I don't get the flu shot, so I'm always looking for ways to fortify my immune system against illnesses. A recent study suggests that adopting a high-fat, low-carb diet, such as the ketogenic diet, can help tame the flu.
The study was conducted by Yale University researchers and was performed on mice. According to their findings, the mice who were fed a diet higher in fat and lower in carbs were better able to combat the flu virus. The reason for this is because foods allowed on the ketogenic diet - meat, fish, poultry, veggies, and quality fat sources - all help to activate T cells in the lungs to produce more mucus that helps to trap and expel the virus. It's important to note that this study was conducted prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. But it's very likely that a ketogenic diet could have potential virus-combating benefits when it comes to this as well.
This is just another example of food as medicine. I wholeheartedly believe that a flu shot is not necessary for most people. Sure, if you're highly immunocompromised, it can be very helpful. But the majority of the population is not immunocompromised. They are, however, very likely metabolically unhealthy. Another study done a few years ago estimated that nearly 88% of Americans have some sort of metabolic abnormality. A ketogenic diet has been shown to help with that for most people. And people who are metabolically healthy are also better able to combat viruses, whether from the flu, the common cold, or Covid-19.