You did everything you could – washed your hands religiously; positioned yourself several feet away from sick coworkers and family members…everything short of bathing in hand sanitizer and hiding out in your closet waiting for cold and flu season to pass.
Despite your best efforts, you still got sick.
Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to get sick once or twice a year and it’s also possible to boost your immunity and shorten your recovery time with these 7 supplements:
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s stored in the liver and fatty tissues. It strengthens your innate immune system by turning on key peptides in your immune system that trigger a strong anti-microbial response, allowing you to quickly and effectively fight off invaders (1).
When fighting off a cold or the flu, I recommend taking a high dose, 15,000 – 20,000 IU, of Vitamin D for no more than one week to boost your immunity.
2. Vitamin C
You’ve most likely heard about the benefits of Vitamin C and may have even been given orange juice when you got sick as a child. This is because Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that protects against harmful molecules called free radicals. It also helps stimulate the body’s natural defenses against internal inflammation (2).
Taking 4 grams each day of a fat-soluble, lypo-spheric Vitamin C solution, can boost your immunity and reduce the duration of cold symptoms by an average of 8% in adults and 14% in children. This translates to about one less day of illness (3).
3. Whole Beta Glucan Particle
Whole Beta Glucan Particle is a healthy yeast that supports the body in fighting infections. In fact, soldiers in Iraq were given this supplement instead of antibiotics to help strengthen their immune systems and treat disease. It was shown to be effective in helping them to ward off colds, the flu, and other viral infections.
If you want to give it a try, you can find it in our online shop. Both Acute Immune and Immuno Pro contain this immune-boosting yeast.
4. Glutathione
The “boss of detox” and a powerful antioxidant, this supplement is a great addition to your arsenal during cold and flu season. It can help boost your immunity to bacterial and viral infections and support a speedy recovery. I recommend taking it intravenously, if you can, when fighting off a cold or the flu.
5. Elderberry
This medicinal plant is high in antioxidants and Vitamin C. It has also been proven to be effective in vitro against 10 strains of influenza (4). It helps to reduce upper respiratory infections and coughs, and it tastes great. You can get it over the counter in form of a syrup or an extract. If you’re feeling up fo it, you can also make your own.
6. Probiotics
70% of your immune system is in your digestive system, so having a healthy gut is a sure way to boost immunity and prevent illness. I recommend taking a high quality probiotic with a bacteria count of 100 billion for recovery and prevention.
7. Bio-Vegetarian
This is an over the counter supplement that contains a combination of 14 herbs, roots, and minerals. You’re probably familiar with many of them, like echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, zinc, and Vitamin A. Taking 2-4 capsules of this well-rounded herbal formula will also boost immunity.
In addition to the supplements mentioned, food can also be used as medicine.
When you’re feeling sick or coming down with a cold or the flu, it’s best to avoid the following:
- Refined sugar
- Gluten
- Dairy
These foods contribute to internal inflammation, increase mucus production, and slow down the immune system’s natural recovery process. Eating nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods like bone broth soups and green leafy vegetables, in addition to staying well hydrated, will help you recover faster if you’re sick and prevent illness during the times when you are well.
Want a little behind the scenes truth?
I’m writing this post while sick. Yes, even doctors get sick, but I’m helping myself recover by using all of the supplements I’ve mentioned in this blog as well as the therapies I mentioned in my last blog post.
I wouldn’t recommend anything to you that I haven’t tried myself, but you should still consult with a healthcare practitioner before taking supplements or starting any new medical regimen. Keep in mind, the dosages mentioned here are for adults only, please be sure to see your child’s pediatrician for more personalized recommendations and care.
xo,
