Targeted Nutrients for Cold & Flu Season
Cold and Flu season is here - are you prepared?
Strengthening our immune defenses becomes paramount during these chilly months. In addition to good sleep, regular exercise, and improving gut health, one effective strategy for immune support is to incorporate targeted nutrients into our daily routines.
For many years now, Vira-Resist Herbal Immune Support has been our cold and flu season client-favorite. Vira-Resist contains a blend of botanicals - echinacea, astragalus, elderberry, olive leaf, and more - each with unique properties to provide support against bacterial and viral infection.
In addition to botanicals, there are three targeted nutrients at the top of my list for immune system health.
THREE TARGETED NUTRIENTS FOR COLD & FLU SEASON
VITAMIN C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C is well-known for its many roles in supporting a healthy immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, which fight infections in the body. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant - protecting cells and tissues from excessive free-radical damage, and is also essential for wound healing.
Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections.
Because your body cannot make vitamin C, it must come from your food or through supplementation. Food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Vitamin C Supplements: I typically recommend 500-1000mg of vitamin C daily for general health and higher doses in the case of infection, increased stress, injury, or surgery. Choose a buffered form of vitamin C to reduce digestive upset, and remember that high doses of Vitamin C may cause loose stools.
CHECK OUT OUR BUFFERED 750mg VITAMIN C CAPSULES
QUERCETIN
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid. Bioflavonoids are plant pigments that give fruits and vegetables their color. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant with proven anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-allergic activity and has been shown to have a beneficial effect in promoting a healthy immune system.
Quercetin may be especially helpful for those with asthma and allergies.
Quercetin is found in a variety of foods, including apples, buckwheat, onions, and citrus fruits.
Quercetin Supplements: A typical dose is 500-1000mg of quercetin daily. Quercetin is not readily absorbed on its own, so I always recommend supplementing in a form that contains bromelain (a powerful anti-inflammatory substance found in pineapple). Bromelain enhances the absorption of quercetin (as does vitamin C) and magnifies its efficacy.
OUR QUERCETIN BROMELAIN FORTE PROVIDES 500MG QUERCETIN PER TWO CAPSULES
ZINC
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the function of the immune system, including regulation of the immune response and inflammation. Zinc is necessary for the proper function of immune cells, including white blood cells, which help the body fight infections. Zinc also helps to maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes, which serve as physical barriers against pathogens. Research suggests that zinc may have antiviral properties and could interfere with the replication of certain viruses.
Zinc helps keep your immune system strong.
The richest sources of zinc are meat, poultry, and seafood (especially oysters). You can also find zinc in nuts and whole grains.
Zinc Supplements: The typical recommended daily dosage is 15–30 mg of elemental zinc.
OUR ZINC GLYCINATE COMPLEX CONTAINS 20MG ZINC PER CAPSULE
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Are you ready for a fresh perspective on your health? As a board-certified Integrative & Functional Medicine physician, I can help you “think outside of the box” and dig deeper with a variety of laboratory testing to help uncover the underlying root causes of your symptoms and create a plan personalized for you that goes beyond the prescription pad to incorporate diet/lifestyle change, nutritional supplements, holistic therapies, health coaching and more! Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more.
Consult your healthcare professional before beginning any new vitamin or nutritional supplement. This blog is not intended to provide individual medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.