Is it possible to prevent illness and strengthen our immunity- without a flu shot?
Most definitely, yes.
When I was at my worst point with severe Adrenal Fatigue, I was sick all winter long. It seemed like 1-2 times every month, I had something, and it took forever to recover from each one.
Not only that, but I suddenly started to get severe sinus infections, and athsma symptoms for the first time in my life, and had to keep a rescue inhaler just in case. I never had to use it. thankfully, but I also knew that It wasn’t that my body needed an inhaler, it was that my immune system was compromised.
Now that I have healed, I may have a breif and mild bug 1-2 times a year. My immune system is wicked now. So, yes, it is possible to prevent illness to a degree – or at least the number and severity of them every year.
“Germ Theory” informs us that we need to kill the microbes, as they are the cause of sickness. “Biological Terrain Theory” tells us that it is the health of the host (human) and the strength of the immune system that determines whether or not one gets sick.
Its that time of year again, the kids back to school, exposed to more germs, we are all gathered more in close quarters indoors, getting less sunlight, less time out doors, and in turn, less Vitamin D! Vitamin D is essential for our immune health and mood. Low vitamin D levels are linked to immune dysfunction as well as depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (A.K.A the Winter Blues) and depression can cause lowered immune function. It is all interconnected.
There is a theory that suggest that there is no such thing as “cold and flu season” but that we are more prone to illness this time of year because of the above conditions.
Many hold strong to the “Germ Theory”, that we must kill all germs and bacteria to avoid illness, hence why so many people are obsessed with hand sanitizing chemicals, bleach and chemical cleaners to ‘kill’ off the germ.
I won’t even get started on the flu shot debate, but I will say that unless there is a proven medical reason, or your workplace enforces this, do your research before blindly rolling up your sleeve, and try the methods I include here to strengthen your immune system naturally.
Knowledge is power, and many are just looking for a quick fix for everything, even if it’s not the healthiest way to go.
Based on my research, I have settled into the comforting belief of the “Biological Terrain Theory”
We are exposed to so many different germs and bacteria in a given day, more than we even are aware of! And most of them don’t make us fall ill. Gross, yes. But this is actually GOOD NEWS!
Have you had the experience of your entire family all coming down with a flu, cold or stomach bug, while you have cared for them, cleaned up vomit, been coughed all over, and somehow, by the powers of the Universe, you didn’t get sick?
What does this mean exactly?
This proves that we do have the ability to resist certain bacteria and viruses, IF our immunity is running at an optimal level.
Again, this is good news, because now you can empower yourself and find ways to strengthen your immunity, and have less sick days this year!
If you are experiencing fatigue, weight gain along with the signs of low immunity, you may have a condition called Adrenal Fatigue.
Signs of weakened immune function:
~ Frequent illness, you seem to catch everything that is ‘going around’
~ Illness that drags on for more than 7-10 days
~ frequent or reoccurring respiratory infections
~ Skin rashes
~ chronic sinusitis and chronic allergies
~ frequent infections
If you’d like to reduce your number of sick days, and improve your immune system, I encourage you to focus on doing all that is within your power to strengthen your your body’s inner functioning.
Through stress management, proper nutrition, addressing candida overgrowth and digestive issues, avoiding foods you are sensitive or allergic to, reducing your consumption of added processed sugar, and processed foods, specific supplementation, and lifestyle practices that support vital health, you can make a difference in your overall health all year long.
If you would like to join a supportive community of women, I invite you to come on over to my interactive Thrive Facebook group for more tips, and support on your journey to whole being health.
I also offer free 30 minute Skype Consultations to assist you in addressing your most challenging health issues from a holistic perspective. You can apply for your session to see if working together might be a good fit.
I will leave you with this simple reminder : The greatest Wealth is GOOD health.
Stay healthy. Stay Grateful.
If you found this blog helpful, go ahead and forward this onto others that may benefit from this information, it may help them as well!
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Leanne Oaten
Holistic Counsellor
E: leanne@leanneoaten.com