As the cooler months start, it’s a good time to boost your immune system.

This is ever more relevant this season .

Information seen and heard so far about the Corona Virus

We have all heard the symptoms of the Corona virus listed on TV and social media, so I won’t go over that again. Other than to say, the initial symptoms seem to be similar to those of a cold or flu. Some experience the symptoms worse than others, much like some people experience worse symptoms with the cold and flu each year; whilst other people get mild symptoms and yet whilst other people don’t get it all.

Information that doesn’t seem to be filtering through so much is that the Corona Virus is a cold weather virus with its optimum temperature being 8 degrees. This is why it has been spreading through the northern hemisphere’s winter period. I’ve also read that the Virus can’t thrive above 26 degrees.

With just these 2 facts, we can understand how our winter might be the time that this virus peaks in Australia.

I’ve mentioned in every previous “Winter” or “Immune” related newsletter, that August seems to be the worst month for us here on the Eastern Coast of Australia for flus and viruses. (This is my 26 years of clinical observation). The rate that the corona virus is spreading, it could very well peak before August.

Boost Your Immune System NOW!

Natural Medicine is in a league of its own for helping to boost your immune system.

We have a wide variety of Vitamins & Minerals supplements, and herbal medicines that are specifically beneficial to help ward off viruses, boost your immune system and lessen the severity if you do happen to catch a virus, or bacterial infection.

By following healthy practices now such as:

1)eating a diet high in the specific immune boosting nutrients listed below

2) getting 8 hours sleep each night

3) managing stress, as stress lowers your immune system response

4) address any underlying health issues which may weaken your immune system

5) Get out into the sun for your natural Vitamin D

6) Common sense approach to the usual hygiene of washing hands, staying at home when feeling unwell

7)Taking specific supplements that are high quality and relevant for your health.

Most people have their “go to” for immune boosting. The one that you have taken in the past and you know it works well.

Your Immune Boosting Natural Medicine “101”

Vitamin C

Known to act as an anti-viral and also boost your immune system.

Often it’s better to take a small dose eg 500 mg to 1 gr doses regularly 3- 4 times per day (and even higher doses if you are fighting off a virus). With Vitamin C, there’s something known as “bowel tolerance” which means if you take too a high dose in one go, you will end up with loose bowels. Better to start with low doses and have often. I think of this as boosting the immune system over the day too – which is much more effective.

Foods high in Vitamin C – citrus fruit, capsicum, raw cabbage, pineapple, potatoes, parsley, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi fruit, guava

Zinc

Brilliant for strengthening the immune system. When we are stressed, our body uses up more zinc quicker than when we are not stressed. Which is why when you get tired and run down, your zinc levels go down and you’re more susceptible to picking up viruses, colds et.

Foods high in Zinc – oysters, beef, liver, sunflower and pumpkins seeds, yeast and whole grains

Probiotics

For adults; and especially for children – this is the best way to boost their immune system

Food sources of probiotics – natural yoghurt, fermented foods. Be mindful of the high sugar content in kombucha

Immune Boosting Herbs

Echinacea – good for preventing and in the acute/ initial stages of a cold/virus

Olive Leaf Extract

Astragalus

Andrographis

Therapeutic Mushrooms – such as reishi, coriolus, grifolia

Sambucus or Elderberry

Other less known Vitamins/Nutrients for immune boosting are:

Vitamin D – from a supplement; or sun exposure; eggs; butter; Cod liver oil supplement

Omegas – 3, 6 , 9 – fish oil supplement or salmon/tuna/mackerel/sardines; flax/linseed; hemp seeds; chia seeds

 

Last but not least, my suggestions in regards to keeping your immune system and your health strong

Opt out of the fear and panic that is currently going on. Fear and panic is a stress on the body, which then lowers your immune system.

 

Please feel free to contact me if you’d like to find out how natural medicines can boost your immune system and keep you healthy.

Stay well !