Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
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…
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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.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. Got sick anyway? Don’t just “wait out” that cold or flu. These six simple steps can have you feeling better FAST!
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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 |
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