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…
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.
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
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...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...