“Tis the season” as many would say for, The Cold and Flu. People are getting sick and unessarily suffering NOT due to more bugs and bacteria or cold weather, but rather a weakening of your immune system due to a pleathera of thing we do differntly with our lifestyles during this time of the year. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why” is it during this time of the year, that more people are getting the cold and the flu? When I asked one of my patients with that simple question, she indicated it was, “because it was colder during this time of the year”. Well then why does, Florida still get the cold and flu season? The reason is not the cold climate, but rather a dramatic shift in our lifestyle choices and habits during this time of the year.
At the end of the day focus on strengthening your immune system, learn more about the next level health and wellness lifestyle and be mindful of ….
The integrity and strength of our immune system our body’s defense mechanisms, is really what determines whether or not we, “get sick” from organisms that we are continually exposed to inhaled, swallowed or inhabit our skin and mucous membranes. Whether or not these organisms lead to disease is decided by or immune system. When our immune system is strong and working optimally, we are better prepared to ward off such things as the cold and the flu. When we have an under-active or weak immune functions, we are at a greater risk of developing infections and other health conditions.
If you are wondering how to boost your immune system, look no further — these 8 immune-stimulating and antimicrobial, antiviral supplements, herbs and essential oils can be used at home to improve your health.
Top Supplements and Herbs to Boost your Immune System
1. Vitamin D
Which is really a hormone precursor naturally produced in the body with exposure to Sunlight. More studies now demonstrate the power of Vitamin-D for maximizing your immune function to not only prevent getting sick, but also speed up recovery and has also proven to better aid your body’s ability to even fight cancer and helps regulate the expression of over 2000 genes. (1)
- Vitamin D3 has great value while traveling because it has valuable anti-microbial properties to fight against bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, is an essential nutrient that is identified as a “pro-hormone” in the body. It goes to work at the DNA level in supporting multiple body systems to promote health and boosting immune function.
- I highly recommend at least 50% of your weight x (100IU).My recommendation is to take (½ your weight) X 100 of IU Vitamin D
- My example, Im 180lbs which means I want about 9000IU of Vit-D daily and if your like me living in a cold climate I suggest you supplement again about ½ your weight x 100
- Recent research shows that Lov Vit-D levels are linked to higher rates of respiratory infections, colds and flu.
- Vitamin D has been shown to suppress most elements of the adaptive (inflammatory mediated) immune system while inducing most elements of the innate immune system (2).
- Low VitD = Weakend Immune system. To keep the immune system strong, we need to keep our Vit-D levels in a normal healthy range, a simple home test kit can be shipped to you today to find your VitD levels (We Don’t Guess, We Test, Target and Treat)
2. Echinacea (1000mg 3x Daily)
According to a new University of Connecticut study to be published in the July issue of the prominent British medical journal, The Lancet Infectious Diseases.Echinacea, the most popular herbal supplement in the United States, cuts the chances of catching the common cold by 58 percent and reduces the duration of the common cold by 1.4 days.(3) An outstanding Herb for boosting your immune health, and also profound in helping your body fight infections,(8) It acts as an anti-imflammatory which helps with reducing bronchial irritations and reducing the amount of time you may have symptoms of the cold and flu . If you are someone who can count on going thru an upper respiratory infection year after year, perhaps this year it’s time for a new, better and natural approach. Researchers have shown that Echinacea is as effective as Tamiflu or Oseltamivir at fighting respiratory infections.(5)
- A flowering plant native to North America, like other herbs, the pro-health benefits of echinacea are owed to its diverse makeup of nutrients, which includes polysaccharides, polyphenols, vitamin C, alkylamides, flavonoids, , selenium, and zinc.
