This time of year can be challenging health wise even in the best of times. For obvious reasons, now more than ever we need to take control of our own health. I'm not saying don't do the things that have been recommended to prevent the spread of viruses : wash hands, wear masks, social distance, etc. But the best line of defense you have is not giving viruses a chance to thrive in your body. Here are my top 5 recommendations for bolstering your immune system. I myself, am taking all of them except one regularly. (Note: I am directly linking to companies' websites and NOT Amazon as I for one am voting with my pocketbook. I am limiting my dependency on Amazon and either shopping locally at health food stores I trust or ordering direct from the manufacturer themselves. However, you will find all of these on Amazon as well.)
Vitamin C: I hate to say it, but a lot of what you'll find on the shelves at your local drug store is not fully absorbable by the body and quite useless. While it's a little pricier, the LivOn brand of Lypospheric Vitamin C is tops in this category. I start taking it around this time of year and continue through February. It's gotten me through some pretty gnarly colds. Additional benefit - it's great for skin health! You'll start glowing during the dull drums of winter!
Vitamin D: This, this, this. Due to our heavily seated and indoor lifestyle most people are not getting the benefit of this immune boosting vitamin from its main source: the sun. Supplementation is key. If you need, get bloodwork done to determine your levels. It's likely you will be deficient. I take Vitamin D with K2 which helps support bone and teeth. There are two brands I use : Thorne and Mary Ruth's Organics. For more information on the importance of Vitamin D and proper levels, click here.
Cat's Claw: Don't worry - no kitties are harmed in the making of this powerful immune boosting, anti-viral herb! It's a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and has been used for ages to fight inflammation in the body - the number one source of disease. Again, I turn to Mary Ruth's Organics for this one.
Echinacea: This is a time tested and powerful herb to boost immunity and decrease flu like symptoms. While it's best taken at the first sign of symptoms, I've started now. I take about a dropper in some warm water 3x a day from Starwest Botanicals, an awesome company I trust for all your supplement and health needs. I go crazy on their website!
Zinc: The benefits of zinc for cold and flu season are well touted. I admit, I don't take Zinc on the regular - only when the need arises. But when I do, I again trust Starwest Botanicals. I also found this great guide for brands to trust.
If you are interested in a super dose of alternative herbs, shoot me an email. I got a guy and I haven't had so much as a sniffle all year. ;)
And check out my immune boosting tonic recipe here.
Most importantly, do the things you know help keep you healthy. Get outside, breathe fresh air and take walks. Eat healthy. I've got some great recipes on the site and more coming. Get good sleep. Reduce alcohol intake. Meditate. Take your health back into your hands!