One of our best strategies for staying healthy is preventing illness in the first place. Avoiding exposures to contagious organisms when possible and supporting a strong, well-functioning immune system is a vital combination for maintaining good health. A weakened immune system can be caused by illness, lifestyle habits, or environmental factors. We find that seasonal changes can bring a wave of infectious illnesses or allergies that make the immune system more vulnerable than usual. Since prevention is always preferable to cure, it makes sense to support the immune system to guard against assaults, ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses. Thankfully we have treatments such as antibiotics for bacterial infections. However, we do not have many prescription medications to fight viral illnesses such as the common cold virus or the influenza virus. . As physicians, our patients often ask us how they can strengthen their immune systems to better defend against these infections. The best first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Suggestions to boost natural immunity include the following tips:
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fats
- Keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range
- Exercise regularly for 30 minutes per day or at least 150 minutes per week.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get plenty of sleep
- De-stress your life
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20-30 seconds
- Stop smoking
- Schedule routine health screening tests and exams for your age group and risk category
Naturologie has a variety of immune support products that provide a powerful combination of herbs and nutrients to stimulate the body's natural defense system. Some of our formulas contain a combination of herbal extracts that have shown antiviral activity in scientific studies. A favorite remedy among our patients young and old is elderberry, a medicinal berry shown to fight against viral infections including those caused by strains of influenza and cold viruses. vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc have all been shown to play an important role in strengthening the body's natural defenses by fortifying the most critical immune cells with natural fighting power and shorten the duration of illness.
Approximately 70% of the body's immune cells line the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Probiotics are strains of friendly bacteria that increase specific immune cell production in the mucous membranes and can help prevent infections. Clinical research reveals that people who take probiotics get fewer and less severe respiratory tract infections and are at a lower risk of developing flu-like symptoms.
We are pleased to offer such a wide selection of immune enhancing products on our Naturologie website. We are always looking for the most scientifically researched and clinically effective supplements to add to our large product offerings for our patients and customers. Although an occasional illness may be inevitable, it is never too late to implement healthy lifestyle choices and targeted nutritional therapy to help you build-up your immune defenses against the different infections that you may encounter on a daily basis.