We live in a world where colds, flus and viruses exist. We want an immune system that is ready to help our bodies. Not too high or too low of an immune system.
Our immune system should kick in and respond when needed and then return to homeostasis to be ready to fight the next bad guy. And then waiting for the next bad guy to fight off. How do we support our immune system to work the best for us?
We all have a different immune system resilience based on our diet, lifestyle, toxic load and genetic dispositions. The good news is we also have control over our immune system resilience and we can change it.
Our current world has a lot of virus fear right now. We need to take a step back and take stock in what our immune system resilience is. Lets evaluate, is our body equipped to fight something off well? Are there any changes I need to make to my lifestyle to support my body?
There have been studies done looking at the health of developed countries. The U.S. ranks close to last or dead last in terms of health in all of these studies compared to other developed nations. The U.S. as a whole has done a poor job of teaching about health. Our medical system puts too much focus on pharmaceuticals and what pill will fix the issue.
We are accustomed to getting yearly check ups and not thinking about our health beyond that visit unless we are sick or have symptoms. Our healthcare system however, does thrive when it comes to emergency medicine.
Our country is full of chronic disease and autoimmune issues. As a whole we are not a very healthy country. This means viruses and sickness hit us harder. The U.S. is focused on doing more, having a badge of honor and being busy and we run on a high stress lifestyle. As a country we don’t know how to rest and rest well.
We can control and change our immune system to heal and fight. But we can’t do that when we are stuck in being way too busy and highly stressed.
Inflammation and oxidative stress are huge when it comes to if you will get sick or how sick you will get. We need to be aware about how stressed out and inflammed our body is. And how close are we to a potential cytokine storm or our body reacting poorly to a virus. This needs to be something you take inventory of in your own body and lifestyle.
We need to address inflammation and work on our inflammation. The more inflamed, the more stressed. And the more stressed, the less immune resilience. Then the more likely we are to get sick or have a prolonged illness.
Where do we start?
Food
We need to increase nutrients and antioxidants which lower inflammation. Food is fuel. Our diet and nutrition is a long term benefit to us. I have a LOT of resources on food and how you can use food to lower inflammation and build and support health.
Microbiome
Our microbiome is all of the microbes that make up our body. But specifically we want to look at our gut microbiome. 70% of our immune system is found in our gut. Our majority of our immune system resilience is built in our gut.
Evaluate our vegetable and nutrient diversity. We want to fuel our body with good nutrient dense foods. Additionally, make sure we are chewing our food and relaxing while eating. We want eating to calm our parasympathetic system.
Also, look into root cause issues if in your gut. This could be things like food sensitivities or allergies, SIBO, candida or celiac. Then if needed, support digestion though enzymes or hydrochloric acid (HCL).
The microbiome is a very complex and deep topic and if you have a microbiome/ gut issue, please consider hiring a functional practitioner to give you specific protocols to help heal your body.
Vitamin D
Did you know that Vitamin D is actually a hormone? We get it from the sun and many of us are deficient. I am a big proponent of supplementing vitamin D. COVID-19 studies show that Vitamin D is helpful. We want to make sure we have a good supply of Vitamin D. I recommend Vitamin D3 with K2 because K2 allows the vitamin D to be absorbed. Vitamin D and K2 should be in synergy taken together.
Sleep
Check out these two podcasts for all you need to know about getting a good night of sleep.
Decrease Stress
This can be difficult in today’s day in age. Turn off the TV, news and Social media if you need to. Take an information break. Snuggle with your family, play game, or read a book. This is so important, more than you even know. Take time to evaluate your stressors and stop being busy and slow down and allow your body to function better and heal.
Exercise
Exercise is great for immune system resilience. But don’t do too much. Too much increases oxidative stress. You may hear for example about a triathlete who was “so healthy” that was hospitalized due to a virus.
However, he could have a lot of oxidative stress and inflammation from over training. Then on top of it, he could be eating a junky diet. Over exercising is worse than no exercise at all. I recommend gentle exercise like tabata, short HITT circuits or a walk.
Supplements
These are not personalized recommendations or medical advice. Everyone has different needs and what works for me, may not work for you. I recommend seeking out a function medicine provider to help you with this. Below is a list of immune support supplements to consider.
- D3 + K2
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A – Dr Ben Lynch has an IGTV on this
- Turmeric
- Elderberry
- Zinc
- Oregano
- Glutathione Liposomal
- Vitamin E
- Probiotics
- Essential Oils
You can look at all of the supplements in this convenient protocol. You need to create an account to see the protocol, but there is no obligation to purchase anything.
Home health
Is there a possibility of mold in your home? How is the indoor air quality? Most of the time our indoor air is 4-5 times more toxic than outdoor air. Look into getting an air purifier if you don’t have one already. I love the iAdapt Air and they have three size options.
It is up to you to evaluate your individual risk! If you think you have more risk then do what you can to protect yourself. It can be a big deal for people.
I recommend having a natural medicine cabinet stocked for you and your family. Have things on hand for fevers, viruses, tick bites, rashes. I also recommend electrolytes in case your house gets hit with a stomach virus and has vomiting or diarrhea. Kids and adults need those fluids. Be ready for if and when you need them. Have peace knowing that you are equipped to take care of your family the best that you can. I created a kids immune system supplement guide with my recommendations.
I also recommend having a Pulse Oximeter on hand. They are inexpensive and give you such great data!
We are not without the ability to change our immune system and how it responds. Be prepared for any virus or sickness that is going around. Don’t fear them, but be prepared!
These are my tips and encouragement. We can just do the best with the information that we have to prepare ourselves. You can do it.
Evaluate your immune system resilience. Prepare your natural health cabinet. We have more influence over our body and our health than we have been given credit for. We were created in the Lord’s image and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You were created to heal and to thrive!
Related Links & Resources:
- Ep. 107: Simple Ways to Boost Your Family’s Immune System
- Blog Post: Supplements, Herbs and Homeopathy to Support Your Child’s Immune System
- Free Download: Children’s Immune System Supplement Guide
Get Dr. Meghan Mail
Don't miss out on anything! Join my healthy living community for encouragement delivered right to your inbox.
