Boosting your immune system during the fall and winter months is always very important in maintaining your health but it is especially pertinent this year. Natural ways to support your immune system are by getting regular acupuncture, managing your stress levels, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep and eating healthy whole foods high in vitamins and minerals.
Acupuncture therapy can stimulate and balance the immune system by increasing red and white cell counts, T-cell count and enhancing humoral and cellular immunity in patients. Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. When we are stressed, the body increases cortisol production which reduces the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. By getting regular acupuncture, cortisol levels are reduced and the immune system is balanced so we are better able to fight off infections.
The most important vitamins and nutrients needed for maintenance of a healthy immune system are Vitamin C, D, Zinc and probiotics to support gut health. Vitamin C is needed to fight off respiratory infections. Food sources include citrus fruits (e.g., grapefruit, orange), kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Vitamin D enhances the anti-microbial effect of certain immune cells and is found in fish (e.g., swordfish, salmon, tuna, sardines), beef liver, cod liver oil and egg yolks. Zinc is another key nutrient for immune function and you can get it by eating seafood (e.g., oysters, crab, lobster), beef, pork, chicken (dark meat), pumpkin seeds, yogurt, cashews and chickpeas. Probiotics may inhibit the growth of pathogens and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Adding fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, unpasteurized pickled vegetables, miso and tempeh is a good way to ensure you get enough probiotics.
It is always best to get your nutrition from your diet, but if it falls short, taking high quality supplements to boost your immune system is an effective way to add to your protection. Chinese medicine also offers herbs that can support the immune system and help mitigate symptoms of colds and flus during this season. Acacia Acupuncture offers its patients access to Fullscript, a virtual dispensary of high-quality, practitioner-grade supplements and herbs. You can inquire about personal recommendations at your next visit, order directly from the Immune Protocol or browse the full catalog to find what suits your needs.
Keeping your immune system strong has never been more important than during this time. Following these recommendations in addition to the CDCs recommendations of washing hands, disinfecting surfaces and wearing your mask in public will give you the best protection this winter season.