- There is evidence that suggests the phytochemicals within echinacea may have the capacity to reduce virus infections and tumors. This powerful herb contains a compound called echinacein that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy cells. This greatly reduces the chances of contracting any type of infection while consuming echinacea. (4)
- Echinacea has over 14 clinical trials that have confirmed its ability to encourage good health all year long. Other studies show echinacea to be among the most effective supplements for seasonal wellness. (6)(7)
For decades, Elderberry has been used in various cultures for it’s pro-health medicinal benefits. It fights the cold, infections including influenza, bacterial infections and even viral infections. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that elderberry can be used as a safe natural treatment for influenza A and B. (12)
- Preliminary studies found that subjects given elderberry extract improved within a 48-hour period. More than a quarter of all subject were completely void of symptoms, and over half showed significant improvement. [14]In one study, subjects suffering from influenza-like symptoms were given elderberry tincture. Those who consumed the elderberry noticed significant symptom relief about 4 days earlier than the subjects given a placebo.[7]
- Research suggests a decrease in congestion and symptom duration when conventional therapies are supplemented with elderberry. The compounds in elderberries and elderflowers may reduce mucosal membrane inflammation and help alleviate congestion.[9]
- One of the elder’s greatest strengths is the nutritional content of elderberries. Elderberries contain flavonoids that are rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. Elderberries actually prove to have more biofla blueberries, blackberries, and even goji berries in both flavonoids[13] and vitamin C content.[2]
- Like the berries, elderflowers are a good source of vitamin C but also have immune-strengthening compounds.[2] Most every part of the elderberry can be used — the flowers, bark, roots and leaves are often used for their amazing health benefits.
4. Probiotics 50B-80B daily: It’s reported that 80% immune is in your digestive system, so it’s impertive to have a healthy digestive system with aid of probiotics
Balancing the beneficial bacterial biome in the gut will help regulate and boost your immune system systemically.
- Probiotics: Studies show that probiotics can help with a great deal by warding off infection and boosting immune systems, as well as helping to improve women’s health and perhaps even fighting obesity.
- A healthy ratio is 85% progenic: 15% pathogenic. When this ratio is skewed, it is called dysbiosis, a condition that is extremely hazardous to our health and vastly impairs immune function (4). A high quality probiotic that contains soil based organisms is a great addition to a natural health plan. One of the best broad spectrum probiotics is Simply Real Next Level Naturals Probiotics which is what I use and recommend.
- To keep the immune system strong, we need to keep our gut bacteria strong, and to do this, we need to feed them properly.But what does healthy bacteria like to eat? The simple answer: real food, as natural as it can come. Adhering to a Paleo diet is a great foundation.A Paleo diet – when done right – is rich in fresh, local produce, ethically-raised animal products, herbs, nuts, and seeds. These foods benefit the immune system by providing an array of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and other nutrients. (1)
5. B-Complex Vitamins 100mg 2-3x daily to replenish those needed Vitamins that aid in the body’s ability to produce the much needed energy delegated to your immune functions and helps replenish those depleted from a highly stressed and taxed body.
6. Zinc 50-100mg daily: according to a 2015 Analysis of Clinical Trials Zinc Helps reduce the Severity and Duration of a colds and the flu …and performs Best when taken at first signs and symptoms of something coming on, but certainly some powerful antiviral benefits to Zinc
7. Lauric Acid: Which is thought to dissolve the lipid membrane coating around various visuses and makes them more vulnerable to be killed by your immune system. You can find enough Lauric Acid in 5-8 tablespoons of Coconut Oil.
8. Ginger Root & Garlic both of which have numerous anti-microbial and antibiotic properties to naturally help boost your immune system to help prevent and fight the Cold and Flu.
9. Bone Broth: Remember when Chicken soup was the all time favorite home remedy when we got sick, Well modern research is starting to understand its role in immune health. As we now understand that much of the immune system upto 80% is in the gut, broth is especially helpful because its high gelatin/collagen content supports gut health and its amino acids help reduce inflammation. Bone broth is rich in minerals that support the immune system and contains healing compounds like glutamine, glycine and proline. According to Health and Wellness Expert Dr. Josh Axe, The collagen in bone broth heals your gut lining and reduces intestinal inflammation.
