By Dan Gleason, DC

Many people try to limit exposure to the flu. They may stay home, wash hands, use hand sanitizers and even wear masks. While these measures may help, more emphasis needs to be put on increasing resistance to the flu virus and all other harmful microbes.

Americans are told that flu vaccination is necessary and effective. However, much of what is in the popular press on vaccination comes from the CDC. In February 2020, the Mercola website stated: “When it comes to vaccines, it’s quite clear that the CDC is anything but impartial. It owns vaccine-related patents and employs and defers to ‘experts’ who have deep ties to vaccine makers. It funds pro-vaccine front groups that lobby for mandatory vaccinations, and it receives funds from vaccine makers.”

This contrasts with the conclusions of The Cochrane Collaboration, one of the most respected, independent research organizations in the world. Research from The Cochrane Library brought up the following quotes: “Seventy-one healthy adults need to be vaccinated to prevent one of them experiencing influenza… There is little evidence that flu vaccines prevent complications, transmission, or time off work. Other reviews have drawn similar conclusions.” Another one states: “Healthy adults who receive inactivated parenteral influenza vaccine (shots) rather than no vaccine probably experience less influenza, from just over 2% to just under 1%. Certainty of evidence for the small reductions in hospitalizations and time off work is low.”

The Cochrane Review indicates that the flu shot doesn’t necessarily protect people in a significant way, so turning to other preventive measures may be key. There is a wealth of information on how nutrition affects immune function and the following nutrients are known to work to increase resistance to infection:
– Vitamins A, C and D
– Zinc
– Echinacea, Goldenseal and Elderberry
– Astragalus, Mushrooms, Beta 1,3 glucan
– Flavonoids, Andrographis and Lauric acid

Supplementing with these nutrients can improve chances of avoiding or lessening the impact of getting the flu, as can sufficient sleep and exercise. Doctors can test the immune system through blood counts and nutrient levels and provide advice on diet and supplementation.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is deficient in many important nutrients and is full of toxic anti-nutrients that weaken the immune systems. Elevated blood sugar, pre-diabetes and diabetes itself all increase the risk of infection. The deaths attributed to influenza are often secondary to other severe disease processes like cancer, heart disease, HIV and other immune-compromised conditions.

The 1918 flu epidemic killed many people worldwide during a time when populations were moving all over the world. Malnutrition was widespread. Sanitation was lacking. Reports from that time indicate that those who received chiropractic care had much lower rates of mortality. To learn more, Google “1918 flu + chiropractic.” The book, The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas by Walter R. Rhodes, D.C. also gives an interesting perspective on the positive effects of chiropractic adjustments.

Dr. Dan Gleason is the owner of The Gleason Center located at 19084 North Fruitport Road in Spring Lake. For more info: go to TheGleasonCenter.com or call 616-846-5410. See ad page 2.