So much conflicting information. But at the end of the day, so many just want to know what to do. Be proactive. I believe the saying, “your first line of defense should be a good offense.” Let’s talk about bolstering the immune system and what are some good, offensive strategies and supplements:
Warm Liquids are Key:
Did you know to stay above the wellness line, hydration is key? This philosophy goes beyond the risks of dehydration. In order for specific illnesses to manifest in the body, they remain stagnant in the throat or chest. If we stay hydrated, especially with room temperature or warm, nourishing liquids like hot tea and broths, this will push pathogens into the stomach, where our body can enlist the help of stomach acid to help annihilate pesky foreign invaders. Here’s what I tell many of my clients: start your day with warm water, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a hint of sea salt to promote stomach acid production. Your indigestion might just dissipate, too 😉
Fight or Flight:
We must shift our nervous system out of fight or flight. For obvious reasons, stress is not good for our body, but this issue plays into the immune system as well. When we are in GO GO GO mode constantly, our body suppresses the production of stomach acid. We need our stomach acid to be in peak production. Good news: by taking small breaks throughout your day, intentionally focusing on deep breathing and relaxing methods (unwinding) the body can shift out of fight or flight. If your body is a little more stubborn, try adding in a good CBD. I love this CBD: https://whollywell.primemybody.com/prod_Shield01
Supplements are Assets to the Immune System, Especially if Your Nutrition is Lacking:
Liposomal Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant, and even in small amounts can protect us from damage by free radicals. It is vital to immune function and is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body. It is truly our most universal antioxidant.
I like this brand: https://amzn.to/2VhnDrt
Vitamin D: Known as the “Sunshine vitamin” Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood. Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. I love this brand: https://amzn.to/2B3cF1U
Look at some published research on Vitamin D and upper respiratory illness here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30399024/
Selenium: Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps defend your body from chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. I like this brand: https://amzn.to/3i1KNvE
Zinc: Zinc helps regulate immune function. According to the European Journal of Immunology, the human body needs zinc to activate T lymphocytes (T cells). T cells help the body in two ways:
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controlling and regulating immune responses
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attacking infected or cancerous cells
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Zinc deficiency can severely impair immune system function.
I like this brand of zinc: https://www.wholescripts.com/Zinc-Glycinate-120-C
or order through my whole scripts dispensary: http://www.wholescripts.com/register/whollywell-jack)
Vitamin A: Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining your body’s natural defenses. This includes the mucous barriers in your eyes, lungs, gut and genitals which help trap bacteria and other infectious agents. It’s also involved in the production and function of white blood cells, which help capture and clear bacteria and other pathogens from your bloodstream. This means that a deficiency in vitamin A can increase your susceptibility to infections and delay your recovery when you get sick (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source). In fact, in countries where infections like measles and malaria are common, correcting vitamin A deficiency in children has been shown to decrease the risk of dying from these diseases.
I like this brand of Vitamin A: https://amzn.to/2NvKU4I
Glutathione: Known as the master detoxifier, Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that’s made in the body’s cells. Its levels decrease as a result of aging, stress, and toxin exposure. Boosting glutathione may provide many health benefits, including reduction of oxidative stress.
I love this glutathione: https://amzn.to/3dvb0iN
Visit my blog post on other immune boosting tips here: https://www.whollywell.me/wholly-well-blog/2019/10/3/immune-boosting-tips-for-fall-winter-reclaim-whole-health
**Did you know that I can dispense high quality supplements through a platform called fullscript? It’s fast, easy and efficient. Feel free to order your supplements through my dispensary here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/wholly-well