Driving home from the clinic the other day, the radio news announced that the flu has reached Spokane early this year. It strongly encouraged the listeners to rush off and get the flu vaccine in the hopes of warding off the ravages of influenza. Regularly calls come into our office asking, “Is there a natural alternative to the flu vaccine?” People are interested in avoiding flus, colds and other nasty bugs that seem more vicious this time of year without using vaccines, drugs or toxins.
Over the years we have been inundated with the concept of germ theory. This states that disease is caused by a germ (virus, bacteria, etc.). Microbes as the root of disease were first discovered by Louis Pasteur in his research with rabies and anthrax. Pasteur is regarded as one of the three main founders of microbiology, together with Ferdinand Cohn and Robert Koch. His theories became the basis for modern medicine. Though no one can deny the reality of pathogens, our zeal and focus on them should never overshadow the need to maintain a healthy, vibrant immune system. The strength of our immune system and the quality of our internal terrain truly is the basis by which disease is prevented or overcome. Even Pasteur at the end of his life acknowledged the importance of our milieu when he said, “The microbe is of little consequence if one’s internal environment is in order.”
The consumption of sugar weakens your immunity for up to 6 hours. Stress and the lack of sleep also reduce your ability to fight off disease. Consuming synthetic and devitalized foods loaded with preservatives, colors and fillers is a formula for disaster.
The key to building a vibrant immunity is consistently supporting it with dynamic herbs and whole foods. The immune system is composed of lymphatic vessels and organs, white blood cells, specialized cells residing in various tissues, and specialized chemical factors all of which must be supported. There isn’t any single magic bullet that can immediately restore immunity. Instead, we must take a comprehensive (holistic) approach involving lifestyle, stress management, exercise, diet, nutritional supplementation, glandular therapy, energetic balancing, and plant-based and herbal therapies.
Yes, you can avoid the flu this year, but you must be intentional. Post Falls Naturopathic Clinic is dedicated to helping you design a positive, personalized plan to build your immunity this year. We use cutting edge technology to determine where your individual weaknesses are, then we prescribe the most potent herbal and nutritional formulas to address your personal weaknesses. This customized approach will provide you with the best plan to avoid getting sick this year.