By The Strong On Health Team. Clinical Advisor: Dustin Strong, CHN, ACN
The flu is often seen as a temporary illness with a quick recovery, but research suggests that its impact could extend beyond a seasonal inconvenience. There’s growing evidence linking viral infections, like the flu, with long-term effects on neurological health, including a potential connection to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Disease.
In this post, we’ll explore the latest findings on how the flu might influence brain health and share steps you can take to support both your immune system and neurological well-being.
The Flu and the Brain: What’s the Connection?
Scientists have long known that severe viral infections can lead to inflammation, which helps fight off the infection, but also comes with risks. When inflammation becomes excessive or prolonged, it can affect various parts of the body—including the brain.
Emerging research suggests that viral infections, especially those causing widespread inflammation, may increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. This risk is thought to arise from a few factors:
Immune Response and Inflammation: When the immune system responds to a virus, it releases inflammatory molecules. In some cases, these inflammatory signals can spread to the brain, where they may cause oxidative stress and damage brain cells.
Viral Impact on Nerve Cells: Certain viruses can directly infect nerve cells or trigger an immune response that mistakenly targets them. While the flu virus typically doesn’t invade brain cells directly, the immune response it provokes could have long-term effects on the brain’s health.
Microglial Activation: Microglia are specialized immune cells in the brain. When activated by infection, they can clear out damaged cells but may also produce inflammatory molecules. Chronic microglial activation has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Closer Look at the Link
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slow movement. While the exact cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to play key roles in its progression.
Recent studies have found that individuals with a history of severe viral infections may have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease later in life. In fact, some researchers propose that flu-like infections could “prime” the brain for neurodegeneration by:
Increasing Brain Inflammation: Prolonged or intense immune responses may create a persistent, low-grade inflammation that affects brain tissue over time.
Disrupting the Blood-Brain Barrier: Severe infections may weaken this barrier, allowing inflammatory molecules to enter the brain and damage neurons.
Triggering Genetic Vulnerabilities: For those with genetic susceptibility to neurodegenerative conditions, viral infections may act as a trigger, accelerating the onset of diseases like Parkinson’s.
While these connections are still being studied, they highlight the importance of taking steps to prevent severe infections, especially for those with a family history of neurological conditions.
Supporting Immune and Brain Health: What You Can Do
Given the potential link between viral infections and brain health, it’s wise to take a proactive approach to supporting both the immune system and neurological wellness. Here are some key strategies:
1. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. Key foods to include:
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are high in antioxidants that protect brain cells.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins and minerals that combat inflammation.
Fatty Fish: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and reduce inflammation.
Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats that protect neurons and support immune function.
2. Consider Supplements for Immune and Brain Health
Certain supplements can help bridge nutritional gaps and provide targeted support for both immune and neurological health:
Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D are linked to both immune weakness and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin D supports immune cell function and has anti-inflammatory effects on the brain.
Vitamin C: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C supports immune cells and helps reduce oxidative stress in the brain.
Zinc: This mineral plays a role in immune function and protects neurons from oxidative damage. Low levels of zinc are linked to a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Calcium: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. This informs us as to it's overall importance to health, including brain and immune health. Calcium (in a bio-available form, not the carbonate form ideally) is essential for a robust immune response and a commonly overlooked key to longevity.
The Immune Health Pack combined with Cod Liver Oil available from Strong On Health offers a well-rounded combination of these essential nutrients, helping support immune resilience while protecting against the inflammation that can impact long-term brain health.
3. Regular Physical Activity
Exercise isn’t just good for the body; it’s essential for brain health. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, supports neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells), and reduces inflammation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, with a mix of cardio and strength training.
4. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is critical for both immune function and brain health. During sleep, the brain clears out toxins and consolidates memory, and the immune system repairs cells and manages inflammation. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to give your body and brain time to recover and rejuvenate.
5. Practice Stress Management Techniques
Chronic stress elevates inflammation and can weaken the immune system. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help regulate stress hormones and reduce inflammation. Taking time to unwind each day may help protect both immune and brain health over the long term.
Final Thoughts: Supporting a Flu-Free, Brain-Friendly Lifestyle
While the flu may seem like a short-term illness, its impact on long-term health could be more significant than previously thought. By taking preventive steps to protect yourself from severe infections and focusing on lifestyle habits that reduce inflammation, you can support both your immune system and brain health.
Interested in supporting your immune and brain health this flu season? Discover the Immune Health Pack from Strong On Health — designed to boost your body’s defenses and provide essential nutrients that help protect both immune and neurological wellness.
References:
Cocoros NM, Svensson E, Szépligeti SK, et al. Long-term Risk of Parkinson Disease Following Influenza and Other Infections. JAMA Neurol. 2021;78(12):1461–1470. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.3895
Rocamonde, et al. Viral-induced neuroinflammation: Different mechanisms converging to similar exacerbated glial responses. Front. Neurosci., 01 March 2023,Sec. Translational Neuroscience, Volume 17 - 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1108212
Wouk J, Rechenchoski DZ, Rodrigues BCD, Ribelato EV, Faccin-Galhardi LC. Viral infections and their relationship to neurological disorders. Arch Virol. 2021 Mar;166(3):733-753. doi: 10.1007/s00705-021-04959-6.
Dustin Strong, CHN, ACN is a holistic health clinician, speaker, author, and educator with clients and students located worldwide. He is passionate about helping people who have not had complete success with traditional healthcare methods, believing that being healthy requires a total approach, taking into consideration equally nutrition, physical exercise, spiritual balance, and personal motivation.
As the Chief Clinician and Founder of Strong on Health, a holistic health and wellness center in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX metro area, Mr. Strong has specialized in holistic and applied clinical nutrition for nearly a decade. In addition to his 1:1 work with private clients, he is an experienced consultant to other healthcare professionals with difficult cases or who wish to incorporate nutrition more fully into their practices.
He is a sought-after speaker and seasoned educator whose clinical seminars are approved for professional continuing education credits in all 50 U.S. states. He is also a faculty member for The Gaeta Institute and Bahan Consulting and is the only United States practitioner on the faculty for YorkTest, approved by the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine.
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