Cold Flu Season Prevention Tips

Summary

In this video, Dr. Ekberg discusses how stress during the holiday season makes us more susceptible to the cold and flu. He explains how stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, weakening the immune system. The video offers actionable tips for boosting immunity: avoid sugar, eat high-quality foods, stay physically active, and manage emotional stress through relaxation techniques. Dr. Ekberg also encourages viewers to make informed decisions regarding the flu shot and emphasizes that strengthening the immune system is key to avoiding illness. The video aims to help viewers navigate flu season by focusing on health and balance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The flu season (2018-2019) is approaching, and understanding how to boost your immune system can help prevent getting sick.
• 😀 Not everyone gets the flu, as some people have a stronger immune system to resist the virus.
• 😀 The autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) systems, plays a key role in immune function and stress response.
• 😀 Increased stress during the holiday season, starting around Halloween, contributes to making the body more susceptible to illness.
• 😀 Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and suppresses the parasympathetic system, which negatively affects digestion, immune response, and healing.
• 😀 There are three types of stress: chemical (toxins, pathogens), structural (trauma, lack of movement), and emotional (feeling overwhelmed).
• 😀 Sugar is a major source of chemical stress, destabilizing blood sugar, feeding pathogens, and promoting stress hormone production.
• 😀 To combat flu and cold risks, it's important to reduce sugar intake and prioritize nutrient-dense, whole foods like grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, organic vegetables, and healthy fats.
• 😀 Staying physically active is crucial, as exercise helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and support immune function.
• 😀 Finding time to relax and engage in deep breathing or meditation can help manage emotional stress and maintain balance in the body.
• 😀 The flu does not strike randomly; those with stronger immune systems and better balance in their autonomic nervous systems are less likely to get sick.
• 😀 The flu shot is a personal decision, and it's important to do your research and make an informed choice rather than following popular opinion or external pressure.

Q & A

Why does cold and flu season occur every year?

Cold and flu season is influenced by multiple factors, including environmental changes and human behaviors. As stress increases around Halloween through the holidays, people's immune systems become more vulnerable, which is why they become more susceptible to illnesses like the flu.

What role does the autonomic nervous system play in our immune response?

The autonomic nervous system consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. The sympathetic system, responsible for the fight-or-flight response, reduces parasympathetic functions such as digestion, immune function, and healing. This imbalance, caused by stress, can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections like the flu.

How does stress contribute to increased vulnerability to the flu?

Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn weakens the parasympathetic system that handles immune function and healing. As stress increases, especially during the holiday season, it can impair immune system activity, making individuals more prone to getting sick.

What types of stress can affect the immune system?

There are three main types of stress: chemical, structural, and emotional. Chemical stress includes toxins and unstable blood sugar levels. Structural stress comes from trauma or lack of movement. Emotional stress involves feelings of overwhelm, frustration, or inadequate time management, which all can impact immune function.

Why is sugar considered a form of chemical stress?

Sugar is considered a form of chemical stress because it destabilizes blood sugar levels, causing fluctuations that trigger the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Additionally, sugar feeds pathogens that contribute to illnesses like the flu and cold.

How does poor diet contribute to stress and flu vulnerability?

A poor diet, particularly one high in sugar, can destabilize blood sugar and feed pathogens that weaken the immune system. Consuming more processed or unhealthy foods can contribute to increased stress on the body, making it more susceptible to illness.

What are some dietary recommendations to strengthen the immune system?

To strengthen the immune system, focus on eating high-quality foods, such as grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, organic vegetables, and healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, and grass-fed butter. Avoid sugary foods that can weaken your immune function.

How does physical activity help combat stress and improve immune health?

Physical activity helps activate the frontal lobe of the brain, which inhibits the stress response and balances the autonomic nervous system. Staying active improves immune function by supporting the parasympathetic system, which aids in healing, digestion, and immune responses.

What are some strategies to manage emotional stress during the holiday season?

To manage emotional stress, it is important to carve out time for relaxation. This could include practices like deep breathing exercises or meditation. Finding moments of calm amid the holiday hustle can help reduce stress and keep the immune system strong.

What is the role of the flu shot in preventing illness?

The flu shot can help prevent flu infections, but it is important to make an informed decision about whether or not to get vaccinated. The video suggests doing thorough research and considering factors like overall health and immune system strength, rather than relying on external sources or free offerings.