I decided to skip the flu vaccine this year because I’ve heard that it might be dangerous. The problem is, now I’m worried that I might not be as protected as I need to be. Do you have any recommendations for staying flu-free this winter?
Pat G.
Dr. G: Congratulations, Pat! Skipping that shot was one of the BEST preventive measures you could take for avoiding the flu this winter.
Did you know that the shot itself can CAUSE the flu? One study showed that getting a flu shot increased your risk of respiratory infections by 4.4 times.
Not to mention the fact that the shots have been linked to everything from allergies to autoimmune disease.
(And I won’t even mention how shockingly ineffective they are.)
But you’re right, the flu can be extremely dangerous, especially the older you get.
So while flu shots aren’t the answer, you should still be taking active steps to prevent the flu this winter.
The best way is to make sure your immune system is up to the task.
Here are 5 ways to keep your immune system up to par through the winter flu season.
- Strengthen your gut. This one might seem like it came from left field…until you find out that 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. Taking a quality probiotic will help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. You can also load up on good bacteria with fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt.
- Vitamin D. Vitamin D is associated with the production of cathelicidin and other immune system peptides that are powerful antiviral and antibacterial agents in our cells. This won’t just help prevent the flu, but will help protect against all kinds of infections.
- Ginger lemon tea. This one contains three benefits in one. Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory, lemon helps us resist colds, and increasing fluids (like tea, broth, and water) helps with digestion, as well as with keeping your throat and airways clear.
- If you do start feeling a cold coming on, reach for zinc. This immune-booster stops the replication of a cold’s cell—a protective action that can shorten the number of days you’re sick. Foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, and oysters are loaded with zinc.
- Finally, stay away from processed foods, and stick with organic food instead. Non-organic food can carry the residue of toxins such as glyphosate (the ingredient in Roundup), which impair the immune system. Along those lines, consuming too much sugar can suppress your immune system for HOURS.
Want me to answer your question next? Email me at [email protected]
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
Study Spotlights a NEW Alzheimer’s Risk Factor
The best way to beat Alzheimer’s is to stay ahead of it. Certain risk factors are out of your control… like your age or family history. But there are MANY other risk factors that you can influence. These include lifestyle choices such as diet, weight, and activity level. More recently, researchers have added a NEW […]
Is STRESS Destroying Your Gut?
We all know stress is a killer. It can cause heart disease, wreck your sleep, and even make you gain weight. But what if I told you that stress is also DESTROYING your gut? And I’m not just talking about a few butterflies in your stomach. I’m talking about a full-scale assault on the very […]
The SHOCKING Link Between Diabetes and Your Mind
We’ve all been there. Feeling down, anxious, or just “off.” And what do we often tell ourselves? “It’s just a bad day. I’ll get over it.” “I just need to toughen up.” “It’s all in my head.” But brushing off your mental health could be putting your physical health at serious risk. Especially if you’re […]
Timing Trick Supercharges Your Cancer Treatment
Cancer is notoriously difficult to treat. And sometimes, what works for one person doesn’t work for another. MANY factors are at play here, but one in particular has flown under the radar… that is, until now. It’s not about WHAT drug is being administered… but WHEN. Modern medicine is finally starting to wake up to […]
Load Up on This Dementia Buster
When it comes to protecting your brain and reducing your risk of cognitive decline, every little bit helps. But this doesn’t necessarily mean overhauling your lifestyle. It can include simple steps like getting more sleep, spending more time with friends, or regular massages to reduce stress levels. (Sounds pretty good, right?) Today, I have another […]
CAUTION: Are You Living In a “Cancer Zone”
You have a lot more control over cancer than you realize. Lifestyle factors like avoiding ultra-processed foods, getting plenty of movement, and not smoking can reduce your cancer risk. But even if you’re doing “everything right,” you could be exposing yourself to something that can increase your cancer risk as much as smoking. When it […]
Fiber Fix Reduces Risk for THIS Terrifying Condition
Everyone knows that fiber is great for digestion. But fiber can do MUCH more than reduce your risk of constipation or hemorrhoids. Over the years, we’ve discovered fiber has other added benefits like lowering blood sugar, reducing heart disease risk, weight management, and more. Today, I have another one to add to the list—and it’s […]
“Breath of Fresh Air” Cancer Pain Relief
When it comes to pain, cancer patients can be hit with a double whammy. Cancer itself often causes pain—and so can the treatments. In fact, PAIN is one of the most common symptoms reported by cancer patients, with 30 to 40 percent experiencing ongoing pain. The last thing they need is to load even MORE […]
Eat Your Way to Lower Anxiety
Anxiety can be crippling. It can cause you to withdraw from your friends… leave you unable to work… and make it impossible to make decisions. Even worse, it can mess with your health, impacting your breathing, digestion, sleep, and more. Doctors predictably treat anxiety with drugs. And while meds might work for some in the […]
Don’t Ignore This Killer Constipation Threat
No one wants to talk about constipation… but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Besides causing pain, gas, and cramps, constipation can lead to more serious health risks, such as bowel incontinence, fecal impaction, anal fissures, and rectal prolapse. But even beyond these issues, constipation can increase your risk of suffering the number one […]