In the COVID-era, having a well functioning immune system is more important than ever. A lot of people get colds and flu every winter. While this is common, it is not an inevitable part of winter. Some “lucky” people don’t seem to get sick each winter, and those same people may be in a better position to fight COBID if they catch it. Is this good luck or good management? For me it has been good management. Let me explain.
About 10 years ago, my body was in a very stressed state. I was diagnosed with a debilitating arthritic condition, and I used to get 2 or 3 colds every winter. That is when I started to study Nutritional Medicine. What I found out was the profound effect nutrition can have on the immune system.
My immune system was working overtime to destroy the joints in my spine. This was leaving the back door of my immune system open to attack from colds and flu. Through nutrition I was able to switch off my arthritis. The side effect of turning off my arthritis through nutrition was that my resistance to colds and flu improved. In fact, I have not had a cold or a flu since I got my arthritis under control. ‘Yeah for you, but how does that benefit me’ you may say. Well let me tell you exactly what you can do to improve your immune system.
Nutrients to Make Your Immune System Like A Shield of Steel!
The immune system is very complex. It is not surprising then that the list of nutrients that can benefit the immune system is very long. For this reason, I often recommend my patients take a high quality immune system “multi”. In fact, the combination of such a multi with immune-boosting herbs has kept many of my patients healthy winter after winter. Not just “soldiering on” but truly healthy.
Hero nutrients include vitamins A, C, & D, plus minerals like selenium and zinc. Hero herbs include echinacea, olive leaf and elderberry. These can help boost your defence forces such as your Natural Killer Lymphocytes (sound deadly don’t they?).
Ask Your Pharmacist:
This list of hero nutrients and herbs is by no means an exhaustive list. It is just a few of my favourites that I have used to highlight the power of nutrition for your immune system. I recommend you ask your pharmacist for advice on what would be the best products for you to use this winter. I personally recommend the combination of Wellness Formula plus our very own Immune-Boosting Herbal Tonic.
And it goes without saying that eating well and getting regular exercise will also be beneficial. I love jogging on the beach during a storm, followed by a long hot shower. It’s invigorating for the body and the mind.