Doctor recommends tanning as a way to fight the flu???

We all know how tanning can make you look and feel great... but research now shows it may also help fight the flu! According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician and founder of Mercola.com, flu shots are not the answer for fighting off the flu. Instead, Dr. Mercola states that we would be better off focusing on maintaining an optimal level of vitamin D in our bodies to prevent illness this flu season. Dr. Mercola goes on to state that 10-15 minutes of sun exposure per day is necessary to keep up adequate levels of vitamin D. However, since the winter doesn't always allow for that type of exposure to the sun, Dr. Mercola advises using a "safe tanning bed" in an effort to have your body produce vitamin D naturally.

To support his theory, Mercola cites a recent study published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine , which found that vaccinating young children against the flu didn't appear to have any impact on flu-related hospitalizations or doctor visits during two recent flu seasons. In addition, Mercola says vitamin D levels in the blood tend to fall to their lowest point during flu season, and, because the body's antibiotics (antimicrobial peptides) are controlled by vitamin D, that means individuals with low vitamin D levels have far less protection against colds, influenza and other respiratory infections.

Read more about Mercola's thoughts on vitamin D by clicking here. And once you have, pass this on to a friend or family member who struggles with the flu.