Boost your Immunity
Cold and Flu Season is Here!
We are all dreading the change in seasons; but before the snow flies we have a short time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors that Minnesota provides for us. It is getting colder though, and the temperature change has already had some major effects on out health. Some people have already been sick, and everyone else will have their immune system suppressed by the weather and have become more prone to catching the dreaded cold or flu.
The immune response is slower when your body temperature is lowered, and the cold, dry air is the perfect environment for viruses to thrive. Every time we breathe in cold air, it stunts the immune response in our nasal passages, and if that air has infectious microbes in it, we can get sick very easily. Instead of avoiding the cold temperatures and hibernating, there are a lot of things you can do to improve your immune system so that it is prepared for the season. It starts with upping your dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is the only vitamin your body can make on its own, but it doesn’t make enough in the winter due to decreased sun exposure. Vitamin D is essential in cell replication and immune modulation, and the simple change of increasing your dose will be a huge help in preventing a cold or the flu this season. In addition, you will gain benefits of heart health, respiratory health, bone and muscle strength, increased cognitive function, and avoiding the winter blues by regulating your mood. I typically recommend 10,000 IU’s per day of Vitamin D this time of year.
There are a lot of other ways to increase your immunity: minerals such a zinc and selenium, herbs such as echinacea and elderberry, and baseline gut support such as amino acids and probiotics. At OHZ, we have great products that help keep you from getting sick. For prevention, we start with Immucore, IgG Protect, Ganoderma Spores, and Nutri-Dyn Fruits & Greens. If you do catch a cold, we will test anti-viral supplements like Zinc, Silver, Garlic, Olive Leaf, and specific herbal blends.
As always, your health still starts with your diet and lifestyle. Keeping up with your dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and water intake in addition to sleeping well and staying active and exercising regularly will always be the best choices for your health. Ask today about what changes you can make in your diet, lifestyle, and supplement protocols so that we can help you live your life in your sweet spot.
Yours in Health,
Dr. J.
Please note: Our office will be closed on Friday, October 26th for Dr. J. to attend a seminar.
We also have a new doctor renting space in our office starting this month. Please welcome Dr. Steven Petry if you see him. His business in separate from OHZ; but it will be great to have a new face in the office and be able to serve even more people with their healthcare needs!