Keys to Immune Health

There are daily keys to immune health. In this blog we will cover the simple but powerful keys to keeping your immune system healthy and strong year round.

1. Sanitary behavior

Hand washing! The most well-established way to prevent respiratory infections such as influenza and coronavirus is washing with soap and water, FREQUENTLY, for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid products containing triclosan which is a hormone-disrupting chemical.

Cover your mouth and nose as you cough and sneeze with your arm or a tissue, NOT YOUR HANDS!

Don’t Touch Your FACE! On average we touch it 15x per hour.

Keep all your work surfaces clean with disinfection.

Here is the link to the CDC’s recommendations for keys to immune health.

2. What supplements are key for immune health?

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There are several nutrients, plant-based botanicals, and supplements that boost immune function and provide symptom relief during illness. They may also shorten the duration of illness. We use the following products to prevent and treat viral upper respiratory infections:

Vitamins

Vitamin D: Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is one of the most important and powerful nutrients for supporting the immune system. Numerous studies have shown that it reduces the risk of colds and flu. Unfortunately, a high percentage of the population is deficient, so daily supplementation (ideally in the form of vitamin D3) offers the best protection against illness.

Vitamin A: For short-term use and particularly for those with moderate vitamin A deficiency, supplementation can be extremely helpful in supporting the body’s ability to fight infections, particularly with regard to respiratory infections.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine: Has been shown to trigger viral cell death, decreased inflammatory markers and viral replication.

Minerals

Zinc: Zinc plays a significant role in boosting immunity. Often available as lozenges, zinc can help to reduce the frequency of infections as well as the duration and severity of the common cold when taken within 24 hours of onset.

Selenium: Selenium, a key nutrient for immune function, is also an antioxidant that helps boosts the body’s defenses against bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. It may particularly help to protect against certain strains of flu virus. Selenium is easily obtained from foods, with the richest source being Brazil nuts.

Herbs/Foods

Honey: Honey, preferably raw, is a good demulcent (it relieves minor pain and inflammation of mucous membranes), has antioxidant properties, and has some antimicrobial effects. It is helpful for coughs and sore throats and can be added to hot tea.

Elderberry extract/syrup: Elderberry can be helpful in reducing cold duration and severity. With regard to flu, it has been shown to help prevent infection with influenza viruses as well as demonstrating potent antiviral properties that can aid in reducing flu duration and symptoms. Caution in using elderberry may be needed in some people with autoimmune diseases, however, due to the way it stimulates the immune system.

Garlic: Garlic contains a variety of compounds that can influence immunity. Some studies have shown that both fresh garlic, as well as aged garlic extract and some other garlic supplements, may reduce viral upper respiratory infection severity as well as function in the prevention of infection with viruses that can cause colds.

Intestinal Health

Probiotics: Probiotics contain “good bacteria” that not only support the health of the gut but also influence immune system functioning and regulation. Studies have shown that probiotic use can decrease the number of respiratory infections, particularly in children.

Hydration: Dynamic Hydrate-when we are sick and trying to stay hydrated it is crucial we make it count, Dynamic Hydrate has all the electrolytes and minerals to make it happen.

3. Lifestyle plays a big role in immune health

Reduce your stress, we have a unique moment to hit the pause button on a very busy life. Use this time to find stress-reducing activity.

Sleep-Value sleep more, get better sleep, look at our previous talks and videos on our Facebook page on sleep to get a series of great tips. Sleep hygiene 101

Exercise-Moderate activity is a great way to improve the levels of infection-fighting cells in our bodies. Get a little every day.

Nutritious Diets-Never has there been a better time to clean up your diet, not only will you not have the distraction of eating out you have the time to focus on healthy eating. If you need a little help, read our weight loss blog to learn more about our program and the benefit of healthy eating.

4. Self-care, love your immune system

When battling upper respiratory infections the top priorities are rest and hydration. It’s easy to get dehydrated and the infection thrives in a dryer throat and lung environment. Check our link on nutritional supplements to see what we use to stay hydrated. Don’t forget about tea as well.

5. Use the social distance to your advantage.

It’s nice to catch up on Tv and movies but use this time to add a new habit or routine into your lives. Now is the time to start on all those little self-improvements habits you have been holding off.

Thanks for checking out our keys to immune health! Stay healthy and reach out if you have any questions.

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