Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu

Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza.

That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest.

In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm.

As the temperature drops and flu season ramps up, we should look for ways to boost our immunity.

New research points to a surprising way to do precisely that. And it all starts with your gut

That’s right, my friend. The key to staying healthy this winter could already be hiding in your gut.

It turns out that the trillions of tiny organisms living in your digestive tract could be your best defense against pesky winter viruses like the flu and the common cold.

The human gut hosts trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. But don’t worry. While that may sound alarming, most of these microbes are beneficial.

The majority of our gut bugs are symbiotic, meaning that people benefit from them, and they benefit from people.

These beneficial microbes are vital in preventing pathogenic organisms from colonizing the gut. They compete for resources and attachment sites on the digestive tract lining, effectively crowding out potentially harmful bacteria.

Approximately 70 percent of your body’s immune cells reside in your gut. And your gut microbiome plays a vital role in educating the immune system about which microbes are harmful and which are beneficial.

Recent studies reveal that gut bacteria’s influence extends beyond the digestive tract. Gut flora affects the immune system in other parts of the body, partly through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Diet plays a pivotal role in shaping the gut microbiome. Here’s how…

  • Fiber-rich foods are particularly useful as they serve as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria. SCFAs are produced when bacteria ferment the fiber, and they can enhance immune-cell activity, regulate blood sugar, and improve cholesterol levels.
  • Probiotic foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, also boost gut health. Even small daily servings of these foods can positively impact inflammatory markers throughout the body.
  • The typical Western diet, high in processed foods, animal protein, sugar, and alcohol, can disrupt the gut microbiome and promote inflammation.

But don’t stop with diet. Other lifestyle factors that influence gut health and immunity include stress, physical activity, and sleep. So, it’s time to commit to worrying less, moving more, and getting good quality sleep.

Remember, taking care of your microbiome is a year-round commitment. So, as the cold and flu season approaches, be sure to give your gut the extra support it needs to defend you against those ugly bugs all fall and winter long.

And another thing…

Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily

From Viral Video Star to Heart Health Hero

Scientists say cats do a lot more than just give us a good laugh by starring in the latest viral video. They’re unsung health heroes.

How Does This Year’s Flu Shot Stack Up?

The latest data about this year’s flu vaccine is in, and it might not be what you were hoping to hear. Here’s what you need to know

Beware of this Hidden “Tumor Fertilizer”

You can drastically reduce your risk for colorectal cancer by making a few lifestyle changes. Now, new research reveals another surprising step you can take to slash your risk.

Weird Nightmare Trigger Has an Easy Fix

Nightmares aren’t just a problem for kids. Adults get them, too. If you’ve been having more nightmares lately, your social life might be to blame.

Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins

Think cholesterol-lowering statins are necessary for heart health? Think again. Skip the side effects and try these natural alternatives instead.

5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall

Pumpkin is packed with nutrients that can boost your health from head to toe. So, let’s examine why you should be more of it this fall superfood.

Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER

Aging is an attitude. How old you feel is more important than your calendar age. Move beyond birthdays to cultivate a younger, healthier mental age.

P.S. 6 science-backed immune BOOSTERS.

Source:

He, J., Zhang, P., Shen, L., Niu, L., Tan, Y., Chen, L., Zhao, Y., Bai, L., Hao, X., Li, X., Zhang, S., & Zhu, L. Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Association with Signaling Pathways in Inflammation, Glucose and Lipid Metabolism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(17), 6356.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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

Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life

You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...

Read This

Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits

I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...

Read This

The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”

You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...

Read This

Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First

“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this?  I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...

Read This

Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance

Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...

Read This

Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty

Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....

Read This

Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...

Read This

The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....

Read This

The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health

I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...

Read This

“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead

You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...

Read This