Vitamins to boost immune system this winter
Expectations are running high, immune systems are going down low, and not everyone is jolly and merry. Moms and dads dread daycare viruses and bacteria kids are gifted with this time of year, and people are collectively summing up missed chances to work on their health from the year that passed, hoping they’ll do better in the year ahead. Sounds gloomy, right? Wrong!
Here comes the good news: We don’t have to wait an entire year to see the results. There are ways to improve our so-called winter health right away.
But to do that, we’ll have to bust a few immunity myths first.
Myth no. 1
If your immune system is strong enough, you won’t get sick.
This myth seems to be one of the most widespread, even though it is wildly untrue.
Even though a strong immune system will help you prevent illness and fight off viruses and infections more easily once you catch them, getting sick has as much to do with the amount of exposure to viruses and bacteria as with the perceived immunity strength.
People often call or come in the moment they develop a fever, in panic over the state of their immune system, and often get upset when I don’t seem as alarmed as they are about it. Let’s be clear about this: Fever is a sign that your immune system IS working and fighting the infection. There is a limit to a good thing, though, if you develop a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should call your doctor.
Seasonal allergies are also often wrongly perceived as signs of a weak immune system. In reality, allergies are actually an overactive immune system, not one that is weak or not working.
Myth no.2
If we do enough, we can all achieve perfect health.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all formula to get our health to where we want it to be. There are guidelines and advice we can use and adapt to our personal situation once we know the condition we’re in, in order to take better care of ourselves and enjoy good health rather than chase after unrealistic, perfectionistic ideas. The first step is to assess where we are on the spectrum of immune health.
Even though there is no proverbial measuring stick to help us find out quickly, as a PA, I usually start by ordering routine lab work that can help me answer this question, checking white blood cells, specific antibody tests, vitamin D, zinc, iron levels, magnesium, folate, and vitamin C, etc.
The next step is to try and help patients assess if they are doing enough for themselves… which brings me to myth no. 3.
Myth no. 3
Vitamins and supplements are the only way to boost immunity.
Vitamins and supplements are great, as - they truly are a great addition to other measures we all should take in order to get healthier and more resilient.
Supplements can fill in nutritional gaps, prevent deficiencies, and/or keep them under control; but managing stress, getting enough sleep and regular exercise can also do a lot for immunity.
We all need to check ourselves regularly and make sure we do the following:
Get enough rest. Sleep is essential because that’s when our immune system rests and heals and restores the body.
Take a closer look at our diet and consider supplements if it is lacking.
Make sure you are getting outside. For vitamin D first and foremost, we also need to get out and change scenery for our emotional well-being.
De-stress regularly. Talk it out. Enjoy hobbies. Meditate. Journal. Enjoy a bubble bath, buy yourself flowers… whatever it is, just do it, and do it regularly.
Exercise. There is no substitute for movement and no better way to get our engines going and maintain them in good working condition.
Myth no. 4
There are perfect supplements for winter.
Actually, this one is only half-wrong.
Even though everyone has different supplementation needs, some products proved to be of immense help to the majority of us during the winter.
Vitamin D3 - because we are not getting enough sun (as I’ve elaborated before).
Vitamin C - because it is a potent antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps create new cells, which are essential for making antibodies, the immune system’s “weapons.”
Zinc - because it supports the growth and normal function of immune cells and can also decrease inflammation and reduce the duration of a cold.
Myth no. 5
Winter cold makes you sick.
There is a correlation between cold weather and getting sick, but the weather itself is not the cause. More likely, it is people being in closer contact with each other, as we tend to stay indoors and spread germs to each other when it's cold outside.
It's NEVER too late to start building up your immunity. Begin with the simple things like remembering to wash your hands and avoid people who are sick, coughing, or sneezing on you. You can also start by taking immune-boosting vitamins such as vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, vitamin D3… Clean up your diet, and get some exercise - even just a short walk will help.
Finding balance is what it’s all about - the balance between sleep, supplements, proper diet, stress management, exercise, and, of course, sunshine.
If you're in search of a different product, simply utilize our search page to locate it.
Additionally, you can learn more about how two vitamins, vitamin C and D, are essential in helping your body in our blog post: "Natural Allergy Relief: The Power of Vitamins C and D in Allergy Management"
Hope this article helped. I am always here for any other questions you may have.
Enjoy good health!
Lori Atkins
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