Immune System Boosters

Rest and connect. Take a media break. Play music, take a bath, and sing in the tub. This is my favorite song to sing to right before bedtime: Jennifer Berizan “In These Arms, A Song for All Beings”.

Read a good novel, doodle or draw/paint, or maybe create a “crafts night” or “games night” with your family. Cook together. If you live alone, FaceTime or Skype someone — reach out, but not by text — by face. Check in with each other and ask, “Hey, how are you doing?” Not to share the latest news link or video, but to actually connect and ask how the other person is feeling.

Drop stigmas and be KIND to one another. Sneezing, blowing your nose, or having a sore throat doesn’t automatically mean something serious is happening. Yes, people should blow into a Kleenex, throw it out, and wash their hands or use sanitizer afterward, but we can all do this without judgment.

Exercise. Movement is critical for both immune health and stress reduction. Since gyms aren’t always accessible, get outdoors and exercise when you can. Being in nature definitely helps lift the spirits and raise serotonin, the happy mood hormone.

If you can’t get out, grab your phone and download an exercise app. My two favorites are: “8fit” and “7-Minute Scientific Workout.” Put on some fun music and rock it out. Jump up and down on a trampoline — or pretend you’re on one — even if it’s just for 2 minutes. This boosts lymphatic flow. Repeat several times a day and use large arm movements and big arm circles to stretch your ribs and nourish your joints.

Create a home sanctuary with healthy, clean air. I love aromatherapy oils. My favorite brand for immune support and clean air is called “Young Living Thieves Oil”. I also put a drop in hot water and drink it throughout the day.

Other oils I love:

• “Valor” for emotional strength
• “Bergamot” to lift the mood
• “Lavender” for relaxation, especially at night

Please use member number 2267353 if you’d like to support the facility’s not-for-profit, which has given to children with Autism.

Give your gut some love. Your gut health and your immune system are intricately linked, so keeping your digestive tract happy helps keep your immune system strong. Make sure you’re eating a healthy, well-rounded diet based on real, organic foods. Go to the bathroom regularly to eliminate toxins, and address any digestive issues you may have.

Eat Fermented Foods. About 80-90% of the immune system lives in the gut, so adding fermented foods is a great way to boost resilience. Another favorite probiotic for increasing microbial diversity is Megaspore Probiotic — it’s fantastic for immune support.

Drink water. This one’s simple but powerful. Staying hydrated supports every system in your body. Warm your water up and add grated ginger or peppermint leaves for a natural, calming, and warming effect.

Rinse your nostrils with water. Using a Neti pot in the morning and evening can help clear out allergens, dust, pollen, and debris while also loosening thick mucus. Remember to first boil the water and let it cool.

Each product will come with its own instructions, but the FDA offers these general guidelines:

• Lean over a sink and tilt your head sideways with your forehead and chin roughly level, so liquid flows through one nostril and out the other (not into your mouth).
• Breathe through your open mouth.
• Insert the spout into your upper nostril so the saline flows through the lower nostril.
• Clear your nostrils and repeat on the other side.
• Afterward, clean your sink with hydrogen peroxide or bleach to sanitize it.

Give Your Body a Boost with Supplements: 

Supplements can be powerful allies for immune health. Here are my favorites:

• N-Acetyl Cysteine: Needed to make antioxidants (namely glutathione), which significantly supports immune function. Take 1,200-1,800 mg a day.
• Vitamin D: Crucial for immune modulation. Deficiency weakens the immune response. Take 5,000 I.U. daily unless your doctor recommends otherwise based on your blood levels.
• Andrographis: Great for respiratory health. I love the professional brand I use.
• Vitamin C: Key antioxidant and immune booster. Take 2,000 mg a day minimum — up to 6,000 mg if you need more support. Liposomal Vitamin C is my favorite.
• Zinc: Essential for immune function. Take 30-50 mg a day.
• Selenium: Helps prevent viral replication. Take 200 mcg a day.
• ACS Silver: Shown to be antimicrobial. Use ½ tsp daily or use the nasal spray.

Consider an IV of high-dose Vitamin C if you need a big boost — or just increase your daily intake to buffer oxidative stress.

Adrenal Adaptogenic Herbs: These support your adrenal glands during times of stress. Stress reduction supports immunity — it’s all connected.

Other things to consider:

• Food: If cooking at home feels challenging, try online grocery shopping or healthy meal delivery services. Focus on low-sugar options and natural sweeteners like stevia, raw honey, or coconut sugar. Skip the junk food and choose a piece of fruit instead. Fun fact: Just 1 tsp of sugar can suppress the immune system for up to 6 hours.
• Avoid alcohol. If you want a cocktail, skip sugary wines and go for clear spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila. My personal favorite “health cocktail” is a hot toddy with scotch, a clove, and a drop or two of Young Living Thieves Oil. That said, alcohol is best avoided when you’re trying to support your immune system. If you’re under a lot of stress, I get that some vices are hard to part with — just be mindful.