SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM NATURALLY

You can protect your immune system year-round by making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating nutrient-dense whole foods, getting enough sleep, and taking part in regular exercise that you enjoy. Studies also show that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs can help improve your immune response and further protect against illness. Here are our top 4 picks to give your immunity a boost.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an immunity powerhouse. Healthy levels of this nutrient are essential to the robust functioning of your immune system. This is because it improves how your white blood cells defend and decreases inflammation, which improves your immune response. Many people are deficient in vitamin D and low levels are actually associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory illnesses in general. We prefer liquid vitamin D because it does not need to be broken down and digested, which makes it easily and quickly absorbed by the body for full benefits.

The Covid Lowdown: Recent research indicates that healthy vitamin D levels may help people with COVID-19 avoid adverse outcomes. We don’t know whether taking vitamin D supplements reduces your risk of developing COVID-19, but given its protective qualities, it can’t hurt.

Vitamin C

Even kids know that oranges are packed with vitamin C, which is great for helping to keep you healthy. That’s because this vitamin supports your immune cells’ ability to protect against infection and aids in cellular death. While that sounds spooky it really means that it helps to keep your immune system healthy by clearing out old cells and replacing them with new ones. Additionally, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, protecting against cellular damage from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is basically an imbalance in cells and tissues and your body’s inability to detoxify naturally. If you want the true benefits of vitamin C, you will need to consume it every day, not just at the start of yucky symptoms. When selecting a vitamin C to take, skip tablets, gummies, or chewable. Instead opt for liposomal C, which makes for better absorption in the body.

The Covid Lowdown: In one study, high-dose vitamin C appeared to decrease the time on a ventilator for seriously ill people with COVID-19. More research is underway to better understand how we might use IV vitamin C to help treat COVID-19.

Immunitone Plus

Immunitone Plus is an herbal formula designed to support normal your normal immune system response. Immunitone is comprised of echinacea (improves immune health and has antiviral effects), astragalus (an herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese medicine to improve immune-related responses), elderberry (reduces upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections and helps alleviate flu symptoms), medicinal mushrooms (have immune-enhancing properties), Andrographis (has antiviral properties to guard against respiratory-disease-causing viruses), and more. This potent combination makes for an immunity-boosting must have.

The Covid Lowdown: Due to its hearty combination of herbs that help to encourage a normal immune system response, Immunitone is a must-have as far as we are concerned. In addition, some herbs do double duty. Astragalus, for example, is a well-known adaptogen also useful in stressful situations.

Zinc

Zinc plays an essential role in immune cell development and communication, and in an inflammatory response. A deficiency in zinc may even lead to an increased risk of infection and disease. Zinc deficiency is very common in older adults, affecting up to 30 percent. Numerous studies have shown that zinc supplements may protect against respiratory infections like the common cold. And, supplementing with zinc may be beneficial for those who are already sick. In a 2019 study, supplementing with zinc daily decreased the total duration of respiratory infection by an average of 2 days.

The Covid Lowdown: James A. Robb, University of Colorado School of Medicine MD, and a pathologist, and molecular virologist who, while at the University of California, San Diego in the 1970s, did pioneering work in understanding coronaviruses, noted: “In my experience as a virologist and pathologist, zinc will inhibit the replication of many viruses, including coronaviruses. I expect COVID-19 will be inhibited similarly, but I have no direct experimental support for this claim.”

NUTRITION

When possible, it is always recommended that you improve your dietary intake through whole, nourishing foods and utilize supplements when you know you are not getting enough of something. See below for a few recommendations:

• Foods rich in vitamin D: wild-caught salmon, fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms
• Foods rich in vitamin C: citrus, kiwis, red bell peppers, strawberries, papayas, green leafy vegetables
• Foods rich in zinc: seafood, pumpkin seeds, legumes, cashews

MORE HERB SUPPORT

Immunity can also be enhanced with Chinese herbs, which help to stimulate blood flow and support the endocrine system. Chinese herbs help restore balance to the body, thereby strengthening your resistance. For more information on which Chinese herbs are right for you, or to receive a customized plan, please email us or call us at 631.653.5314 to schedule an appointment.

You can find our recommended top-quality, professional-grade supplements by creating an online account here. Once your account is created, view our Immunity Protocol by clicking on the “Protocols” link at the top of the page. These supplemental solutions for boosting immunity are evergreen and can go a long way (beyond cold and flu season) towards living a healthful life and providing wellness overall. Here’s hoping these immune-boosting suggestions can help you feel empowered and less stressed during this and any time of uncertainty or illness.