How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

March 19, 2020

I have a passion for wellness; from good food to natural skin care products, the sky is the limit! I travel all over the world with my hubby, blogging as I go and I would love for you to follow along!

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The world is in a panic right now over the Corona Virus.  There is a lot of information out there, and it’s hard to know what’s real, what’s not, what’s important, and what is the best plan of action.  Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers, but what I can do is share with all of you the knowledge I DO have on how to boost your immune system during this trying time (and during any cold & flu season).  Please know I am not a medical professional, nor am I trying to play the role of one, make sure to consult your medical practitioner on what is the best plan of action for you.

The biggest thing we can do now help PREVENT the spread of the virus but self quarantining and taking care of ourselves because we don’t have a lot of information on what to do once someone DOES contract the illness.  Take your supplements, decrease your stress, avoid inflammation-causing activities, and WASH YOUR HANDS!

 

 

First off: the brand DOES matter – not all vitamins are created equal, and that’s why you must choose brands wisely.  

A few brands I like: 

  • Designs For Health 
  • Pure Encapsulations
  • Gaia

NOTE: children should be on a half dose of everything suggested below

VITAMIN C: vitamin C is crucial in boosting your immune system.   Shoot to get anywhere from 4,000-6000 milligrams 2-3 times a day.  The Shanghai government is now recommending COVID-19 be treated with high amounts of vitamin C via IV since it’s ten times more potent than taking it orally.  There are places you can go to get vitamin IV drips, or even better, you could put in a house call.

VITAMIN D: vitamin D is another very crucial vitamin for your immune system, plus most Americans are currently deficient in vitamin D.  Get in 4000-6,000 IU 2-3 times a day.

ZINC: Zinc keeps the immune system healthy, helps heal wounds, and supports average growth.  Zinc is a popular remedy for fighting off colds and respiratory illness; zinc supplements can sometimes cause nausea, so I typically use a liquid version.  

COLLOIDAL SILVER: Colloidal silver works as a natural antibiotic, boosting your immune system, fighting bacteria and viruses.  This is a fantastic supplement to add to your routine if you can get your hands on some (the corona has shelves pretty bare!).  Shoot for 1-2 tbsp a day during cold and flu season (12 parts per million).  *If you are required to still go into work, or need to travel during this time try getting some colloidal silver gel.  You can put some on the inside of your nostrils and inside your ear canals to help kill viruses before they enter your body. 

B-COMPLEX: Vitamin B complex is vital for immune system health.  *not all B-complexes are the same, so make sure to consult a  doctor to pick out a specially suitable brand / blend for you.

ENZYME DEFENSE: enzymatica has an enzyme formula called enzyme defense that eats up the virus cells.  Enzyme Defense contains an enzyme blend that provides support to purify the body and assist in removing protein that does not belong in the bloodstream. 

PROBIOTIC: gut health is key for overall health.  If your gut is out of whack, it is going to be much harder for your body to ward off viruses.  Get yourself a good probiotic that is over 50 billion CFU.

 

ASTRAGALUS: Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medical herb, used for its immune protective properties.  Research has now shown that it also contains natural antiviral properties that could help combat colds or similar viral infections.  

REISHI: Reishi can help control the immune system, protect the liver, control blood sugar levels, and more!  Another great natural antiviral and antimicrobial.   

CHAGA:  Chaga is known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory abilities.  Studies have shown its ability to fight the flu virus. 

ASHWAGANDHA:  This plant contains a full spectrum of healing properties and may tonify the immune system, reduce the effects of mental, emotional, and physical stress, and more!

CATS CLAW: Cat’s claw has been used for centuries to treat health problems, including fevers, stomach ulcers, and digestive issues.  This herb is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal. 

OREGANO OIL:  Oregano oil has a ton of antiviral properties; studies have shown it can deactivate some viruses within an hour of contact. 

CALENDULA:  Calendula flower helps heal inflammation, infections, ulcers, and even ear infections! 

