Flu Season Truths & Tips
Strategies to optimize your immunity.
By Mario A. Mancini, O.M.D.

We are all concerned about the possibility of catching the “bug” during “flu season,” especially now with the new threat of swine flu. Living in fear of this virus or any other will not serve you, so let’s get that out of the way right now. This article is about how you can be proactive and preventative to minimize risk to yourself and your loved ones.

First, I must address a common misconception. What we call “flu season” is not a magical time of year when there are suddenly more “bugs” running around. Our bodies are constantly working on self-preservation. What is different about October through January is a different kind of season – the holiday season. What generally happens during the holidays is - you guessed it - too many servings of that pumpkin pie, less physical activity and A LOT more stress. Dietary, physical and emotional stress plays a major role in all diseases, especially those of the immune system. Higher stress leads to increased cortisol levels, leading to antibody suppression. Antibodies are your immune systems soldiers to recognize and immobilize foreign invaders. “Flu season” is not so mysterious or scary when you understand how your body works. By optimizing your INTERNAL environment with foods that support the immune and elimination systems you not only reduce the probability of getting sick but you thrive in the midst of it all.

Unfortunately most people see a disease and immediately blame the external world, but you are not most people. I know that as my patient you expect more from yourself. So, I am giving you this information knowing that you will be proactive with the tools to fight that evil flu bug. Don’t just sit around and hope it won’t get you just because you got the flu shot. That’s no guarantee. I am counting on you to be an example of optimal health this holiday season.

Chinese medicine has demonstrated an excellent track record when it comes to respiratory viruses. Chinese herbal medicine was a major precautionary measure in Asia through the SARS crisis several years ago and it will be a valuable tool in getting us through the H1N1 threat. Herbs can be used to regulate imbalances and alleviate associated signs and symptoms; and herbal formulas have antiviral and antibacterial properties that reduce the severity and duration of viral infections and bacterial infections. Herbal therapy should definitely be employed to restore optimal health and prevent contraction of infections.

All to often when the body starts communicating we generally don't understand it and want to shut it up with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antacids, etc. These medications have there place in certain situation, but definitely not all. In the meantime, awareness and simple, less invasive modalities can be utilized like rest, dietary adjustments, herbal medicine and acupuncture to name a few.

Let me clarify that Chinese medicine emphasizes integrative and preventative treatments; therefore, in emergencies, Western medicine is generally the treatment of choice. If you experience difficulty breathing or chest pain, purple or blue discoloration of the lips, vomiting and inability to keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration such as feeling dizzy when standing or being unable to urinate… please go the emergency room. If you have flu-like symptoms and are not sure what to do, please call me for advice. I can help assess your symptoms over the phone and let you know what I recommend.

The most important thing I can do for you now is to support the immune system in order to prevent the virus or a future exposure from forming full attachment. Does that mean I can guarantee you won’t get sick this year? No. But the chances of illness and the severity of that illness will be greatly reduced if you do something preventative now.

We have little control over external germs, but we do have control over our internal environment. For example, let’s say you have a stagnant pond with tons of mosquitoes. How do we get rid of these creatures? Do we go out and kill them all? If you do, you only are only dealing with the pests and not the source of the problem – the stagnant water. The same goes for your body… if your internal environment is polluted then germs will proliferate. Even if a disease is genetic, the environment determines if it will be triggered or not. Remember, your body is only as strong as its weakest link. If you have a genetic weakness and a back up occurs of wastes, toxins or acids, that weak link will be first to be effected.

All day long your body is breaking down and rejuvenating itself (cleansing). The body has the ability to handle toxicity. It simply eliminates it. BUT, if you constantly overload your system with a life of toxicity, the body will not be able to handle it. The body is an amazing creation. It can handle/adapt to amazing amounts of stress. But, eventually it will hit a threshold. This threshold is called a healing crisis. This is when you get sick. The body tries to get these toxins/wastes out and it will try to do it any way it can. If it comes out of your skin, we call it acne. If it comes out of your urine, we call it a urinary tract infection. If it comes out of your nose, we call it a cold. If it comes out of your toes, we call it athletes foot. If it’s pushed back into the body and lymph encapsulates it, we call it an upper respiratory infection or worse yet, we call it cancer.

In order for any living thing to survive it must receive nutrition and be able to eliminate. Things you can do right now include minimizing/avoiding toxins going in and giving the body foods that support your innate detoxification and rejuvenating systems. Everyone has different needs so ask me about foods (as well as supplements and herbs) you can incorporate to improve your system. For everyone, it will help if you try to avoid deep fat fried foods; overcooked meats; refined sugars and starches; alcohol; drugs; foods with chemical additives and preservatives. If that sounds like a challenge during the holidays, please read my article on Holiday Eating & Mindfulness. It will help you maximize holiday pleasures and minimize negative health effects when it’s all said and done.

Most importantly, don’t panic. Use common sense to limit your exposure to potential infection, like washing your hands frequently and thoroughly. Focus on balancing increasing demands with more recovery. This is crucial during the holiday season. One easy way to dramatically and quickly tip the scales toward recovery mode is acupuncture. Stay on track with your regular visits. You MUST make your health and priority, now more than ever. I know your life is busy but don’t let the overwhelm take away your “me time.” I can’t emphasize enough how important this is and how disappointing it is to me to see some of my patients collapse under life’s pressures every year around this time. You have the power to control how you handle stress and I am here to help - always. So, I encourage you to do something a little different this year, no matter how small, to put your health at the top of your holiday “to do” list.

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