Bright Idea to Dodge the Flu REVEALED (No Shot Needed)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 4, 2024
The weather is turning cooler and, as a result, we’re spending more time indoors. That means being around many more people in enclosed spaces and being exposed to any bugs they carry.
So, as flu season approaches, looking for ways to support your immune system is vital.
After all, a healthy immune response can be the difference between sailing through the next few months unscathed or getting knocked down by a pesky virus.
Well, it turns out that one of the BEST defenses against the flu is also 100 percent free. And you can start using it IMMEDIATELY.
In fact, all you have to do is step outside.
Let me explain…
That’s right, my friend, sunshine is the key. And it’s not just about getting a healthy glow.
Researchers from the University of Kansas and Harvard University recently shed some light on a surprising link between sunlight and flu rates.
Their fascinating new study suggests that soaking up some daily sun could be a secret weapon against influenza viruses.
The team focused on the months of August and September in the years 2008 through 2011 and found that there were significantly fewer flu cases in states where those months were sunnier.
The study, published as a working paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research, concluded that for every 10 percent increase in relative sunlight in September, there was an impressive three-point drop on the CDC’s 10-point flu scale index.
That’s not just a small dip—we’re talking about potentially turning a severe flu season into a mild one.
Now, of course, this wasn’t the kind of study that proves one thing causes another. Instead, it looks for significant relationships in the data. And THIS link stuck out like a sore thumb.
We even have a good idea of why it happens. It all boils down to our old friend, vitamin D.
You see, when we’re out in the sun, our bodies naturally produce vitamin D. And the “sunshine vitamin” isn’t just good for strong bones. It’s also a powerful ally of our immune system.
Recent studies have found that taking extra vitamin D could help protect against severe respiratory infections like the flu. And vitamin D sticks around, unlike vitamin C, which your body flushes out pretty quickly.
So, what’s the sweet spot for sun exposure? Well, it varies depending on where you live, the weather, the season, and your skin tone.
You might need over an hour of sun exposure in winter to get enough D, but in summer, it could be just a few minutes. (You can download the “D Minder” app on your smartphone to help track your D levels by location, weather, and UV index.)
So go ahead and step outside and soak up some rays. In fact, I suggest you turn it into a habit by establishing a set time for your daily shot of sunshine. Maybe take your morning coffee break outside or walk during lunch.
Your immune system (and mood) will get a critical vitamin D boost. And as a result, you could end up dodging the flu all season long.
P.S. Got sick anyway? Don’t just “wait out” that cold or flu. These six simple steps can have you feeling better FAST!
Source:
David Slusky, Richard J. Zeckhauser, Sunlight and Protection Against Influenza, National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper Series, Working Paper 24340, www. nber. org / papers /w24340
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...