Boost Your Immune System
No matter what is going on in the world, we all want to stay healthy and happy. Right now, with the spread of the Coronavirus being such a big topic in the news, many of us are feeling a bit panicked. Here is the thing though, prolonged panic and stress can actually be one of the worst things for our health, so be sure to take breaks from the newsfeed. "When we get stuck in anxiety, fear, and panic, it puts the nervous system into stress response, disables your body’s self-healing mechanisms, and actually makes you more susceptible to things like viruses." So, my first health tip around boosting your immune system is to do anything you possibly can to put your mind at ease. Meditate, exercise, journal, hang with people you love, breathe in some lavender essential oil, and/or drink lemon balm & chamomile tea. In addition, do all the other things you know you should do to stay at your best: Drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and get adequate amounts of sleep.
Consider Medicinal Mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms are continually grabbing the spotlight for their incredible health benefits, ranging from cancer prevention and treatment, to being anti-viral, to curing asthma and even prolonging life. Reishi has long been heralded as the elixir of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers it to be in the highest class of tonics to promote longevity. This mushroom is well proven to prevent and combat cancer and other immune system disorders. It has beneficial effects on the liver, helping both to regenerate and protect it. It’s also been shown to reduce fatty deposits on the liver. It has multiple benefits for the heart, helping to normalize cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. Cordyceps has been shown to be especially useful against lung cancers (in TCM it is said to enter through the Lung meridian). It is also used to increase libido, optimize cholesterol levels, address liver disease and to relax bronchial tissues, which is helpful for those with certain types of asthma. Olympic athletes use cordyceps to increase their stamina.
How to use it: Take them when you feel run down, especially stressed, or you have been exposed to those who are sick. My favorite supplements are Myco-Immune by Thorne, Immucore by Metagenics, and Power Mushrooms by Health Concerns. All of these can be purchase at our office or from our online pharmacy.
Take Elderberry Syrup: Elderberries are known for their anti-viral benefits. Personally, I also think the syrup is just plain delicious. I once had a patient that told me they used it as a flavoring for their soda water. A study done by the Journal of Functional Foods concluded that "the antiviral activity of elderberry on influenza was strongest when used in pre-treatment, during infection and post-infection, rather than when used solely during infection. The study confirmed that elderberry exerts its antiviral activity on influenza through a number of mechanisms of action, including suppressing the entry of the virus into cell, modulating the post-infectious phase, and preventing viral transmission to other cells." As always, make sure you are getting the best quality supplements to get the most benefit, we are fully stocked at Centered Health, or again at our online pharmacy. If you are feeling domestic, you can also make it yourself!
Use Essential Oils: My favorite blend when illness is around is Vir Away, by Snow Lotus. I put it on the bottoms of my feet, in the diffuser at the office, and if I am flying I put it....well...almost everywhere. Other people love Thieves. Eucalyptus, Thyme, Cinnamon, Rosemary, and Tea Tree also have antiviral properties. "Eucalyptus oil shows anti-viral activity as a vapor. Red thyme oil is effective against flu viruses as a liquid phase. Cinnamon leaf oil also shows antiviralactivity as a liquid. Tea tree oil is effective against the flu virus within 5 to 10 minutes of exposure, as found in another study."
Get some sun!: Vitamin D can modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection. If you live somewhere gray, you can also take it as a supplement.
Practice Self-care: Go the extra mile to take care of yourself. Go for a massage, visit your acupuncturist, or get a chiropractic adjustment. The more aligned you are, mind, body, and soul, the stronger your immune system will be.
Be well and please share with anyone you know who could use some immune boosting tips right now!
For supplements visit us at the office or order online here. Snow lotus essential oils are also available at Centered Health's main office.
*The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These statements and the products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician before implementing any new diet, exercise and dietary supplement programs, especially if you have preexisting medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications. The statements made on this website are for educational purposes only and are not meant to replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider.