Boost Your Immune System This Holiday Season!

December 22, 2021 By Marci

The holidays are upon us, and with it cold and flu season approaches as well. Coupled with the ongoing global pandemic it’s more important than ever before to take measures to strengthen your immune system.

Here’s some great advise from Dr. Jim B. LaValle RPh, CCN, MT, ND(trad)

4 Lifestyle Choices that Impact Your Immune System Most:

Sleep: Getting adequate sleep allows your body to rest and repair. Establish a night-time routine that works for you that allows you to wind down and get restful sleep each night. It’s recommended that you get 7-9 hours of rest. Use a sleep tracker to track the quality of your sleep throughout the evening. If feel unrested and fatigued during the day talk to your practitioner about additional supplementation that may help improve the quality of your sleep.

Stress: They say that 90% of all disease boils down to stress and the hormone cortisol. Since the external environment is often out of our control, it’s important to find several stress management techniques that work for you. For example, breathing, meditation, journaling, yoga etc.

Exercise: 30-60min moderate exercise daily is recommended

Diet/Nutrients: Diets high in sugar, processed foods, carbs, and alcohol lead to high blood sugar and meta-flammation which weakens the immune system.

During the holidays we’re all tempted to over- indulge in sweets, but if you want to give your immune system the upper hand in protecting you this season it’s best to pass on these items when possible.

Instead, eat a diet filled with unprocessed, whole foods that are low in sugar, minimize or eliminate alcohol as well as other possible food allergens that can contribute to meta-flammation. The Metabolic Code® Diet is a great program that has been developed over 40 years by Dr. Jim B. Lavelle and his team of experienced dietitians. For more information go to: https://www.metaboliccode.com/diet/

Supplements to Boost Nutrients and Your Immune System

Here are 4 key supplements that we recommend as a baseline protocol this season to keep your immune system fed, and on alert.

Vitamin C
Our favorite source is ALMA which is natural and more bioavailable. Vitamin C helps build up white blood cells which are your line of defense. This is critical to help prepare your body for a good fight.

250-500mg | 1-2x a day

Vitamin D
It’s important to keep your vitamin D levels between 30-100 all year around. During the winter months these can drop significantly especially in northern states. Supplement for 90days and then get your labs drawn to see where you stand.

5,000 UI a day

Zinc
Zinc helps your T Killer cells mature, assists in would healing and is involved in hundreds of reactions in the body.

30-60mg/day

Mushroom Extracts
Medicinal mushrooms can help feed and support the immune system.