by 
John Huntington
By John Huntington
Special to the Nugget
The Flu ‘season’ is upon us – as well as non-stop ads for flu shots and over-the-counter cold remedies.
Evidence of the effectiveness of the flu shot has been less than hoped for. During the 2012-2013 flu season, for instance, US flu vaccines were only nine percent effective against Type A (H3N2) influenza strain in people 65 and over.
The potential for side-effects of the flu vaccine are a great concern for many. These include life-threatening allergies to various ingredients as well as Guillain-Barre Syndrome and other neurological disorders, among others.
These findings show why many people are looking for safe ways to improve our in-born immunity naturally.
In the early 80’s, a medical flu researcher studying the seasonal tie to flu outbreaks, proposed there must be a link to solar radiation and the human immune response.
That idea has now been well-documented, and Vitamin D – generated by sun on skin – has been dubbed the “Antibiotic Vitamin” as it produces ‘anti-microbial peptides’ that fight infection.
When the winter sun lowers in the southern sky, we receive less intense light. We also dress heavier and are inside more during the cold months, all which reduce our sun exposure and subsequently our immune strength.
In tropical climates, flu outbreaks are not near as common, and occur more during the rainy season when clouds reduce sunlight.
If you choose to take Vitamin D3 by mouth, it is important to know researcher show 5000 to 8000 iu per day is needed to raise D levels adequately – however, if you take these amounts it is important to get a blood test to monitor levels, as well as adequate Vitamin K2 (especially if you do not eat organic pastured meat and eggs and hard cheeses – natural sources of this vitamin).
So the data is in – Mother Nature is on the job, we just need to join her OUTSIDE.
Dr. Huntington practices Chiropractic, Biomedical Acupuncture and Physiotherapy in Oracle, Az. 520-896-9844 huntingtonchiro@hotmail.com.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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