Immunity

Published on Thu Dec 21, 2017 - 2 min read

Published by: Bryan Bradford

Immunity —

5 tips to boost immunity, recover faster, reduce stress, and stay energized this winter.

Holiday season is in full swing.  The days are getting shorter, were spending more time indoors closer to friends and family – and their germs. Coupled with holiday stresses and holiday eating our immune systems have to work harder and often can’t keep up leaving us open to catching more colds and flus than normal1. Try these  supplements and tips that can help protect your immune system and keep you running strong all winter long.

1. Take a probiotic. Over 70 percent of our immune systems exist in our gut. Studies have shown that taking probiotic can help prevent colds4. Not only do probiotics boost our immune systems they help our digestive systems, reduce stress, and remove toxins5. Look for a probiotic with at least 10 billion CFU.
2. Immune boosting herbs contain thousands of medicinal compounds that directly attack viruses, bacteria, and enhance our immune system. This broad-spectrum activity is important because flu vaccines are often ineffective because they miss the current strain of the virus. A few of the most effective immune boosters

Elderberry was shown to not only reduce the incidence of colds but greatly reduce their duration6. Elderberry also shows activity against several strains of flu7.

Astragalus has been used for thousands of years in TCM. Modern science proves its virus fighting ability as well as its strong anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties8.

Oregano is perhaps the broadest-spectrum antibiotic with activity against over 50 viruses, bacteria, molds, and yeasts9.

Several other great antivirals like garlic10, andrographis11, and olive leaf12 should round out your arsenal.

3. Essential oils are the immune system of the plant. When we use essential oils we are recruiting the immune system of nature to help us fight sickness. Practically all essential oils possess some antibiotic properties. Our classic 5-Shield Blend smells like Christmas in a bottle — with a powerful mix of clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary oils. Put it in a diffuser to protect an entire room (or house) against virus, bacteria, and molds13.
4. Reduce stress. Holiday stresses can put a significant strain on our immune systems14. In one study mice who were stressed were twice as likely to become ill when exposed to a bacterial toxin as their easy going counterparts15. Some of the best stress reductions activities are going outside, exercising, walking or playing with pets. The best way to recover from stress is to get good sleep. Not staying up late, getting 8 hours, and waking up early are all vital to sleeping the days stress away.
5. Get outside. A recent study showed that individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels had up to a 55% greater chance to have an upper respiratory infection2. Vitamin D regulates over 1,000 genes in the human body many of which are immune genes3. The best way to get more vitamin D is sunshine but during the winter when the sun is weaker, a daily 5,000 IU vitamin D supplement is a smart move.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and with this in mind, we hope you’ll implement our lifestyle tips and stop by Sunflower Shoppe for all your immunity boosting needs and more.

References:

1. http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/the-reason-for-the-season-why-flu-strikes-in-winter/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447082/
3. https://www2.tulane.edu/publichealth/bio/genetic-and-epigenetic-studies-on-vitamin-d.cfm
4. http://www.cochrane.org/CD006895/ARI_probiotics-live-micro-organisms-to-prevent-upper-respiratory-tract-infections-urtis-for-example-the-common-cold
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23894906
6. http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/4/182/htm
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056848/
8. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5188/abstract
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15161188
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21190924
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27896563
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29149822
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21078173
14. https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-immune.html
15. https://www.health.harvard.edu/special-health-reports/The_truth_about_Your_Immune_System.htm