Supporting Immunity with Nutrition
I've been getting a lot of questions about how to stay healthy and calm amidst all the fear and uncertainty we are experiencing. Below are some nutritional tips to help you support your immune system along with my top picks for basic immune support in case you want an extra line of defense.
I am not a doctor and this post should not be considered medical advice. Please discuss any health concerns and supplements directly with your health practitioner.
Immune Boosting Nutrition & Lifestyle Tips:
1. Stay Hydrated! Shoot for drinking half your weight in ounces of H2O daily.
2. Eat nutrient-dense foods, especially lots of colorful vegetables, dark berries and clean, organic proteins and heathy fats. These foods are rich in antioxidants which is especially important for older people. People over 50 may also want to supplement with digestive support containing betaine HCl since proper digestion is necessary for nutrient absorption.
3. Avoid sugars and starchy, high glycemic foods as these suppress the immune system. This includes natural sugars like honey, maple syrup, dates, agave and higher sugar fruits. High glycemic foods include white rice, white potato, pasta, bread, and other processed or refined grains.
4. Get plenty of sleep - 7+ hours is the goal.
5. Reduce stress in every way possible. Stress and emotional upset also suppress our immune function, and this includes panicking about this virus. Do what you can and then try not to worry too much as it is unlikely to cause serious illness if you are a healthy person. If you're taking immune suppressant drugs or are part of a more at risk population, stay home as much as possible and be sure to follow steps 1-4.
6. Move your body. Your lymphatic system removes waste like bacteria, viruses, toxins and abnormal cells that can lead to cancer. And because the lymphatic system does not have an organ like the heart to pump the lymphatic fluid around your body, it relies on the contraction of your muscles to make it flow. Too much intense exercise however can over stress your body, so it's important not to push yourself too hard.
And of course, follow all the hygiene advice I'm sure you've already heard:
Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands (at least 20 seconds with soap), and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you can't.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth unless you've just washed your hands.
Use a paper towel on door handles when leaving restrooms.
Clean your phone, tablet, keyboard at least twice daily.
Wipe down door handles in your office, home, etc. I use Clean Well or Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
If you are sick, wear a face mask to prevent yourself from infecting others. Fever, coughing and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of this virus.
Can't find any hand sanitizer? Make your own using 2 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel.
Questions? Hit reply to this email and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. You can also find information about this virus on the CDC website.
Foundational Immune Support Protocol:
This protocol can be taken before or at the first sign of illness, and/or before and after travel. For older people, nutrient absorption and lots of antioxidants are crucial in helping the body fight any respiratory illness which is why I included the Digestzymes. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or medications.
If you are a current client of mine, you can purchase these products (except the Rainforest Immunity) with your 20% discount by logging into either your Fullscript or Wellevate account. If you don't have an account or are not a client of mine, email me and I can email you an invitation to my online dispensary. If you prefer to buy them locally, most of these products or comparable options can be found Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy locations.
Vitamin D3 5,000 60 Caps, Innate Response
Take 1 capsule, once per day with food.
Liposomal Vitamin C, Dr. Mercola
Take 2 capsule, 2-3 times per day (2000-3000mg/day) with food.
Seeking Health Optimal Liposomal Glutathione Original Mint (4 Ounces)
Nasal Spray 1 oz, Nutribiotic, Inc.
2 sprays in each nostril 2-3x/day
Wellness Formula® 120 caps, Source Naturals
Take 2 capsules, 3 times per day with food. For best results, begin taking at the very first signs of illness. During illness, take 6 capsules every three hours. For maintenance, take 2 to 4 capsules daily.
Humic Acid Membrane Active 60vcaps, Allergy Research Group
Take 1 capsule, twice per day with food. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking. This is a pricey but good addition if you feel like you're getting sick, are already sick or have been in contact with someone sick.
Designs for Health Digestzymes - 1 capsule once per day with each meal.
Anima Mundi Rainforest Immunity - 1 tsp daily in a smoothie or beverage.
This is my absolute favorite immune boosting supplement, but it is currently sold out. Watch the Anima Mundi site or their Amazon store and snap it up when it's back in stock.
