Boost your immune system this season
Boost your immune system this season
Welcome to 2021!
It goes without saying that I hope this year brings better health, more peace and calm to our country, society and each other.
This last year was something else, which I am sure is nothing new for all of you. With the onset of the pandemic, I paid close attention to leading experts and their messages on how to better boost our immune systems and lay a foundation to support our bodies as we battle not only the normal cold and flu, but also Covid-19.
This came in handy as Covid-19 made its way through our family not once, but twice. I am happy to share with you that my husband and I have survived Covid-19, my husband twice now, without any serious side-effects or lasting damage. My daughter and her family also weathered the storm this last November, and I have had countless friends and family also battle the virus.
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Through all of this, I learned a lot. I have access to industry-leading experts on nutrition and health, including medical experts and clinicians. As we continue to learn more, these experts publish their findings and also advice on a range of topics, including what we can do to support both our immune and respiratory systems.
I would love to share some of my discoveries through both personal trial and lots of research with you. There is a caveat, however:
Boosting your immune system does not mean curing covid-19
This article is intended to discuss boosting your immune system, not curing or combating any specific virus, Covid-19 included. It is my personal belief that, with a healthy diet, exercise, and by supporting our immune system with proper supplements, we can further support our body’s natural immune system.
And, if you would like more personalized recommendations based on your own needs and medical history, I would love to set up a 20 minute free consultation with you.
With that said, here are some of my recommendations:
Photo by Kate Hliznitsova on Unsplash
The best vitamins and supplements to support your immune system
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. We do not make Vitamin C, therefore it must be introduced through food and supplements. It is key in protecting cells, boosting immunity, maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage. It is water soluble, so your body never absorbs more than it needs. (National Institute of Health)
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D, as you may know, is primarily obtained from exposure to the sun. It can also be introduced through food and supplements. It helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. It is know for its ability to aid in boosting the immune system, bone, muscle and nerve health. Because Vitamin D is a fat soluble supplement, it should be taken with fat – ie peanut butter or your fish oil. If you are taking steroids, statins, weight loss drugs, or diuretics, consult with your medical practitioner before beginning a vitamin D supplement program. (National Institute of Health)
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E protects the cells from free radicals, helps to protect against cardiovascular disease, and is involved in immune function. (National Institute of Health)
Selenium:
Selenium is a trace element that is nutritionally essential for humans. It plays a critical role in more than two dozen bodily functions, helps protect against thyroid problems, cognitive decline and asthma. (National Institute of Health)
Zinc:
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in immune function, wound healing, and cell division. Zinc must be taken daily as the body doesn’t store it. (National Institute of Health)
Quercetin:
Quercetin is a flavonoid that is found in fruits and vegetables, and is important to make sure that you have it in your diet through food or supplementation. Quercetin benefits your overall health! It is an anti-inflammatory, an anti-oxidant support, and is anti-viral. (National Institute of Health)
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
NAC is a powerful antioxidant that can help to prevent a range of diseases. It may replenish antioxidant status, boosts immunity, supports heart health, lowers inflammation, and aides thinning mucus. It can also help boost lung function.
Probiotic
Probiotics are both live beneficial bacteria and yeasts that naturally live in our bodies. Although bacterial is usually considered harmful germs, probiotic bacteria is very important to keeping and maintaining a healthy digestive tract which translates to a helping your body digest food, boosting your immune system, supporting the lining of the gut to prevent the bad bacteria from getting out of control, to name a few! Probiotics are found in Kiefer, yogurts, eating lots of good fiber, and fermented foods. If you don’t like these foods, then you can take them in a pill!! I will favorite a couple for you to consider.
These are the top supplements and vitamins that functional medical professionals and medical doctors are advocating today.
My complete selection of immune boosting vitamins and supplements are available through my favorites in my dispensary. Sign up or log in today to get 20% off MSRP for these and any other supplements you may need.
I hope all who read this and find it interesting take an active role in seeking your own road to good health through proper diet, exercise and a healthy mental attitude!
May we be kind, thoughtful and loving to others. this year.
Happy New Year!
Photo by Kate Hliznitsova on Unsplash