My Go-To Immune System Supports

For some reason the change of season has hit many of us hard this year bringing on bad colds/upper respiratory infections, including my family. I am relying heavily on my go-to immune system supports right now, as well as rest (when I can) and lots of healthy food and fluids. I wanted to share what I find works for our family and what I often suggest for patients.

• Vitamin C - Vitamin C in powder or capsule form is a great support for both the immune system and adrenal/stress system. When we are burnt out our immune system is not as effective. Taking 2000-3000IU daily of vitamin C down regulates the stress response and at least 1000IU daily supports the immune system.

• Vitamin D - Keeping up your vitamin D level is to key to helping prevent colds/flus (as well as improve mood). 1000-2000IU daily is a recommended dose for most people to maintain levels. Make sure to take it with food or in drop form as it is fat soluble.

• Immune Matrix (by Cytomatrix) - This is a great blend of herbs and vitamins indicated for reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of upper respiratory infections, including the common cold. It can also be effective as a preventative measure at a lower dose. It includes echinacea, reishi, andrographis, vitamin c and zinc. I always have this on hand! You can find many variations of this at health food stores.

• Probiotics! - There is good research showing that taking probiotics daily decreases colds and flus for both children and parents. A 2014 meta-analysis looking at the impact probiotics have on children's immunity showed that parent and child pairs that took probiotics had fewer colds and flus, shorter duration of colds and less sick days. My 3 year old daughter loves the Flora Matrix Kids (by Cytomatrix), and I sometimes bump it up with an elderberry supplement like this if needed. Another great option is Fit for school (by Genestra) - both with probiotics, vitamin D, C and A.

• My immune smoothie - I crave this when I am sick. It is full of fruits packed with vitamin C. I make a variation for my girls as well. See the recipe here.

• Some other supplement brands with great immune support blends you can easily find are A.Vogel (Throat spray, Echinaforce) and St. Francis (lung tinctures, Deep Immune).

There are many other immune supportive vitamins and herbs, and others I pull out if my family is sick with a fever or specific upper respiratory infection, but these are what I tend to gravitate towards first.

How To Boost your Body’s Immune System

The change of season is upon us but with that brings cold and flu season. Of course we are all a little more worried about getting the sniffles this year. Luckily there are many great herbs and vitamins that boost our immune system so we are better prepared to fight an infection that comes our way. Keep reading for some of my favourite solutions.

Immune Modulators vs Immune Stimulants - What’s the difference?

Both immune modulators and immune stimulants are important this time of year. Immune stimulants are herbs and vitamins that activate the immune systems response to fight something right then. Herbs such as echinacea and garlic are examples. Immune modulators are herbs and vitamins that boost the immune system by stimulating white blood cells to enhance the body's response to a stimulus that may come its way. Primed and ready let's say. Herbs and foods such as astragalus and medicinal mushrooms, as well as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D are all examples. Include these in your diet or as a supplement.

My Cold & Flu Go To’s:

• Myers IVs - This is probably one of the best times to get a boost. High in vitamin C and B vitamins with added zinc for immune support. A 30 minute visit for a big boost.

• Higher dose vitamins - We want to increase vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and zinc especially when we are coming down with something. Some of my go-to supplements are a combo of many of these.

• Immune herbs - Herbs such as echinacea, astragalus, andographis or elderberry for kids are all great immune supporting herbs. They can be found in a number of different immune supplements/tinctures/teas/syrups.

• Immune Injection - Minimally invasion, safe for everyone, provides immune supportive herbs. Into the glut it goes! This is a quick in house treatment.

• Probiotics such as The Cultured Coconut Kefir - I love this local product as it provides trillions of probiotics to help our gut health and ultimately our immune system. Prefer a capsule? There are great options available at the clinic.

• Thieves oil - One of my favourite essential oil blends to diffuse in my room with antibacterial and soothing herbs. You will probably smell this in my office this time of year. :)

• A. Vogel Echinaforce Sore Throat Spray - I love this product for any sore throat! You can find it at Superstore, health food stores or even Bulk Barn. So soothing and effective!

• Immune Boosting Smoothie - This is a go-to in our house all year round to provide lots of vitamin C. Recipe here!

• Medicinal Mushrooms - This could be a mushroom blend powder mixed in coffee, a liquid blend like THIS, or a homemade mushroom soup or “immune boosting soup” like THIS one, if you tend to get sick often. Some examples of medicinal mushrooms are reishi and ligustrum. Astagalus herb pairs very well with mushrooms.

• Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation - Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of boiling water, place a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe in the steam for a few minutes. This acts as a wonderful decongestant.

• Wet Sock Treatment - Old remedy that really works to drain congestion from your head. Look it up!

• Sleep & Rest- Always the best option! The quicker we allow ourselves to rest, the sooner we feel better.

What are your favourite ways to fight a cold? Let me know in the comments below!

In health & happiness,

Dr. Karen