Cold and Flu Season Tips: The Best Supplements That Work and Lifestyle Strategies to Boost Your Immune System

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By Shopify APIMar 11, 20140 comments

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Cold and flu season is here, so it’s time to take stock of what you put in your body; take diligent care of what you do with your body; and take note of your environment—so you can defend yourself from these prevalent and ever-contagious viruses head on. Studies have shown that it’s your immune system’s response to a virus—not the virus itself—that causes the common, unpleasant cold and flu symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose and fever. So especially during the cold and flu season, nurture and care for your immune system. It is your protective shield and your best weapon against the cold and the flu. Read on to learn more about how to boost your immune system and the actionable steps you can take. What is the immune system? Our immune system is exactly that—a system. It is not a single identifiable entity. It’s a complex system of cells and organs that work together to reinforce each other and defend your body from infection and disease by fighting off bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and other pathogens. Your immune system even works as you sleep and is vital for your health, well-being and mere existence. How can we naturally and safely strengthen our immune system? There is a solid amount of research supporting the idea that consuming a nutritionally rich diet is essential for immune health. In a report published by Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute for Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health: “The ability of the immune system to prevent infection and disease is strongly influenced by nutritional status of the . In fact, malnutrition is the most common cause of immunodeficiency in the world. Poor overall nutrition can lead to inadequate intake of energy and macronutrients as well as selected micronutrient deficiencies. These nutrient deficiencies can cause immunosuppression and dysregulation of immune responses.” The same report by the Linus Pauling Institute states that both macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for immune health: “Micronutrients play crucial roles in the development and expression of the immune response, and certain micronutrient deficiencies lead to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infection and disease. Micronutrient deficiencies often occur in the context of general malnutrition; however, common isolated micronutrient deficiencies include vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc and iron.” The Best Diet That Works to Enhance Maximum Nutrition Absorption in Your Body & Strengthens the Immune System To get the most nutrition in your body, in a way that your body will absorb and use, focusing on a plant-based diet is your best bet. According to the Cleveland Clinic: “Plant-based diets are low in saturated fat, free of cholesterol, and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.” On top of fortifying your immune response, the Cleveland Clinic continues, “Research reveals that following this type of diet will lower your risks of: heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, digestive disease, colon and breast cancers and obesity.” Plants, when eaten raw, boost your immune system in the following ways. They are:

Packed with both macronutrients and micronutrients
Anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a root cause of disease and weakens the immune system.
Bursting with hard-working antioxidants that combat free radical damage
Detoxifying, helping to cleanse your body from toxins so they do not continue to circulate in your body and damage cells
Rich in phytonutrients, which are natural chemicals known to prevent disease and enhance health, including the immune system
Balancing. Plant nutrients help support a healthy pH level in the body.

For the strongest immune system possible, commit to an 85% raw, plant-based diet. Consume healthy fats, such as avocados, anti-inflammatory foods such as nuts, and a variety of antioxidants, which you can easily achieve by eating a rainbow of raw vegetables and complementing with natural, whole-food supplements. A Spotlight on Immune-Boosting Nutritional Components of a Plant-Based Diet A complete diet and supplementation regimen will help you get all the nutrients you need to boost your immune system. Below, we highlight a few nutrients that are especially important to your immune system, which you can get from both a raw, plant-based diet and supplements.

Vitamin D3 with K2 Vitamin D plays an important role in the promotion of antimicrobial peptides that are synthesized by immune cells. The Linus Pauling Institute report states: “Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis) and certain cancers (colorectal, breast, and prostate).”

Liposomal Vitamin C When your body is infected, your immune cells produce oxygen particles to help destroy the pathogens. Vitamin C, one of the most well-known and well-researched antioxidants, protects your body’s healthy cells from oxidative damage. When taken as a supplement, Liposomal Vitamin C is the superior form because it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and into the cells, including the white blood cells that fight infections.

Vitamins B₆& B₁₂ B-vitamins, namely vitamin B_6,B₁₂ and folate, are essential to immune strength. Specifically, vitamin B₁₂ aids in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which is critical for a healthy immune response. Vitamin B_6,in the form of pyridoxine, is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other nutrient, and also supports the absorption of vitamin B₁₂.

Antioxidants Antioxidants are crucial to the health of your immune system, and are your strongest weapon against free radicals. Free radicals are caused by both internal and external triggers. They’re created as byproducts resulting from regular metabolic processes and are also produced by lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, stress and pollution. Free radicals scavenge your body to steal electrons from other cells, causing a chain reaction of “stealing” and damaging cells and tissues along the way. Antioxidants, which are produced by your body and can be consumed through raw plants and supplements, combat this free radical damage by “donating” an electron. As antioxidants neutralize free-radical damage, it empowers the immune system to perform its job more efficiently.

What lifestyle changes can you make to boost the immune system? Remember: Supplements can't be beneficial on their own. On top of a clean, raw, plant-based diet, you need to take care of your body in other ways. Follow these tips:

Aside from a minimal amount of fresh fruits, stay away from sugar, which weakens the immune system.
Stay hydrated every day.
Commit to a daily exercise regimen.
Always have a window open so fresh air can circulate while stale, toxin-laden air doesn’t get trapped.
Sleep well every night.
Manage your stress by taking time to really connect with God—singing, praying, reading His Word and being grateful.
Wash your hands and keep them away from your face.
Keep up with your oral hygiene.

What types of things negatively impact the immune system?

Poor nutrition: Eliminate refined sugar, processed foods, animal fats and alcohol
High, ongoing stress levels
Food allergens, such as gluten
Cigarette smoking
Some medication weakens the immune system (ask your doctor)
Environmental toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides
Pollution
Certain groups, such as the elderly and pregnant women, experience higher levels of nutrient deficiencies and need to take extra special care when it comes to diet and supplementation

In Summary Your immune system is your body’s extraordinary shield that guards you from disease and infection, whether it’s a simple cut or a full-blown flu or even cancer. When you nourish your body and give it lots of rest and exercise, your immune system becomes more and more effective and efficient, which is especially crucial during cold and flu season. Follow a raw, plant-based diet, reinforce that diet with natural supplements and listen to your body—your immune system is ready!