- Iodine (especially Liquid) for sinus and upper respiratory health; The importance and power of iodine can not be overstated. This essential mineral is present in every cell of the body regulating metabolism in the form of thyroid hormones and working hard in the immune system. It has antimicrobial properties, and supports immune cell activity, making it a vital nutrient for overall health and disease resistance. Iodine acts as a potent antiseptic agent, effectively killing a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi by disrupting their cell membranes and vital functions, essentially acting as a “radical” to kill infections.
2. Eat Light
Every time you ingest food you are taking resources away from your immune system for battling your illness. Instead it is working to protect you from the bacteria, viruses and other harmful agents that are present on your food, as well as simply shunting blood supply and energy to the intestines for digestion.
If you are hungry while battling sickness, feed yourself foods that will boost immune defenses. Prebiotic and probiotic rich foods like Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, citrus fruits, as well as fermented dairy and vegetables will feed your gut beneficial bacteria and encourage a strong immune system. Bone broth, amino acids and electrolytes or just plain salt can hydrate and nourish with little digestive energy.
3. Hydrate Well
Your immune system relies on a well-hydrated body to stimulate detoxification pathways needed to stimulate enzymes and other biological agents which help flush pathogens from the body and repair damaged tissue.
Try hydrating with some of these polyphenol rich liquids:
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water.
- Herbal teas provide antioxidant support that help fight against infection from viruses, bacteria and even fungus. Ginger tea boost glutathione activity and helps reduce inflammation and Echinacea is a long-established Ayurveda herbal treatment that is loaded with supportive vitamins and antioxidants.
- Sipping on lemon water throughout the day can heal and help you combat the tiredness you are facing.
Bone broths prepared from pastured chicken or beef bones are high in amino acids, proline and glycine critical to inhibiting bacterial and viral inflammation. They also contain potassium and magnesium to calm muscle and joint pain.
4. Powerful Herbs:
- Purple Echinacea
- Blackcurrant
- Sea buckthorn fruits
- Raspberry
- Oregano
- Elderberry
- Olive leaf extract
- Yarrow
- Chamomile
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Willow bark
- Garlic
- Onion
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils contain antiseptic compounds that combat bacteria, viruses, fungus and reduce inflammation that can help you feel better sooner and heal faster.
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Oregano
- Citrus ( lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot)
- Thyme
- Clove
- Frankincense
6. Vitamin D
Ideally, 10,000 to 20,000 IU of vitamin D3 should be produced from penetrating UVB rays beneath the epidermis. Sunbathing a minimum of 3 times a week is recommended with the following guidelines based on skin color:
- Light Skin = 15-20 minutes per day
- Medium Skin = 25-30 minutes per day
- Dark Skin = 40-45 minutes per day
Come use our tanning bed!
Boost your vitamin D levels with a supplement containing doses at 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 for every 25 pounds of body weight, best taken with a healthy fat such as olive oil for maximum absorption and possibly coupled with vitamin A and K.
7. Antioxidants
Vitamin C
It supports reactions which lead to both DNA and RNA synthesis, stabilizes white blood cell count to better handle oxidative stress.
Glutathione
Glutathione is often called the “master antioxidant”. And it is the most important antioxidant for preventing disease and promoting health. Glutathione is a combination of three key amino acids, l-cysteine, l-glutamic acid and glycine. NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) is a glutathione precursor that is well know for thinning mucus and supporting respiratory function.
8. Zinc
- Kills viruses on contact, used in a lozenge form is the most powerful (acetate ionizes best) take nibbles throughout the day for best results.
- increases the performance of powerhouse antioxidant systems that protects cells from viral infection and damage.
- increases the immune response to defend against pathogenic activity
- reduces inflammation in the body by regulating the immune response to destructive activity.
Find it naturally in:
100% grass-fed beef, Wild caught salmon, Pasture raised chicken.
Cashews, Almonds, Spinach, Asparagus, Dark chocolate, and Grass-fed dairy.
9. Chiropractic Adjustments
“Chiropractic adds life to years and years to life.”
Spinal manipulation has been shown to increase polymorpho-nuclear neutrophils. These circulating blood cells are one of the first lines of defense against infectious invaders. These leukocytes enhance the function of immune cell responses that protect the body against destructive agents.
Clinical Trial : J Manipulative Physiol Therapy, 1991 Sep;14(7):399-408
When inhibition is present along the spine, the nervous system is unable to properly communicate with the immune system. Chiropractic care helps to remove these interferences or adjust subluxation so that the body is able to repair itself.
Other helpful things to consider at our office:
- Infrared sauna
- Nebulized hypo redox or H2O2
- Ozone insufflation
- Coal smoke remedy (a powerful homeopathic)
- Elderberry/echinacea tincture
- Peppermint oil spray
- OHS Immune Viral and more…
