How to Avoid the Seasonal Flu (With IV Therapy!)

We know you’re busy. We know you’re too busy to block off two hours of your day for an in-office vitamin infusion, and we know that sometimes you’re too busy to home-cook meals and make sure to get your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients. So we know that you’re also way too busy to get sick. Not when the flu is going around school (and no matter how many times your kid washes their hands, they still feel sticky or slimy). Not when your coworkers refuse to take a sick day and stay home (and you’re starting to question whether they wash their hands any more than your kids do).  And especially not when you’re juggling end-of-the-quarter responsibilities with holiday party appearances and family get-togethers. 

But how cruel is it that the very things we don’t have time to do in the first place—like eat our veggies, get enough sleep, and take time for ourselves—everyday are the very things that prevent everything from coming to a halt once the flu knocks on our doors? And even though the annual flu shot certainly helps, when has that ever been enough? 

The reality may not be so hopeless, though. There are a key vitamins and nutrients that could be the key to escaping the yearly influenza torment without sacrificing your responsibilities. 

Glutathione

Glutathione—among many other things—plays a significant role in bolstering the body's defense mechanisms. A powerful antioxidant produced naturally by cells, glutathione neutralizes harmful free radicals and oxidative stress that can weaken the immune system. Glutathione also supports the immune cells that are pivotal in identifying and fighting viral influenza cells, like T cells and natural killer cells.

But that’s not all it does. Glutathione also facilitates the production of cytokines, which are crucial signaling molecules that regulate the immune response and enhance its ability to mount an effective defense against influenza. 

There’s a reason our parents told us to eat our leafy greens. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale are all rich in sulfur, which is required for natural synthesis of glutathione. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another of the vital players in the immune system’s fight against the season flu and cold. Similar to glutathione, vitamin C boasts potent antioxidant properties and safeguards cells from oxidative stress, which can compromise immune function. 

One of the most widely known immune boosters, vitamin C aids in the production and activation of white blood cells, including phagocytes and lymphocytes, which play a pivotal role in identifying and eradicating influenza virus cells. 

One of the most dangerous parts of the viruses responsible for the seasonal flu is their ability to replicate rapidly and take over the body. Vitamin C helps the body produce interferons. Interferons are proteins that interfere with viral replication, which both prevents sickness and makes recovery time shorter once already infected. 

Finally, vitamin C prevents that nasty seasonal flu—no matter how many door handles or railings you touch—by helping the body produce more collagen. You may have seen this ingredient on your skincare and hair product packaging, but it’s also vital for mucus production, which is the body’s very first line of defense against viral and bacterial particles. 

We’re sure you already know that citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits (and good, old Emergen-C) are a great source of vitamin C, as are various types of sweet and hot peppers, cherries, and fruits like guava and pineapple. 

Vitamin B Complex

Another integral part in fortifying the body's defenses against the seasonal flu, vitamin B supports various aspects of immune function. The different B vitamins, such as B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12, are crucial for the production and maturation of immune cells, including white blood cells and T cells. Both of those cell types are central to the body's ability to recognize and combat influenza viruses. 

Apart from supporting the immune cells that fight off viral bodies, the vitamins in B complex also contribute to the synthesis of antibodies, which enhance the immune system's capacity to neutralize pathogens. Vitamin B6, for instance, aids in the production of cytokines that regulate immune responses, while B12 supports the functioning of natural killer cells. Furthermore, B vitamins play a role in maintaining the overall health of epithelial cells, which form a physical barrier against viruses attempted to enter the body.

Vitamins in B complex are often found in foods high in protein, like meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. 

Zinc 

Zinc complex is another pivotal component in preventing the seasonal flu. This essential mineral plays a significant role in the development and activity of neutrophils and macrophages, two types of immune cells that are instrumental in identifying and eliminating flu viral bodies. Zinc also participates in the production of antibodies, promoting a targeted defense against pathogens. 

However, one of zinc’s most important benefits is its ability to inhibit viral replication and attachment to host cells, thereby impeding the flu virus's ability to spread within the body. By supporting these multifaceted immune mechanisms, zinc complex contributes to a more robust immune response, potentially reducing the susceptibility to and severity of the seasonal flu.

Like vitamin B complex, high amounts of zinc are present in protein-rich food, primarily shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy, as well as various nuts and seeds. 

Magnesium

While magnesium is not recognized as a direct preventive measure against the seasonal flu as commonly as the other nutrients we’ve mentioned, it still plays a supportive role in overall immune function. Magnesium is essential for numerous reactions in the body, including those related to immune system function. 

On a larger scale, magnesium contributes to healthy cellular function and minimizes oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system. By ensuring optimal cell function, magnesium indirectly bolsters the immune system and enhances the body's ability to fend off the seasonal flu and other pesky illnesses.

Luckily, dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, as are bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and unsurprisingly, leafy greens, too. 

While it may seem overwhelming and time-consuming to add all of these nutrients, health foods, and raw ingredients into your busy, on-the-go lifestyle, there’s a simpler way. Vitamin infusions are a one-and-done method to give your body the nutrients it needs to fortify the immune system and keep nasty bugs out. Not only is the process quicker (it’s a one-hour appointment in the comfort of your own home!), but the results are quicker, too. While it may take weeks or months to notice a difference in the body from a dietary change, you can expect results from an infusion within hours to days. 

We know how important staying healthy is to our clients, which is why we offer quite the range of immune-boosting infusions. From our Immunity Boost for a quick, well, immune boost, to our Tri-Immune Boost, a stronger formula that includes Glutathione, and our High Dose Vitamin C and Magnesium blend, there are a range of options to choose from when the pocket tissues and the hand sanitizer make their yearly appearances. 

So with that, we wish you the happiest, healthiest of flu seasons. We’ll just leave our booking link here…