Boost Your Immune System With these Simple Tips
Go to the Chiropractor
Making your health a priority is something we strongly encourage through routine chiropractic care. It allows you and me (your provider) a chance to check in with your body on a regular basis. Thats why I advocate getting adjusted at least every 2 weeks. We always want to make sure our bodies are functioning properly to allow for optimal healing from the inside-out. Our body has an incredible innate ability to heal itself and chiropractic adjustments aid in that by reducing any potential interference on our nervous system and restoring normal body function. There is no better medicine, herb, or tonic that is as powerful as our own bodies. When your body works better, you will feel better, you will heal better!
Fish Oil
Omega-3 essential fatty acids rich in DHA and EPA is widely believed to help prevent disease by reducing inflammation, AND enhance the function of immune B cells, which are a vital part of the body's immune response.
Liposomal Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which assists our ability to ward off and deal with infection. Vitamin C is something you should strongly consider supplementing with on a regular basis. Taking it when symptoms appear might be too late. So be proactive! Especially in those seasons when illnesses are prevalent. Vitamin C is also needed for your body to make collagen, the #1 connective tissue in your body that is responsible for improving the health of your hair, skin, nails, teeth, joints, gut, liver, heart, and more. I like to supplement with this liposomal vitamin C. Here’s another good alternative.
Vitamin D3
The cool thing about vitamin D3 is its practically free! Your skin produces vitamin D3 when exposed to sunlight - specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. You can also consume vitamin D3 in a liquid form such as this one. Vitamin D3 helps fight viral and bacterial infections. Studies have shown that people who supplemented with adequate levels of Vitamin D3 during the cold and flu season had significantly lower rates of infection. Nearly every cell of our body has receptors for vitamin D so vitamin D really drives our bodies innate immunity! When vitamin D attaches to these immune cells, they produce antimicrobial proteins which are antivirals. Helping to ward off potential virus threats, such as the flu or coronavirus.
Zinc
Zinc is required for normal functioning of white blood cells. Supplementing with just 15mg of zinc per day in adults has been found to improve our immune cell’s ability to ward off infections.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries have been a staple in traditional medicine for cold and flu like symptoms for centuries. Their antiviral properties are recently gaining more empirical validation. According to researchers, “Elderberries also contain a variety of nutrients ranging from various vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C and E), trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Fe and minerals such as K, Ca and Mg to phytochemicals such as carotenoids, phytosterols and polyphenols.” (Tiralongo et al., 2016). Elderberry syrup has been scientifically proven to inhibit both influenza A and B strains when given orally in the first 48 hours of flu-like symptoms. Elderberries also possess powerful therapeutic properties: antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidepressant , anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, & potential benefits for respiratory, cardiovascular and mental health. You can make your own Elderberry syrup! Here’s a great recipe.
Stay Hydrated and Reduce Stressors
Stay hydrated with water, coconut water, herbal teas, and bone broths. I recommend drinking at least half for body weight in ounces each day. Bone broth is rich in minerals that support immune function. The marrow of these bones that is simmered for long periods of time contain lipids, especially alkylglycerols, which are vital for the production of white blood cells. Click here for an awesome Bone Broth Recipe! You can always purchase bone broths at the store, but they tend to have a lot of additives. Here’s a great brand to purchase from. Or this one when you need a good immune boost.
Disclaimer: It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
