Natural Immune Support

We’re quickly heading into winter and it’s a great time to prepare your immune system up for success in fighting off colds & flus. In this article, we are highlighting some of our favorite products to help support a healthy immune system
As a reminder we DO treat acute illnesses! There are lots of supportive remedies that can be used to help with sore throats, ear or sinus infections, coughs, runny nose, and respiratory illness.  We offer virtual/telehealth appointments so you relax in the comfort of your own home!

Foundations First

The foundations for any health program are important, immune health included. Leftover Halloween candy isn’t a good base to build a healthy immune system. Before we get into our favorite supplements remember your foundations:
1. Prioritize good sleep.
2. Eat nourishing foods, limit sugar and alcohol. Include immune-supportive foods, such as garlic. Read more about garlic’s immune benefits here.
3. Move and sweat every day. Our sauna is a great way to warm up when temperatures drop this winter.
4. Get support with stress, since chronic stress can lead to suppressed immune function.

Immunoberry Liquid by Designs for Health

This is one of our absolute favorites at Boulder Natural Health because it’s effective AND delicious. Immunoberry contains immune supportive herbs elderberry & astragalus, and mushrooms. Elderberry has shown to be effective at preventing viral attachment, making it an excellent supportive herb throughout cold & flu season. Astragalus helps the immune system’s own defenses against pathogenic invaders and also acts as an adaptogenic herb, which supports a healthy response to stress….something we could all use a little bit of support with!

Immuno-Zn Lozenge by Designs for Health

These lozenges pair elderberry with zinc to help at the first sign of illness. Zinc might help prevent rhinovirus (the virus responsible for the common cold) from multiplying in the body, therefore decreasing length of illness. We love that this particular lozenge is combined with elderberry, which gives you additional anti-viral benefits, while making it a bit tastier. Make sure to take zinc supplements WITH food to avoid nausea.

Stamets 7 Daily Immune Support by Host Defense

Have you heard about the immune magic of mushrooms yet? Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which have been shown in research to support immune health and overall wellness. Ganoderma lucidum is used specifically in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) to modulate the immune system and support clearing cough. This particular product is great to use as part of your preventative support throughout the season. This 4 week study of 52 healthy males & females, ages 21 to 41 looked at the immune benefits of daily consumption of shiitake mushrooms. Researchers found that the individuals who consumed 5 or 10 grams of mushrooms daily showed improved cell function, increased secretory IgA, which indicates improved gut immunity, and reduced C-reactive protein, suggesting a decrease in inflammation

EHB by Integrative Therapeutics

This product is a blend of immune supportive herbs and nutrients to help fight off illness at the first sign of the sniffles. Vitamins A, C and Zinc help boost natural immune defenses, while echinacea, garlic, oregon grape and goldenseal help the body fight infections. Echinacea specifically works by inhibiting the enzyme hyaluronidase, which is used by pathogenic bacteria to enter cells and may help reduce the duration of illnesses such as common cold. This study showed that berberine herbs such as oregon grape and goldenseal exhibited antiviral effects on influenza virus. Vitamin C is an excellent stand alone product to use throughout cold & flu season. It works as an antioxidant to reduce damage to cells caused by consuming too much sugar or alcohol, or through environmental exposures of toxins. Vitamin C also plays an important role in maintaining skin and mucosal membrane integrity, which is your first defense against invaders.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is a precursor to the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione helps maintain the health of the respiratory and immune systems (among others!). NAC not only helps boost natural detoxification support, but also has mucus- busting benefits. When used as a mucolytic, NAC can help with recovery from respiratory illness by making coughs more productive.

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