Health Officials’ Suggested Guidelines

This is good advice to protect yourself against, COVID-19, as well as the flu, common cold  and other viruses

  • Wear your face mask
  • Wash your hands
  • Socially distance
  • Get a flu shot

Holistic Recommendations to Boost Immune System

Take Care of Yourself

This includes eating more healthily, exercising and sleeping more. Make it a point to include foundations of health:

  • 5 a Day –  have one helping each of fruits and vegetables 5 times a day which fills your body with disease fighting nutrients.
  • Exercise – try at least 30 minutes of heart healthy activity each day.
  • Hydration – increase your uptake of liquids.

These suggestions may sound simple, but they are the cornerstones of good health. Good health means better immune systems, which means you will be less prone to viral infections (cold, flu strains and COVID-19).

Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies

Make sure to purchase your supplies early, before inventories are limited. If you can’t find your favorite products, you can make your own natural cleaning products with some very simple ingredients. Vinegar, lemons and baking soda are great for many clean up efforts. For more disinfecting ability, add vodka (100 proof), Castile soap, essential oils and hydrogen peroxide to the list. For formulas, check out this article (https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/green-living/natural-cleaning-recipes).

Add Supplements to Your Daily Routine

There are 15 supplements that may prove beneficial to help support your immune system:

  1. Vitamin D – Helps maintain a healthy immune system.
  2. Zinc – is essential for a healthy immune system, yet as much as 30% of adults are deficient. This supplement aids in prevention and lessens severity of lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs). Limit your intake to under 40 mg daily.
  3. Vitamin C – is the most popular supplement by far, this antioxidant replaces old cells with new ones, and repairs oxidative stress at the cellular level. Like Zinc, it is great for both prevention and lessening of symptoms of respiratory illness.
  4. Elderberry – has been shown to enhance immune system response and may help shorten the duration and severity of colds, as well as reduce symptoms related to viral infections. Although more research is being done, Elderberry contains helpful antioxidants. Since many preparations such as tablets, syrup, an even wine are available, the manufacturers’ dosage is recommended.
  5. Medicinal Mushrooms – Varieties of mushrooms like Cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail are all types that have been shown to benefit immune health. They also help reduce symptoms of asthma and lung infections.
  6. Astragalus – an herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Research suggests that its extract may significantly improve immune-related responses.
  7. Selenium – is a mineral that’s essential for immune health. May enhance antiviral defense against influenza strains, including H1N1.
  8. Garlic – has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
  9. Andrographis – This herb contains andrographolide, a terpenoid compound found to have antiviral effects against respiratory-disease-causing viruses.
  10. Licorice – contains many substances, including glycyrrhizin, that may help protect against viral infections.
  11. Pelargonium sidoides – Some human research supports the use of this plant’s extract for alleviating symptoms of acute viral respiratory infections, including the common cold and bronchitis.
  12. B complex vitamins – including B12 and B6, are important for healthy immune response. Yet, many adults are deficient in them.
  13. Curcumin – is the main active compound in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties
  14. Echinacea – has been shown to improve immune health and may have antiviral effects against several respiratory viruses
  15. Propolis – is a resin-like material produced by honeybees for use as a sealant in hives. Though it has impressive immune-enhancing effects and may have antiviral properties as well.

While there is no guarantee you won’t get sick, these extraordinary times call for an aggressive approach to prevention. If you want a more personalized approach, please make an appointment, we believe prevention is the key to active health.

https://www.thespruce.com/homemade-and-natural-cleaning-products-1900456

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/immune-boosting-supplements

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article

https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2020-08-13/flu-season-prep-complicated-by-covid-19-starts-early-this-year

https://thefreshtoast.com/wellness/how-to-prepare-for-this-years-flu-season/

DISCLAIMER: These recommendations are not meant to treat or cure any disease. Patients should speak to a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.