The infamous “they” say it’s going to be a bad cold and flu season this year, and with all of us being couped up inside and masked for so long this doesn’t come as a surprise. While Covid continues to be a threat, plenty of other microbes are lying in waiting for an unsuspecting host to come along. Being a practitioner that focuses on preventative medicine, the question becomes what can we do to best protect ourselves and bolster our immune systems to ward off this cold and flu season?
Some simple reminders – these things will lay the foundation:
• Frequent hand washing or sanitizing especially when out in public places
• Trying to avoid touching your face/nose/mouth
• Getting enough sleep
• Minimizing sugar intake
• Remembering the vitamin D
These are the basics of immune support, and we all need a little reminder from time to time in terms of the magnitude of their impact on our immune health.
There are many nutrients that can further bolster our immune function, some of my favourites are:
• Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps, chaga – these can be purchased as a throat spray (literally one of my favourite products the Host Defense Mycoshield), capsules, teas for decoction (quite tasty), or powders to mix in seasonal elixirs (cue the Light Cellar) or mixed in your morning coffee (I swear you won’t notice they’re in there). These babies magnify your immune response by up to 300%
• Zinc – a simple nutrient that is a cofactor over 200 reactions in your body including many immune processes
• Vitamin C – so simple, but so powerful
• Echinacea – one of nature’s finest herbs for immune support
• Probiotics – a huge portion of our immune system in housed in our gut – having a healthy microbiome can drastically help ward off unwanted pathogens
And last but certainly not least, and probably my overall favourite immune support is IV therapy. No surprises here! Intravenous therapies pack a big punch for your immune system. There are several IVs we offer that significantly improve immune function including the myers, multi-min, high dose vitamin C and super immune.
I think of IVs for immune support in the following circumstances:
• Your immune system can’t catch a break – you keep getting cold after cold and cannot seem to ward off anything
• You are run-down from short or long-term stress and are feeling depleted/burnt out
• You have been fighting a chronic health issue and your body has little resources left for immune function
• You have chronic gut issues and likely do not absorb oral nutrients very well
• You are just looking for a seasonal boost that packs a punch!
Come chat with us about a customized immune support plan for you. A little dose of prevention goes a long way!
