This year’s cold and flu season is hard to predict. Typically, public health officials will look at infection trends from the previous year to forecast what will happen in the year ahead. Nonetheless, there are several reasons to believe respiratory infections could return – how do we build our immune system?
Our guest columnist Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton with Nutraceutical has these suggestions:
VITAMINS & MINERALS
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Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid, is traditionally used for supporting the immune system. Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel Prize winner, published “Vitamin C and the Common Cold” in 1970.
☐ Vitamin D is intended to help support a healthy immune response; supplementing may help to maintain healthy levels seasonally when the opportunity for outdoor activity in the sun may not always be possible.
☐ Zinc is an essential mineral needed in your diet that your body cannot produce or store, and may help support the development and function of immune cells. It may also help to modulate oxidative stress and support healthy levels of cytokines.
HERBS
☐ Oil of Oregano – cultivated for centuries in the Mediterranean region dating back to the Greek and Roman empires, has been used to help support healthy immune and inflammatory responses.
☐ Echinacea – a popular botanical native to North America, has been honored among herbalists for its usefulness, especially during the winter and cold season.
☐ Elderberry contains naturally occurring antioxidant flavonoids, and is historically used to provide nutritive support for general well-being during the cold winter season.
SPECIALTY
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EpiCor® is a registered trademark of Embria® Health Sciences. Studies show that EpiCor® is effective in both winter and spring seasons to help strengthen the body’s defenses and increase immune cell activity in as little as 2 hours!*
☐ Monolaurin – a fatty acid found in coconut oil and naturally present in breast milk, has been studied for its ability to provide nutritive support for the immune system and may support the immune system in recognizing the need to act.
☐ Fermented Mushrooms – fermentation is intended to help provide more bioavailable nutritive support from polysaccharides and other nutrients, such as beta glucans from mushrooms. Fermented mushrooms are designed to provide antioxidant support for an overall healthy immune response.
*The FDA has not reviewed these statements. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS is the Director of Education for Nutraceutical and has degrees in Biology and Supply Chain, a Doctorate in Chiropractic with postgraduate training in Applied Kinesiology, and a Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs of Food. Having radically altered her own life with dietary supplements, Jennifer began developing proactive regimens for her patients in private practice. She promotes healthy lifestyle choices, including pillars of health such as a positive attitude, sleep, diet and exercise.
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