Key steps to prevent viral infections and boost immunity...naturally.
- Vitamin C is a strong antiviral and antibacterial, plus strengthens the body’s resistance to infection. Additionally, it increases the rate of glutathione synthesis.
- Glutathione is a detoxifying agent and quenches free radicals. Higher levels correlate with higher levels of health in the elderly.
- Vitamin D3 regulates the immune system to fight viral and bacterial infections.
- Zinc inhibits the growth of viruses and increases the number of white blood cells to fight infection.
- Vitamin A stimulates immunity and repairs and maintains the health of mucosal membranes.
- Elderberry is rich in Vitamin C and anthocyanins. They increase the mucous membrane’s resistance to infection and decrease mucous formation.
- Nasal Irrigation is the best way to prevent transmission of any germs into the respiratory system. Use rinses with saline, essential oil blends, colloidal silver or use commercial nasal sprays such as X Clear which features xylitol, purified water, salt, and grapefruit seed extract
- Resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with an affinity to repair lung tissue and improve function.
- Immunitone is a combination of herbs, mushroom extracts and other natural compounds to help the body maintain a normal immune system response.
- Essential Oils
Healthy Diet and lifestyle
- Increase foods and spices with antiviral properties - coconut oil, raw garlic, oregano, ginger, kimchi and other fermented foods, walnut, pomegranate, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and medicinal mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, reishi, cordyceps, turkeytail).
- Eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables full of antioxidants which will destroy the free radicals that weaken our immune system. Each color provides different antioxidant power.
- Stay well-hydrated; drink water, coconut water, herbal teas, & bone broth. No soda or sugary drinks.
- Drink or cook with bone broth high in protein- read the packaging - I recommend greater than 9g.
- Eat fermented foods including sauerkraut, pickles (try “real” pickles without added vinegar like Bubbies), miso, kefir, and kombucha.
- Avoid simple sugars and processed/junk food to keep your blood sugar levels healthy which in turn will improve immune system activity.
- Get fresh air and moderate daily exercise but don't over do it. Moderate exercise can boost the white blood cells that “eat” bacteria and viruses.
- Get a good nights sleep. An increase in sleep increases the number of your white blood cells. Loss of sleep even for a few hours at night, increases inflammation in our body which makes us more susceptible to catching infections and having more severe symptoms.
- Minimize stress. Emotional stress creates physiological stress in our bodies that lowers our immune defenses.