Goto my website and you can download my Secret Immune Boosting Smoothie Recipe that includes collagen bone broth. For you or your kids it’s Delicious but also , Anti-Viral, Pro-Digestive, Pro-Biotic, Pro-Immune Support health.
Essential Oils 3drops: All very potent and natural antibiotic, anti-microbial and antiviral
- Thyme
- Oregano Oil:
- Peppermint:
- Frankincense:
Water and Herbal Teas. (If your body is fighting it’s essential to give it the hydration it needs) ½ your weight in oz a day, try using a warm herbal tea. Perhaps Chamomile, Peppermint, and my favorite Ginger Peach.
Move More: Excrete Toxins from Lymph,
Stress Less: Depletes your body’s Bvit, raises cortisol, impairs digestion, Be Mindful off Stress Triggers, Identify them, Practice Meditation, Be Still, Be Patient, Be Calm
Sleep: Getting enough sleep and rest for recovery and repair. Your body is in a state of healing and repair while you’re sleeping. That’s why when you feel ill your body just want to rest, because it want to fight the bugs, bacteria and viruses or whatever so get enough sleep and rest with recovery and repair in mind.
Chiropractic Adjustments: Research shows that Chiropractic Adjustments boost the immune system response upto 200% and improves quality of life. Routine Chiropractic adjustements have proven to help prevent the frequency and duration of sickness and help you recover from illness.
Spinal Adjustments have been shown to increase polymorpho-nuclear neutrophils. These leukocytes enhance the function of immune cell readiness response that protect the body against the bad guys.
Another study from Patricia Brennan, PH.D., leading a team of researchers, conducted a study that found improved immune response in her test subjects following chiropractic treatment. The study specifically demonstrated the “phagocytic respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes were enhanced in adults that had been adjusted by chiropractors.”
The nervous system and immune system are hardwired and work together to create optimal responses for the body to adapt and heal appropriately. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to boost the coordinated responses of the nervous system and immune system…
Hey I hope this helps but if you want to learn more then go to my website NextLevelHealth.com and download this article today or sign up FREE for our NextLevelHealthNews now.
I hope you would agree that people are looking for safe, effective and healthy options to take their health to the next level without the use of dangerous drugs and surgery …so please help Spread The Health
Ask yourself What do you know, Who needs to Know it and have your shared it with them?Hit that Like and Share button now and help spread the health.
I’m Dr. Emmett Blahnik bless you and I’ll see you soon…
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Ortho Integrative, LLC or Dr. Emmett Blahnik, DC does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Ortho Integrative, LLC or Dr. Emmett Blahnik, DC are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Avoid things that weaken or attack your immune
I hope you would agree that people are looking for safe, effective and healthy options to take their health to the next level without the use of dangerous drugs and surgery …so please help Spread The Health
Ask yourself What do you know, Who needs to Know it and have your shared it with them?
So please help by hitting that Like and Share button right now to Help Spread the Health Virus
Your body’s best defense mechanism is to Naturally empower and strengthen your immune system to fight the bugs, bacteria, viruses and even fight cancer.
It’s time to get real and understand that you and your children will never, never, ever avoid bugs, bacteria and viruses and to selectively think that a flu shot will help you strenghen your overall immune defense system is just not gonna happen. In fact the potential side affects and dangers assoicated with constant shots year after year is crazy. It signals the wrong immune response a temporary version, which also doesn’t do anything long term to your body’s lifelong immune system. And shot’s layed with
A Denver Pediatrician, Jerry Rubin author of Naturally Healthy Kids advises an, “All-Inclusive” approach that relies on Medications ONLY when necessary, but should also makes use of these Natural approaches.
Parents should have an emphasis on boosting your childrens natural defense mechanisms rather then relying on OTC Drugs. If you teach kids to rely on drugs to feel good when they are kids what would expect them to do as young adults.