10/28/2021
This year, staying well and preventing colds and flu is more important than ever. Along with the commonsense things you’re hopefully already doing, including rest and healthy eating, nutrients and herbs can be a supportive addition to your immune care. Here are my top choices for their anti-viral and immune-boosting, yet safe and gentle, effects on your body.
[Note: ★ means safe in pregnancy + BF’ing ✷ BF’ing only]
★ Vitamin D3: Adequate vitamin D status is essential for optimal immune function. It's also been shown that adequate vitamin D levels reduces your likelihood of getting the cold and flu. But it’s hard to get enough from food or sunshine alone. For adults: 2000-4000 IU of D3 daily, Kids 4-teen 1000 IU daily, 2 to 4 yo, 800 IU daily, under 2, 400 IU daily.
★ Ascorbic acid: Daily use of even just 1000 mg of Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the likelihood of colds and flu, reduce antibiotic use, and school absences in children. Taking vitamin C regularly also reduces length of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children, and slightly reduces symptoms.
★ Zinc: Daily use of up to 5 mg in children, and 30 mg in adults, can prevent colds and flu.
★ Daily probiotic use - with a variety of Lactobacillus strains - can also prevent colds.
★ Cook with onions, garlic, turmeric, and ginger, all of which have been used historically to prevent and treat infection, and which modern science validates for antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.
✷ Medicinal Mushrooms: As I talked about in a recent post, medicinal mushrooms including cordyceps, turkey tail, reishi, and maitake can be part of daily daily immune boosting.
✷ Astragalus root is a powerful immune tonic.
★ Echinacea: Supports immunity and prevents upper respiratory infections from recurring if you do get a cold or flu.
Avoiding sugar, refined flour products, and too much dairy can also help keep your immune system primed- as can a cold rinse at the end of your shower a few times each week! It’s phenom for immunity and metabolism - and gives your mood a nice boost, too! As does laughter - I’m a big fan of a regular dose of comedy for immune-health.
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