Why must you power up your immune system now? Why do you need a strong immune system?
School’s starting, and cooler temperatures are ahead. That means more time indoors and more opportunities to pick up colds, flu, Covid, and other infections.
Getting through the winter season without getting sick was already hard before the pandemic! Now it’s even harder. That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a strong immune system.
There are two parts to your immune system, the innate system, and the adaptive system.
The innate system is like the software that comes pre-installed on your phone. Your genes will determine how strong an innate immune system you’re born with.
Your adaptive immune system is the part that evolves as you’re exposed to viruses, bacteria, and toxins. The adaptive system is like updates to your software. It fixes bugs or addresses new viruses that you come into contact with.
What Can You Do to Power Up a Strong Immune System?
What Can You Do to Power Up a Strong Immune System?We’ve chosen three key things to discuss here.
1 Live a Healthy Life
The key to living a healthy life is to make healthy lifestyle choices. Our bodies function better on all levels if we protect them from environmental assaults and give them what they need to thrive.
I know you can’t always be perfect, but you can make your life so much better. Even if it’s one choice at a time. Here’s a shortlist of lifestyle changes that can support your immune system this winter:
- Put the cigarettes down.
- Eat a diet high in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid infection by washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
- Keep it simple and minimize stress.
None of these are new ideas. You’ve probably heard them all before. If you’re having trouble implementing healthy lifestyle choices, we can help.
2 Get Vaccinated
Get vaccinated and keep current with recommended vaccines. Odds are you already have a strong immune system, but it can always use your help, especially with highly contagious and possibly devastating diseases like COVID-19.
And speaking of Covid, we don’t insist our patients are vaccinated but we do believe there’s a lot of benefit to having the vaccine.
Think of vaccines like apps that you download to your phone. They are made by an outside source and extend what your phone can do. Vaccines give your immune system the extra tools it needs to fight off certain infections before they take hold. Your immune system will thank you for the extra help!
3 Supplement Your Immune System With Micronutrients
Nearly one-third of Americans are at risk for at least one vitamin deficiency or anemia. Unfortunately, the typical American diet doesn’t usually contain everything that the body needs.
This means that even though you eat enough food regularly, you could still be malnourished, especially if you’re older. Micronutrient malnutrition happens when your body isn’t getting all the essential vitamins and trace minerals it needs.
Vitamins and trace elements that most often need to be supplemented are
- zinc
- selenium
- iron
- copper
- folic acid
- vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E
Taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement – or individual vitamins and minerals – can get your system back on track.
I’ve worked with many patients who’ve benefitted from identifying and treating micronutrient deficiencies. The vitamins and supplements we offer – such as Ortho Molecular and IV infusion therapy – will help build up your adaptive immunity.
Let’s do it!
Are you ready to take control of your health? Learn more about our practice or meet me and my team for a consultation. We’ll review your health history, goals, and concerns, and then get you back on track to living a vibrant life!