Protecting our Immunity for the Changing Seasons: The evenings are crisp, children are back to school, and the leaves are starting to turn colours. Fall is in the air, and so are the germs! Many people may notice that sickness runs rampant during the fall and winter months, but that isn’t just in their head. Many factors lead to increased sickness in these dreary months; temperature drops, increased humidity, and the lack of vitamin D create the perfect storm of susceptibility, which leads to the seasonal flu, common cold, and the latest threat, Covid. Our immune systems are working overtime to protect us now, defending our bodies from invading organisms. So what can you do? Here are our top 5 ways to keep your immune system in top form this year!
Here are our top 5 ways to Protecting our Immunity for the Changing Seasons!
- Wash your hands! – We know….this seems obvious, but it truly is the biggest thing you can do to protect your immune system from even encountering a virus during Changing Seasons. Most seasonal illnesses enter our bodies via our eyes, nose and mouth, because we don’t realize how often we touch these areas with our hands. Hand washing can reduce respiratory illness by up to 21%, and reduce stomach illness by up to 40%. These numbers are important because they reduce the use of antibiotics, which are trending towards being obsolete due to over prescribing and bacteria becoming antibiotic resistant. Always wash your hands when coming home, before preparing food or eating a meal, after using the washroom, and after blowing your nose.
- Sleep – The optimal amount of sleep for an adult is 7-8 hours. While sleeping our bodies release proteins that aid in fighting infections, and when we are stressed or sick we need them even more. If you are regularly not getting enough sleep, your sickness fighting antibodies are drastically reduced. Try keeping a schedule. Going to bed and waking at the same time every day can help maintain a proper circadian rhythm and promote a more restful sleep. But remember, more isn’t always better; getting too much sleep can cause problems with your health and your sleep quality.
- Diet – Scientists are finding that our microbiome plays a key role in our immune function. A high fibre, plant-rich diet with lots of fruits, veggies and wholegrains appears to have a positive effect on our microbiomes. Consider implementing a Mediterranean diet, which is known to have several health benefits, or focus on eating lots of probiotic foods, such as garlic onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and seaweed.
In addition to eating a balanced diet, limit your alcohol consumption, even red wine! Alcohol has immune-modulating properties, meaning it can lower and impede your immune function. While red wine has some health benefits, the alcohol content of the wine cancels out any of those benefits.
Want to learn more about your diet and immunity? Check out our blog on Bone Broth https://www.portmoodyhealth.com/the-immune-benefits-of-bone-broth/ - Stress – Stress is detrimental to our health in many ways, but the cortisol that is released when we’re under stress is detrimental to our immune system. Managing stress is always easier said than done, but there are many techniques that can offer some relief, such as meditation and breathing exercises. Working out and getting regular exercise is also a great way to reduce stress. Aerobic exercise has a neurochemical reaction; it stimulates the production of endorphins, and reduces levels of adrenaline and cortisol, leading to less stress and more immunity!
- Vitamins and Supplements – Adding certain vitamins and homeopathic remedies to your daily routine can be a great way to naturally boost your immune system. While it’s true that Vitamin C chewables are one option, this is not necessarily the best choice for everyone. There are a variety of vitamins and homeopathic remedies available, and based on scientific findings, we have compiled a list of our top recommendations. For those looking to maintain a healthy immune system, adding these vitamins and remedies may be just what you need. From Vitamin D to herbs such as Echinacea and Elderberry, there is a variety of options available to suit your needs and lifestyle. Taking the time to research and explore these options can make a difference in your overall health and wellbeing on Changing Seasons.
• Vitamin C – Research shows that taking Vitamin C can reduce the duration and severity of your cold symptoms. This is because it improves the function of your immune system by regulating antimicrobial and lymphocyte activity. You want to take a vitamin C complex with flavonoids to maximize absorption. We also recommend IV nutrient therapies as a safe and effective way to deliver nutrients in a timely and efficient manner. These are directly absorbed into the circulatory system, bypassing the “enteric system” or gastrointestinal tract and liver, permitting the highest level of nutrient absorption (near or at 100%).
• Ginseng – Ginseng root is known to contain various pharmacological components, and studies have proven its effectiveness in regulating our immune cells, which in turn increases our resistance to illness. In particular, research has shown that when ginseng is used on cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, it can lead to a significant improvement in the immune system after being taken for a period of three months. This demonstrates the powerful potential of ginseng in bolstering the body’s defenses against diseases and illnesses.
• Zinc – A nutrient found throughout the cells in your body and which helps your immune system and metabolism function. It helps your immune system by fighting off invading bacteria and viruses.Zinc is also an important factor for wound healing as well as your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc, through food sources such as chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals.
• Echinacea – Several laboratory studies show that echinacea contains active substances that boost immune function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have antiviral and antioxidant effects. It is still controversial as to whether echinacea helps prevent the common cold. But some studies suggest that it can make you feel better faster; other studies show it can reduce the severity of symptoms, and one study showed that people who drank echinacea tea for 5 days felt better before those who didn’t drink echinacea tea.
• Vitamin D – In recent years, the importance of Vitamin D and its benefits to our immune system have become more widely understood. Previously, Vitamin D was unknowingly used to treat infections such as Tuberculosis, as sanatoriums believed that exposure to sunlight was sufficient to kill the disease. Now, however, research has revealed that Vitamin D’s effects on our innate immune system are much more profound. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can play an important role in the antimicrobial response, providing a unique and significant advantage when it comes to fighting off infections and other harmful bacteria. Additionally, Vitamin D can also support the production of antibodies, which are vital for the body’s ability to effectively combat illness. With all of these benefits, it is clear that Vitamin D plays an essential role in maintaining a strong and healthy immune system especially during changing seasons.
To learn more about boosting and supporting your immune system during Changing Seasons The Benefits of Artesunate IV for cancer treatment please contact our patient Care Coordinators to book a consultation – 604-949-0077
