Supporting Immune Health Through Nutrition and Phyonutrients
It is that time again! As the cooler season approaches it actually feels really nice to go out on evening walks and get back to a balanced routine. But there are a few of the usual things that we need to keep an eye on as the winter approaches. Our focus this month will be on immune nutrition and nutritional testing.
Over the years of my practice, I have observed nutrition and herbal remedies as being excellent for supporting our overall immune wellness.
One thing that is really apparent to me is that people that support immune balance over the entire winter season seem to go on to have better immunity the following year! So I have learned that regular support over the winter may be needed, especially for those that keep having to go on antibiotics regularly or those that keep getting colds or flues.
There are some common nutrients and herbs that remain my simple go-to remedies during this time.
Below is a list of the uses that I associate with them based on my clinical experience. I have also added my current favorite supplements!
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps upregulate the immune system and is an important antioxidant for the eyes / vision. We can boost vit A with carrots, pumpkin, and other deeply orange or red pigmented vegetables. Plants contain the precursor to vit A called beta carotene and are slower-acting but safer forms of vit A.
Liver is the only major source of pure vitamin A which tends to work better for immune support. It can be found in cod liver oil. For those that like organ meets, a liver pate may be a tasty snack with almond crackers.
Vitamin C - helps immune cells become more active and effective in recovering as a potent antioxidant. We don't make vitamin C so it must be obtained from the diet - oranges, peppers, and lemons are good food sources.
Zinc - Really helps keep our immune cells become more effective. Deficiencies are very common and hard to assess since it is a nutrient found within our cells.
GGT is a lab test on the healthy living panel we use to assess zinc status. It can also be assessed by Spectracell Micronutrient testing OR A hair mineral analysis.
Other antioxidants - Selenium and vitamin E. These help regenerate damage after an immune attack. Selenium helps recycle our most potent antioxidant glutathione
Echinacea - a classic immune booster. It can be taken daily in those that have low immunity or acute at the first signs of a cold. I love echinacea as a tincture in my smoothies or evening drink. We try to keep this in our tincture dispensary but it sells out fast.
Astragalus - An immune ballancer and builds resilience. Also balances immune system invoked with allergies. It is a key herb in our best selling Astragalus combo tincture.
Andrographis - a deep viral tonic and digestive bitter!
Next week, I will talk about Vitamins and Minerals for immune balance