4 Tips for Immune Support this Season

Since the season for viral illnesses has arrived, I thought it may be helpful to list a few tips to stay healthy this year. Here are some of the best ways to beat the bugs.

· Get adequate sleep. When sleep is lacking, the stress hormones tend to raise. This works against the immune system and sets you up for frequent or prolonged infections. The recommended amount of sleep is a minimum of 7-8 hours, not the 4-6 that many people try to survive on. Many people need closer to 9 hours nightly. Keeping a regular sleep schedule, whenever possible is another way to promote good sleep.

· Vitamin D. One of the most important supplements for the immune system is vitamin D. Living at this northern location and lack of sun exposure, means low levels of vitamin D. One of the major jobs for vitamin D is to support the immune system. Studies have shown a 40% reduction of upper respiratory infections with optimal levels. If you are not taking any supplemental D, a good starting point is 2000 units daily. But some people need much more to get to an optimal level. The best approach is to get a blood test to see what your level is and adjust the dose accordingly.

· Vitamin C. Another excellent supplement for immune support. Every day dosing of 1000mg twice daily helps to keep the immune system tuned up and at the first sign of an infection, increasing the dose 4-6 doses daily or more, can be very important to shorten the duration and severity of the illness. Some people need to go even higher.

· Probiotics. Did you know that 70% of your immune system is located in your gut? Keeping your gastrointestinal system happy is a very important way to have a strong immune system. You can include some good yogurt, homemade sauerkraut, or other fermented foods to get some great probiotics. If you are choosing the supplement form, look for one that contains: L. casei DN-114001, L. rhamnosus GG, and L. acidophilus NCFM.  And the probiotics need food to thrive here are a few ‘pre-biotics”: artichokes, berries, bananas, flax, garlic, honey, kale, chards, and whole grain foods.

If you have any immune issues, give me a call to explore other options to balance your immune system.

Be well-
Tracy