Unfortunately, most people who live in northern latitudes tend to have insufficient levels of Vitamin D, especially during the winter months, due to the low angle of the sun in the sky. If your shadow is longer than you are, your skin is not making Vitamin D upon exposure to the sun (know as the shadow test). Therefore, Vitamin D supplementation in the winter months is strongly recommended.
Garlic has a long history of supporting a healthy immune system as well. I carry and excellent supplement “Aged” garlic supplement by Kyolic, which has numerous immune boosting studies along with studies on cholesterol, triglycerides, heart health, many others and best of all does NOT cause bad breath.
Vitamin C: Supplements that supply the full Vitamin C Complex and not just ascorbic acid can be wonderful immune system supporters. Standard Process makes a supplement called Cataplex AC which is a nice blend of whole food vitamin C with the full C complex, plus vitamin A for the lungs and bronchi along with just the right amount of echinacea to help support a healthy immune response. It tends to work great for the flu. If you feel symptomatic, come into the office and I can “muscle test” you for it.
Probiotics: In the past, I have preferred refrigerated probiotics, however, there is a brand-new probiotic which I now consider to be the best one. It’s made by a company call Just Thrive: www.justthrivehealth.com. It features 4 different strains of probiotic which come in the form of spores (like a seed), so they are protected from our stomach acid and actually grow in the small and large intestine. This probiotic is on the expensive side; however, considering 100% of these gut-friendly flora actually survive and thrive in our intestine and colon, vs, 99+% being killed by our stomach acid, they are worth it. There is very substantial research showing these strains support a healthy immune system, weight loss, and an overall health boost. Since they arrived about two weeks ago, I have been using them daily and feel great.
Oregano and especially Oil of Oregano are powerful immune system supporters along with Echinacea, Goldenseal, Astragalus and Andrographis (a mushroom). Of course, I will be happy to review these with you, should the need arise, and can muscle test you to see which ones might offer the best immune support for you.
Remember to:
*Wash your hands, especially after being around someone who is sick or appears to be symptomatic.
*Drink lots of water.
*Try not to get too stressed out. Studies show it’s bad for your immune system.
*Eat lots of fruits and vegetables while trying to stay away from junk food because sugar immediately lowers immunity.
*Try to maintain a positive, healthy outlook. Studies show it’s good for your immune system.
*And lastly…. try to get plenty of restful sleep which nicely boosts your immunity.