ELDERBERRY:  Elderberry is one of the best preventatives and home remedies for colds and the flu.  Studies have shown people with the influenza virus showed a 91% improvement after taking elderberry after seven days.  It’ll boost your immune system while eradicating many viruses. 

ECHINACEA:  Echinacea can boost your immune system by helping stimulate the production of cells that help fight infections.  It also contains phytochemicals that challenge and help reduce infections once they occur. 

 

FEAR decreases the immune system, which is why it is so vital that we keep our stress levels as low as possible.  Check out some of my favorite de-stressing activities, as well as my go-to de-stressing supplements.

SAUNA: infrared saunas help increase your immune system.  In many ways, it mimics fever, our body’s natural way to ward off illness by raising the core body temperature.  I got my sauna HERE, but there are many sauna studios you can stop at.  

EPSOM SALT BATH: Epsom salt decreases inflammation, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and enhances overall cardiovascular health.  It can also help spur a process called vasodilation, which increases white cell production and helps the body fight illnesses faster.   

FACE MASK: during this time at home, we should keep ourselves calm and relaxed to keep our cortisol levels down, so why not practice some self-care and put on a face mask?  I love this “Indian healing clay mask” you can use it 1-2 times a week! 

STAY ACTIVE:  did you know that working out boosts your immune system?  When you exercise, you are causing your body’s antibodies and white blood cells to circulate throughout your body more rapidly, which means they can fight off viruses and bugs more quickly.  Exercise also lowers your cortisol levels, which in turn helps decrease your chances of getting sick.   You can use these awesome exercise bands or these ankle/wrist weights while you’re on lockdown!

GET GOOD SLEEP: when we sleep, our bodies release proteins called cytokines, cytokines are vital when you have an infection or inflammation, which is why rest is so important when we’re under the weather.  Shoot for 8-9 hours of sleep a night.

HYDRATE: drinking water is essential for eliminating toxins and other harmful bacteria from the body that can contribute to illness.  Make sure you drink your recommended eight glasses or more of water a day!  I use this “handy dandy water bottle” to help keep track of my daily water intake.

MUCUNA PRURIENS: this plant contains 15% L-DOPA, a precursor to Dopamine. More dopamine means better sleep, less stress, and better overall wellbeing, making it an excellent superfood to combat anxiety and fear.  

 

EAT PROBIOTIC RICH FOODS: the good bacteria in your gut is the first line of defense against anything we eat, they protect our other organs before anything else can circulate in our bloodstream.  Along with taking a good probiotic try adding probiotic-rich foods into your diet like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, miso, and sauerkraut.  

EAT FRUITS AND VEGGIES: the most basic way to boost your immune system is to eat a healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and veggies have a mix of vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health.  Try incorporating soups, smoothies, juices, and salads into your diet regularly! 

EAT PROTEIN: protein is our body’s building blocks, it is vital for repairing body tissue and fighting viral and bacterial infections.  Many parts of the immune system, such as antibodies and immune system cells, rely on protein. If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, it can lead to symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and a weak immune system.

AVOID EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: while it might be tempting to overindulge in alcoholic beverages while on quarantine, studies show that excessive alcohol consumption does lower immune function.   Those who drink in excess are more susceptible to respiratory illness and pneumonia and recover from infection and wounds more slowly. The bottom line: A cocktail or glass of wine while you are on lockdown is ok – but avoid drinking to excess. 

GINGER:  many people use ginger to help with nausea or stomach pains, but did you know ginger also fights viruses?  Most studies have found that fresh ginger is more effective than dried, so try throwing some fresh ginger in your meals while you’re stuck at home.  

GARLIC:  since ancient times, garlic has been used as a remedy to infections.  Its antimicrobial properties make it a reliable immune system booster.  It can combat the flu virus, the typical head cold virus, HIV, pneumonia, and more.  Don’t be afraid to go garlic heavy in your recipes!

 

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