5 Ways to Support Immune Health
Due to COVID-19 and its restrictions for nearly three years, individuals’ immune systems may be weaker now than pre-pandemic levels. It is more important than ever to be proactive in boosting your immune function. There is a lot of hype and marketing out there, so don’t buy into everything you see. Here are a few ways to support your immune system before this winter season.
A good multivitamin. Yep, people always want to skip that one, thinking that they don’t need it. What makes you think you don’t? Media, bad press? Let me ask you this, do you eat well? Truthfully now, how many vegetables daily? And even if you are one of the few who actually eat 5 vegies a day, our soil is diminished in its vitamin values. Vegetables of today aren’t the same as they were 50-75 years ago. Lots of studies have been done on the “Essentials” needed to prevent things like COVID. This has brought some of your old-fashioned vitamins to the forefront again. Things like vitamins A, C, D and minerals like zinc. You will find these in a good multivitamin. Now don’t just buy the cheapo brand, you will get the quality that you pay for. I try to carry vitamins of good quality, but yet not the most expensive out there. A good quality multivitamin should make you feel better, usually you notice it when you run out for a few days. That is when you feel the lack of energy and vitality that the multi brings.
Probiotic. There are many strains of good bacteria available. You want a variety. We carry a professional brand that you aren’t going to find everywhere else. It is top quality and yet a reasonable price. We also have a line that contains prebiotics and is formulated for specific areas, such as gut health, immune, vaginal, or mental focus. One other special probiotic that I carry is one to reset your microbiome. This one cleans out the bad bacteria, so the good can take over and save the day! Prepare your microbiome for the winter.
Herbal Supplements. There are so many to choose from! Elderberry, Andrographis, Astragalus, Olive Leaf, Oreganol, or On Guard Essential Oil to name a few. We have several options for immune support: capsules, tablets, liquids, teas, chewable or gummies. Often support comes in a blend of herbs, creating a synergy that is more powerful than a single herb alone. It is good to use a variety and not the same herb all the time, this encourages the immune system even more.
Eat good food and stay hydrated. You are what you eat, so don’t overdo the junk food! It is easy to see how sugar affects the immune system. Notice how much sickness occurs after holidays: Halloween candy, Thanksgiving and Christmas cookies, or Easter baskets full of sugar. Remember too that our first line of defense is the skin, and the mucosal surfaces must stay moist in order to do their job. Drinking a little water often, works best.
Exercise outdoors and get 7-9 hours of sleep. Exercise in the sunshine as much as possible, to drink in that natural vitamin D, which is crucial for immunity. Getting a good night’s sleep is more important than you think. Our body repairs while it sleeps, so give it time to do so. Sleep deprivation will suppress your immune function quickly.
These are 5 simple ways to boost your immune system and stay healthy for the winter season. Stop by the store, we are stocked up for the cold season, and ready to help you find the support you need.