Everywhere you look, there are tell-tale signs of a shift in the season. And with this shift comes ominous tales of the looming FLU SEASON, as told by the media and the CDC. Their warnings sound like they’re straight from the dark pages of a Grimm’s fairytale, and they might as well be. Flu Season, as we so dramatically portray it, is as fictional as Rumplestiltskin himself; which might also make us question the legitimacy of those 170 million flu vaccinations being shipped out this year. But, as with all tall tales, this one has a few morals we can take from it.
The True Story
When I say Flu Season is a sham, I’m not suggesting that your fever and sore throat are a figment of your imagination. The flu virus is very real, but it’s not anymore prevalent in winter than it is in summer, or any other time of year for that matter. The season is irrelevant; germs are everywhere, always. The reason that more people seem to contract the flu in colder months is because the changing conditions put more stress on our bodily systems, and many of us don’t condition our bodies to adapt to these changes. If we fulfill the fundamental Biochemical, Physical and Psychological needs of our body, then we will be better equipped to fight off germs and combat the flu! Here are the top 5 steps to building Super Immunity and boosting your immune system by at least 100%, according to Dr. Peter Martone of Martone Chiropractic:
- Hydrate- Contrary to popular belief, you need more water in winter than you do in the summer because the air is dryer. You should be drinking at least half your body weight (pounds) in water (ounces) – ie. if you weight 150 lbs, you should be drinking 75 oz or .6 gallons of water per day.
- Vitamin D - 90% of our energy comes from the sun, including transferred energy from food. During the winter, when we are not eating as many fresh fruits and veggies, and not spending as much time in the sun, we need to increase our Vitamin D supplementation.
- Sleep – As the sun continues to go down earlier over the winter months, we might have trouble trying to adjust our sleeping routines. Regardless of season, it’s important that we get 8 hours of sleep a night. This is the time necessary for our bodies to rejuvenate and restore strength in all of our systems.
- Layer – Our body needs to maintain a core temperature of 98˚F. When you get cold, your body is taking necessary energy away from your immune system in order to heat up your body. During cold weather, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing so as to preserve your body heat and allow your energy to stay where it’s needed most.
- Maintain a Healthy Nervous System- This effects everything in your body, including your immune system. One way to do this is through regular chiropractic adjustments to relieve pressure on the spine. A misaligned spine will demand excess energy from the body in order to perform simple tasks.
There are also several herbal supplements that you can take to boost your immune system in the colder months, and all year long. Many of these products can up your immunity by 35%.
- Echinacea – This is a popular cure-all herb with many beneficial properties, including antioxidant and antibiotic. Take Echinacea at the first sign of a cold, and this powerful herb can shorten its severity and duration. It is suggested that you do not take Echinacea for more than 10 days to avoid developing sensitivity.
- Chlorella and Spirulina – These are forms of algae that are being considered super foods. They are both an excellent source of protein and have properties to detoxify and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Vitamin C – This has always been the traditional cure for the common cold. Its effects are not stellar but it has been proven to shorten the duration of a cold if taken consistently and in large amounts.
- Goji Berries – These berries are an excellent source of antioxidants to combat free-radicals in the body and allow your systems to function at their peak.
- Maca – This powerful herb has traditionally been used to regulate the endocrine system, which produces hormones necessary for essential body functions.
- Local Honey – Honey has multiple health benefits, including antibacterial and antibiotic properties. Wild honey gathered in your own vicinity will provide maximum benefits.
The Flu Shot: A Gruesome Tale
There has been a lot of speculation as to how effective the flu shot really is. Big Pharma has been plugging vaccinations more than ever in the wake of the H1N1 hype (which turned out to be just that). One would assume they have scientific evidence to back up their relentless promotion, but there is little proof that the flu vaccine actually works. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association , even the National Vaccine Information Center calling for the CDC to stop recommending annual flu shots for infants and children until their safety can be determined.
What’s the harm, you might ask? In order to understand the potential long-term danger of the flu shot, you have to understand the complex inner workings of the body. Here’s the very basic explanation:
Our body has two types of immunity: Humeral Immunity (a short-term antibody resistance similar to an allergic reaction) and Cellular-Mediated Immunity (a slower build-up of antibodies that eliminates infected cells so you can never get that virus again).
The body reacts to a vaccine on a humeral level with a large antibody reaction. Your cells stay ‘infected’ over a lifetime, instead of being disposed of as they would with a cellular-mediated reaction. Because of these vaccines, your body is learning to respond to external toxins like an allergic reaction, so that’s why there are more allergies today than ever before. This is also why you might have prolonged illnesses, because your body can’t combat it with antibodies as effectively.
If this doesn’t turn you off, you might be interested in hearing how vaccines are created. This frightening step-by-step explanation was given by Dr. Martone:
1. The virus is injected into a fertilized chicken egg, an effective growth medium.
2. The egg is then injected with antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth.
3. In order to extract the vaccine, scientists use an alcohol-based detergent.
4. They then inactivate and stabilize the virus using formaldehyde.
5. Although previously banned, this year’s vaccines are preserved with a mercury-derivative.
These are the chemicals that enter your body when you are injected with a flu vaccine. Mercury in vaccinations has been linked to Autism and other neurological disorders, and antibiotics have been linked to resistance and hormonal disorders. It is also possible that the vaccine could cause the recipient to get as ill as they would have had they contracted the actual flu virus.
Each individual must decide whether the risk of potential side effects is worth the uncertain protection of a vaccine. Should you follow the Five Steps for Super Immunity, your body will be healthy enough to combat germs and resist infection of the flu virus. We often underestimate our body’s natural ability to heal and protect itself, without the assistance of a chemical-laden vaccine. Maybe it’s time to stop listening to the Big Pharma fairy tales and start paying attention to ourselves… then we can all live happily and healthily ever after.
