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The simple message I share with all my patients is support your body naturally so you can “be the best you can be” and have the best chance to fight off illnesses that may come your way. 

How can you develop the body’s resilience to infectious disease? Start with exercise. It is free, effective, and encouraged by the CDC. According to a 2019 scientific review in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, moderate to vigorous exercise was found to improve your immune response and lower illness risk. So it’s good to include a brisk walk, a run, or even an exercise class in your daily routine.

In addition to exercise, simply focusing on a healthy regimen is important; eating a well-rounded, whole food-based diet, reducing stress, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. These are vitally important to boost your immune system so you can either avoid the virus or, if you do get it, have a case with mild or no symptoms.

Vitamin D can help regulate the immune system’s defense mechanisms that begin once a virus enters the body. Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine notes that vitamin D helps to promote protective immunity by stimulating the production of key cells that are involved in the immune process. The study also points out that deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity (a person’s immune system attacking their own healthy cells and tissues) as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, became known as an immune-boosting antioxidant after two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling suggested in his books (in the 1970s) that it would not only reduce the duration of the common cold, but prevent it and other viral diseases altogether by boosting the immune system. Resveratrol, quercetin, and L-glutamine are other strong antioxidants known to support the immune system. An antioxidant known as N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is popular because studies suggest it may inhibit virus replication – such as one published in Biochemical Pharmacology that found NAC effective against seasonal human influenza A viruses.

Zinc is an important immune health supplement because it is crucial for the normal development and function of the immune system’s T and B cells, which are responsible for fighting off and destroying viral and bacterial invasions.  In addition to that, a study published in Molecular Medicine found that zinc supports cells that control the body’s innate immunity.

Mushroom and elderberry extracts, as well as many other natural herbal formulas, can also play a vital role in supporting the immune system.  Scientific journals, from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition to Alternative Medicine Review, have published research showing that mushrooms such as shiitake, reishi, and maitake can enhance and stimulate the immune system by helping important cells  multiply and function better.  Read my previous article, “The Immune-Boosting Power of Mushrooms.”  Elderberry is also a powerful immune health tool, as the European Cytokine Network, Israel Medical Association Journal, and Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine all have studies demonstrating its ability to reduce the severity and/or duration of various strains of influenza virus.You can learn more about the immune-boosting power of elderberry by reading, “The Essential Natural Cold and Flu Defense.”

We have made a special page that includes some of the best immune products that are in stock.  You can view it here. If there is a particular kind of product you do not see there, or have any other questions about recommendations or whether something is in stock right now, give our customer service team a call at (888) 460-3091, or e-mail them at customerservice@oakwaynaturals.com.

Until next time, stay healthy!

Yours in health,  

Dr. Gregg Gittins   

www.OakwayNaturals.com