Here we are again, at the peak time of the dreaded flu season. As you are probably aware, this year has seen a significant rise in flu related illness compared to previous years. You cannot get through one news broadcast without hearing about warnings of flu related sickness or death. If that weren’t bad enough, you also can’t drive very far without seeing signs for FREE FLU SHOTS. It is no wonder why so many people are terrified about the flu. (Side note – statistically there are FAR FEWER flu related deaths than there are deaths from pharmaceutical drugs.)
That being said, what can we do to protect ourselves from succumbing to the effects of the flu. Below is a list of strategies that I implement every “Flu Season”:
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT – This is the most important thing I do. Why? Research performed over the past several decades have positively demonstrated how chiropractic adjustments improve overall health. For example, some years ago Patricia Brennan Ph.D and her team found that when a chiropractic adjustment was applied to the middle back, the response of white blood cells taken from blood collected 15 minutes after the adjustment was significantly higher than blood collected 15 minutes before. This research demonstrated an, ‘enhanced immunity burst’ following the chiropractic adjustment – such a ‘burst’ is specifically needed for our immune cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
INTERMITTENT, DAILY or BLOCK FASTS – This is the second most important thing that I do. In fact, because of all of the amazing health benefits that you achieve through fasting, I make fasting a part of my everyday life. We are all familiar with the phrase, “Feed a cold, starve a fever”. Well, I believe it should say, “Starve a cold, starve a fever.” When you are fighting a cold or fever, your body requires energy. When you are eating large meals, your body uses a good portion of its energy to digest and breakdown the food. This takes away from the energy that your body needs to fight the bacteria and virus, thus prolonging your sickness. Instead, I make sure to stay well hydrated with plenty of mineral water and chicken, bone, and vegetable broths.
HERBS, VITAMINS & ESSENTIAL OILS – This is the trifecta. Whenever I feel a cold, sore throat, or some other symptom, I immediately ramp up my Vitamin D3 to 50,000 IU/day, Vitamin C to 5,000-10,000 mg/day, Zinc to 250 mg/day. I also take herbal remedies of Virox (VIVI) by Systemic Formulas and Ginger and Oregano essential oils both internally as well as topically. This is not at all an inclusive list, there are plenty of other great antiviral, antibacterial, immune boosting supplements to use, however these are my go to supplements.
If you and your family follow these simple tips then you will be jumping for joy this cold and flu season.
At Stanly Wellness Center, we are eager and ready to help you and your families achieve the best health possible. If you are looking for help with your health or you know of someone who is suffering with poor health, call the office of Stanly Wellness Center at 980-355-7600 and schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation with Dr. Patrick Ess to see how he can help. Dr. Ess will not waste your time or money. He will let you know if he can help you, and if he can’t, who in the community can.Our office specializes in nutrition, detoxification and neurological correction. You can also refer to our website at www.AskDrPatrick.com for more information. We accept most major health insurances including BCBS, Aetna, Humana, UHC, Medicaid and Medicare.
