Boosting your immune system is something we all should be thinking about in the toxic world we live in! The good news is that you can do something about your vulnerability to these viruses, and other illnesses that can leave you feeling sick and weak for days!
The simplistic approach to boosting your immune system naturally can be divided into three sections; diet, internal and external stressors, and supplementation.
Step 1: Address unhealthy eating habits that can significantly impair the ability of your immune system to respond quickly, and effectively to an attack. The goal is to eliminate, or drastically limit foods that create inflammation in the body; and cause your body to work overtime to heal. These foods include all foods with added sugar; most boxed, packaged, or man-made foods. Excessive sugar consumption alone can result in a 50% reduction in overall immune activity for up to 5 hours following the consumption. Start reading labels; sugar is added to so many foods; even those that sound “healthy,” like juices. Excessive alcohol intake-can also burden the detoxification system and limit the immune process. Inadequate intake of proteins can also be problematic, as protein foods help produce antibodies in the body for added defense. Lastly, a diet that is low in colorful foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains) will leave you low in zinc, selenium, vitamin C, E, and remember…”white is out, color is in!”
Step 2: Eliminate or cut back on internal and external stressors. Toxic stress (constant “busyness”, emotional stress, anger, etc.) is now recognized as one of the most significant destroyers of the immune system. High stress leads to elevated Cortisol production, which results in an immune-suppressed state, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections and illness. Additionally, consider testing for allergies to foods, or chemicals, or possible gastrointestinal tract imbalances, such as fructose intolerance, or Candida. These internal stressors can also lead to further compromised immunity.
Step 3: The last step is to incorporate supplements and herbal remedies to help support your immune function- Vitamin Support: Here are some of the most beneficial supplements to support your immune system!
-Vitamin C: excellent support to fight infections from viruses, or other pathogens. It can also help reduce the duration of illness, virus, or the common cold.
-Mixed Carotonoid complex: This can be used preventatively to improve the status of the immune system.
-Zinc: When zinc levels are low; the white blood cells (body’s defense) function is compromised.
-Vitamin D: This supplement should be used year round with; with higher doses in the winter/spring months. This supplement alone can help prepare your body for a viral attack. Having Vitamin D levels checked once yearly will help determine what your supplementation needs are.
–Goldenseal; contains an alkaloid that has an antimicrobial activity against many organisms, as well as stimulating your immune system.
-Astragalus: a Chinese herb used for improving the body’s resistance to disease.
-Echinacea: An anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent, used to help stimulate the immune system.
-Flavonoids: Quercetin, bioflavonoids, and green tea polyphenols, have been referred to as nature’s immune boosters. They can help the body’s reaction to allergens, viruses, and toxic chemicals.
Start now! Get your body prepared for the bugs that cross your path this coming winter! Staying on top of your self-care can make all of the difference in the way your body reacts to toxic exposure!
Here’s to a High Powered Immune System!
-Peak Medical Clinic