Some thoughts on Immune Boosting
This winter has brought some really nasty strains of colds and flu, along with respiratory tract infections that can take a long time to go away!
The question of how to strengthen the immune system has intregued me for years and I have spent a lot of time looking for the ‘magic bullet’ that will solve everyones problems. However, what I have learned is that the immune system is wonderfully complex! and that there are many different factors affecting our immunity. Although it may not be an easy, one size fits all situation, I do have some advice that I feel could be helpful.
Here are some tips if you have the flu:
1) Take good quality Echinacea – this should make your mouth tingle (that means it contains the active ingredient), if not it might not do be effective
2) Take a zinc supplement.
3) Don’t rely solely on Vitamin C. Although the media’s sweetheart, recent research has questioned is effectiveness! https://www.health.harvard.edu/cold-and-flu/can-vitamin-c-prevent-a-cold
To prevent the flu and build your immunity:
1) Take a good probiotic – those friendly bugs also help your immune system.
2) Get a zinc supplement and take a dose daily.
3) Take vitamin D3 – This is my top tip! Amazingly, many people are lacking in this vitamin and yet this could boost the whole family’s immune system, if you are lacking. But be careful! It is a fat soluble vitamin and levels can build up in the body, so we shouldn’t take too much! While the over the counter vitamin D3 supplements often use smaller, safe doses, the larger doses that give the best and quickest responses should be prescribed by a practioner. Typically we would use a simple blood test to check the levels before we embark on long term treatment. Vitamin D3 may even support bone health, metabolism and even prevent some cancers!
Shedule an appointment to get the right supplements or to get your vitamin D levels checked.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me to find out more.
