Influenza A Prevention
Influenza A (Swine Flu) Prevention Guidelines
There is growing concern for everyone’s health and safety as the swine flu (H1N1 virus) becomes more widespread. Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Normally, people are not affected by swine flu, but human infections can happen and as we have seen recently, have happened.
The symptoms of swine flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting, as well. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn that people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that the flu is contagious before you even know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Our bodies are under constant attack from microbes, allergens and environmental conditions, and it is the job of our immune system to serve as our protector or buffer against these elements. Given the recent flu outbreak and allergy season upon us, supporting your immune system is more important than ever if you want to stay healthy. The best way to strengthen your immune system is with a comprehensive approach that involves healthy lifestyle practices, stress management, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and nutritional supplementation.
The skin is the body’s first line of defense. Many viruses are airborne and avoiding them may be impossible, but germs, viruses and bacteria live on surfaces for a short time and can enter the body through the mucus membranes in the mouth, nose and eyes. This is why it is important to wash your hands before touching your face. Good health habits alone can be natural ways to boost the immune system or at least prevent the immune system from having to work so hard.
Viruses can survive for several hours on hands, tissues, or hard surfaces. A healthy person can contract the virus by touching a contaminated surface and then touching his or her own mouth or nose. Using an antibiotic soap may prevent you from spreading germs. But, these soaps can also contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, so it is best to use them only when necessary.
Your immune system is greatly impacted by your dietary habits and nutritional status. Dietary factors that depress immune function include nutrient deficiencies, excess consumption of sugar and unhealthy fats, as well as the consumption of allergenic foods. Sugar can significantly reduce the ability of white blood cells to destroy foreign particles and microorganisms. The negative effects start within 30 minutes and last for over 5 hours.
Optimal immune function requires a healthy diet that is rich in whole, natural foods – such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, and nuts, low in bad fats and refined sugars, contains adequate protein levels, drink water and other fluids (soups, herb teas). Fresh, nourishing foods are great for your immune system. Think salads, soups and stews. Yogurt also provides important beneficial bacteria that helps to keep your digestive system and immune system healthy.
Core Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies are the most frequent cause of a depressed immune system. Therefore, we recommend that everyone incorporate the following 5 key supplements into their daily routine to build a solid foundation.
1) Multivitamin
Unfortunately, even the best diet cannot protect you from nutrient deficiencies. Stress, poor food choices, and illnesses can further deplete your body of important nutrients. Support your body by giving it the nutrients it needs in order to function at its best. Provides a broad range of vitamins and minerals to fills in nutrient gaps in your diet and protects against nutrient deficiencies.
2) Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6)
Healthy fats are necessary for good health, have anti-inflammatory properties, and cannot be manufactured by the body. EFAs support hormone balance, cardiovascular, reproductive, joint, brain, immune, and nervous system health.
3) Antioxidants
Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect the body from harmful free radicals and play a role in disease prevention. Antioxidants protect the body’s tissues against stress and inflammation and enhance immune function.
4) Probiotics
A healthy immune system begins in the gastrointestinal tract. In fact, the digestive system produces up to 75 percent of the immune system’s cells. Beneficial bacteria that is vital for digestion, preventing the overgrowth of yeast and other pathogens, and for manufacturing B-complex vitamins and vitamin K.
5) Vitamin D
Beyond its role in bone health, new research shows that vitamin D3 also improves immune function and can reduce the risk of some cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Vitamin D also seems to play a role in cold and flu prevention.
It is estimated that over 70% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. And, during the fall and winter months, your vitamin D levels fall to their lowest levels.
Vitamin D regulates the expression of more than 1,000 genes throughout the body. They include ones in macrophages, cells in the immune system that, among other things, attack and destroy viruses. Vitamin D switches on genes in macrophages that make antimicrobial peptides, antibiotics the body produces. Like antibiotics, these peptides attack and destroy bacteria; but unlike antibiotics, they also attack and destroy viruses.
Beyond Core Nutrition
A healthy lifestyle goes a long way toward establishing a healthy immune system. Factors that increase immunity include: not smoking, increasing your intake of green vegetables, eating regular meals, maintaining a proper body weight, getting more than 7 hours of sleep, and exercising regularly.
Stress
While short-term stress, such as playing sports or dealing with an immediate threat, is a temporary natural immune system enhancer, numerous studies have shown that chronic stress reduces immune activity. Those who deal with chronic stress, such as a high pressure job or a troubled relationship, typically have lower than average white blood cell counts.
Sleep
Good sleep is very important to a healthy immune system. During deep sleep, immune-enhancing compounds are released, and many immune functions are greatly increased. Aim for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep nightly.
10 TIPS that can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick
1) SCRUB!
Wash your hands with soap for at least 30 seconds - and wash them often. If you can’t wash, then use a hand sanitizer. Use sanitary wipes to clean phone mouthpieces, door knobs, computer keyboards, and other hands-on surfaces.
2) COVER!
Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands, where germs will be spread on everything you touch. Instead, use a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
3) HANDS OFF!
Don’t touch your face. Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you travel or are exposed to lots of people, you may increase your resistance by using throat sprays and zinc lozenges.
4) FLOSS!
What does flossing have to do with virus prevention? Plenty. Over 300 species of bacteria live in your mouth, and viruses use bacteria as “factories” to grow and multiply. So be sure to floss at least once and brush at least twice daily, and give those viruses fewer options.
5) EAT RIGHT
Cut down on sugar and eat more fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system. If you should get infected with a cold or flu, you’ll be in better condition to help fend it off or shorten its stay.
6) DRINK WATER
Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and keep you hydrated.
7) WORK OUT!
Aerobic exercise speeds up the heart, helps transfer oxygen from your lungs to your blood, and makes you sweat – all of which can help increase the body’s natural virus-defending abilities.
QUIT SMOKING
Statistics show that heavy smokers get more severe colds and more frequent ones.
9) SUPPLEMENT
Key vitamins, minerals, and herbs can help to keep your immune system strong so that you can fight off infections. Pathway IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT is a comprehensive formula designed to strengthen your defenses. We also recommend supplementing with extra vitamin C and vitamin D.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician if you have any question regarding a medical condition.
