Drmaryanne's Blog

As flu season rounds the corner, be sure to take care of your health to reduce or eliminate your risk of contracting the flu. The key is to keep your immune system strong by following these guidelines:

• Eliminate sugar and processed foods from your diet. Sugar consumption has an immediate, debilitating effect on your immune system.
• Take a high quality source of animal-based omega 3 fats like Krill Oil.
• Exercise. Your immune system needs good circulation in order to perform at its best for you.
• Optimize your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is the likely cause of seasonal flu viruses. Getting an optimal level of vitamin D will help you fight infections of all kinds.
• Get plenty of good quality sleep.
• Deal with stress effectively. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, your body will not have the reserves it needs to fight infection.
• Wash your hands. But not with an antibacterial soap. Use a pure, chemical-free soap.

During the flu epidemic of 1918, the osteopathic profession showed the value of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

“In 1918, C.P. McConnell, DO, reported that the most effective treatment during the influenza pandemic was begun early in the onset of symptoms (within the first 24 hours) and consisted of carefully applied muscular relaxation and, most importantly, relaxation of the deep and extensive contractions of the deep spinal musculature and mobilization of the spine. These treatments would be repeated two or three times early in the course of the infection, along with traditional supportive measures such as hydration. During later influenza epidemics, such as the 1928-1929 and the 1936-1937 outbreaks, various lymphatic pump treatments and more attention to the cervical and upper thoracic regions were added to this recommended treatment protocol. These treatments, individualized to each patient’s needs, were apparently the most commonly applied osteopathic medical procedures during the epidemics.”
Michael M. Patterson, PhD,
The Coming Influenza Pandemic: Lessons From the Past for the Future. JAOA, Nov. 2005