Current situation: I receive frequent calls about how to support your immune system. No one likes to get a cold or illness. Recent research confirms many ways we can stay healthy. For example, studies have shown that people with vitamin D deficiency are 11 times more likely to get a cold or virus, while supplementing with vitamin D can reduce colds and viruses by 42 percent.(i)

Dr. Morreale recommends some suggestions for staying healthy. Start by visiting the following website to explore the standard and well-publicized coronavirus precaution; such as regular hand washing, avoiding handshaking and crowds, and taking extra precautions if using extended public transportation such as airplanes, as well as isolating family members who develop “cold” symptoms, etc. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html . Healthcare providers may need to consider additional precautions as noted here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2F .There are many simple things you can do and some extra supplements you can take.

It is critical to support your immune system through natural means to help you prevent colds and viruses.

Remember, Let Food Be Your Medicine!
 

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially warmer fluids. With the dryer air inside and out, it can be a particularly challenging time to stay hydrated! Consuming adequate fluids supports all of your bodies’ functions including the immune system. Make soups (from scratch with fresh vegetables is always best) and have them throughout the week. Drink herbal teas like ginger daily. Keep a bottle of filtered water with you at all times. Avoid concentrated fruit juices and sweetened beverages, as the sugar content is harmful for the immune system. Juicing green vegetables is always best!
• Avoid simple sugars as much as possible! This includes those sweet treats and desserts but also the white flour and refined grain products that turn into sugar quickly. Avoid the whites. Studies have shown that refined sugars can suppress your immune system for hours after ingested.
• Have protein with each meal. Proteins are the building blocks of the body. This includes your immune and detoxification systems. Organic, clean, and lean animal protein as well as plant-based (legumes, nuts/seeds) proteins are important to get with each meal and snack.
• Add garlic, onions, ginger, and lots of spices (oregano, turmeric) to your meals! Add these to your soups and vegetable dishes, as well as bean dips and sauces. Garlic and onions offer wide spectrum antimicrobial properties.
• Eat multiple servings of colorful fruits and vegetables high in vitamins C, A, and phytonutrients that support the immune system. Choose more leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower), peppers, sweet potatoes, and squashes. Aim for three to four servings of fruits and four or more servings of vegetables daily!
• Get sufficient sleep! We all know sleep restores and heals the body. Without adequate sleep, optimal immune function is next to impossible! Get in a better rhythm and head to bed earlier on those dark winter nights. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Incorporating various relaxation and breathing techniques throughout the day to help with stress and allow the mind to rest is also very helpful!
• Get regular exercise. Mild to moderate exercise (for approximately 30-45 minutes) helps boost the immune system. Avoid overexertion such as training for endurance events when you are feeling run down. This will lower your immune defenses.

It is critical to support your immune system through natural means to help prevent colds and viruses.

Supplements for Adult Immune Support

Here is an overview of the vitamins, minerals, and herbs you need and why they are important.
 

• Multivitamin/Mineral: This is the foundation for any health support regimen. It’s a good way to cover the basic vitamins and minerals your body needs for day-to-day function. If you aren’t on a good mulitivitamin you should get and stay on one. Look for a high-quality, broad-spectrum multivitamin and mineral.
• Vitamin D3: Adequate vitamin D status is critical for optimal immune function and this cannot be achieved without supplementation during the winter months. It is best to get your levels of 25 OH vitamin D checked for accurate dosing. Blood levels should be above 30 ng/dl. However, optimal levels are probably closer to 50 ng/dl for most. Many need 5,000 IU or more of vitamin D3 a day in the winter. Start with 2,000 IU for adults, 1,000 IU for children.
• Vitamin C: The role of vitamin C in supporting the immune system has long been known. Take 500-1,000 mg throughout the day with meals and snacks.
• Zinc: You can take an additional supplement or consume more foods high in this powerful immune supporting nutrient. Seafood—especially oysters—red meat, and pumpkin seeds are the best food sources. Take 30 mg per day.
• Greens:  Flavonoids are powerful water-soluble plant nutrients commonly found in fruits and vegetables, and they deliver potent antioxidant protection to the blood and blood rich tissues, especially the liver and intestines.
• Probiotics: A healthy gut flora supports a healthy gut, a major barrier against pathogens and integral to the immune system. Look for brands that offer several species of good bacteria and contain at least 5-10 billion organisms per capsule.
• Fish Oil (Artic Cod Liver Oil): This old time remedy for good health and robust immunity still stands true! In addition to the good fats, cod liver oil contains additional vitamin A and D for added immune protection.
• Gluthathione: The master antioxidant in the body. Research has shown that these compounds up-regulate the function of the innate immune system. This part of your immune system is the first line of defense against viruses and bacteria.
• Natural Anti-Viral/Anti-Bacterial Homeopathics and Herbs: Many Homeopathics/ herbs have broad-spectrum antimicrobial or immune-enhancing effects. Formulas contain different immune boosters.
• Silver Sol: Provide immune supporting properties.
• Natural Interferon: increases the production of your body’s natural interferon, a critical activator of the immune system.

• How to Order Your Immune-Supporting Supplements

To order the kind of supplements I’ve described simply click the links or message me at Elena@elenamorreale.com


References
(i) Cannell, J., Vieth, R.; Umhau, J., et al. 2006. Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. Epidemiology and Infection. 134 (6): 1129.

Now I’d like to hear from you…
 

Please leave your thoughts by adding a comment below.

To Your Good Health,

Dr Elena M Morreale

For More Information: Call Dr Elena Morreale,DC, DABCI, DACBN(Alternative Cancer and Health Therapies, Tampa, FL)813-968-5404.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.