Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted November 15, 2024

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…

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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.

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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND