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Good nutrition is essential for the body’s immune system to function optimally.
However, most diets are deficient in the vitamins and minerals needed for a strong immune defense. In other words, most diets need a little help.
Supplements or nutraceuticals encourage a boost in nutrient status to positively influence immune function.
For those that are at higher risk of infection due to age or an underlying condition, specific supplements may be even more important in providing an additional layer of protection.
Your body knows how to fight a virus. The immune system is a complex system of organs, tissues and cells throughout the body that communicate and work together to protect you from what is not you.
Your immune system includes the skin, mucous membranes, and the digestive system that create barriers to keep pathogens out while allowing nutrients in. It also includes innate immunity, which is your general defense against invaders and acquired immunity where your body creates antibodies to a specific microbe. All of this requires various nutrients, in good supply, so that each part of the system can do its job effectively.
Eating a healthy, nutrient dense diet is a great start, however, most diets are lacking the vitamins and minerals necessary to reach optimal status.
Bottom Line: Most of us need more of many nutrients. Using high quality supplements is a great way to cover your bases and improve the structure and function of systems throughout the body.
Many clinical studies are being done on the roles that these compounds have on preventing or reducing the impact of infection. Based on the research available, here is a list of supplements that may be useful in the prevention as well as potentially inhibiting the replication of this virus.
Zinc
Zinc is a critical nutrient for the immune system, and one that those most at risk for infection, including the elderly, tend to be deficient in.
Zinc functions in both the innate (first line of defense) and adaptive immune systems. It even suppresses viral attachment, playing a role in fighting respiratory infections. For these reasons, zinc is a key player in the protocol used in viral treatment.
As we age, zinc status tends to go down for a variety of factors including not eating enough zinc-rich foods like grass-fed beef, oysters and pumpkin seeds.
In addition, stomach acid tends to decline with age making it harder to digest protein and extract the minerals from these foods.
Did you know that zinc also plays a role in our sense of taste? When we are deficient in zinc we can’t taste our food as well and might go for more salty, sweet or processed options.
Interestingly, a loss of taste and smell is a documented symptom of the coronavirus and in some cases is the first, or only, sign of the disease.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often thought of in terms of bone health, but it is also critically important for the immune system to be able to do its job.
Some preliminary research makes the link between low vitamin D levels and the severity of infection.
Lower vitamin D levels are also linked to an increased susceptibility to infection and higher levels of Vitamin D may protect against those with auto-immune diseases.
The standard vitamin D recommendations (600IU per day) are woefully low for maintaining optimal blood levels between 50 and 80 ng/mL, the recommended levels for prevention of infection and complications.
The best course of action is to have your vitamin D levels checked every year and adjust supplementation accordingly.
In absence of testing, I suggest following the Institute for Functional Medicine recommendations and supplementing with 5000 IU per day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and immune supportive properties. It contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of the immune system.
The coronavirus and other severe acute respiratory illnesses increase oxidative stress in the body which can lead to cellular and tissue damage. High-doses of vitamin C have been shown to be a safe, effective, and valuable therapeutic agent for respiratory infections.
Since this essential vitamin is not synthesized in the body we either need to ingest from food, or take as a supplement.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a variety of foods (including the herbs cilantro and dill as well as onions, kale, cranberries, and capers). It is also a natural zinc ionophore.
Zinc-ionophores transport the zinc in and out of the cell and can increase the effects of zinc in the cell.
It is well recognized that zinc is an essential trace element, influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system, and that severe zinc deficiency depresses immune function.
Omegas
Omega-3 fatty acids are required for a number of body functions, from proper blood flow to brain development.
These long-chain fatty acids are integral components of tissues and organ systems throughout the body, including the heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system.
Recent research suggests that EPA and DHA supplementation is potentially beneficial in managing inflammation associated with infection.
Probiotics
The microbiome is a key factor in building immune resilience and an imbalance in your gut is associated with developing inappropriate immune responses.
Gut issues are often one of the root causes to symptoms and disease, including immune diseases.
Probiotics support nutrient absorption, help maintain a healthy balance of organisms in the intestinal tract, and support immune function.
Probiotics help to restore gut health and microbial balance, which in turn fosters the foundation for resilient immunity.
Reference:
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutraceutical with antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
Resveratrol has been studied for its therapeutic potential against viruses that are responsible for severe respiratory infections, pneumonia, and viruses.
Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory benefits may be potentially valuable to the severe virus-associated complications that are related to the overactivation of the host-immune response, known as the cytokine storm.
Curcumin
A review of numerous studies confirm how curcumin may inhibit a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation.
Curcumin supports immune function, intestinal health, detoxification, healthy aging, mental health, joint health, cardiovascular health and pain management.
It’s also an important antioxidant compound that fights free radicals throughout the body.
The liposomal form offers greatest absorption and bioavailability.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide (NO) is an antimicrobial molecule with key roles in pulmonary vascular function in the context of viral infections and other pulmonary diseases.
Nitric oxide also plays a key role in regulating inflammation and can help maintain normal blood pressure as well as cardiovascular health.
Low nitric oxide levels occur as we age or with exposures to oxidative stress, which can contribute to lung and respiratory diseases.
Glutathione
Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, important for protecting cells from the damage caused by viruses and other infections.
Glutathione also plays a key role in detoxification and immune health. Glutathione deficiency has been linked to serious illness from infection. Glutathione therapy is a potentially beneficial treatment during the illness and throughout recovery.
Internally, I recommend liposomal glutathione for the best bioavailability. Glutathione can also be nebulized for direct effect on the lungs.
To amplify the effect of glutathione, build your sulfur pool by eating at least 1 serving of cruciferous veggies daily such as broccoli, arugula, cabbage or cauliflower.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a truly magical mineral and helps facilitate over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Magnesium supports cardiovascular health, muscles, nerves, bones, mood, brain health and metabolism.
Based on magnesium’s many functions, it plays an important role in prevention and treatment of many diseases. Low levels of magnesium have been also associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Other Vitamins
Botanical extracts like black elderberry, astragalus, echinacea, and andrographis, have all been used traditionally for their clinically effective immune- modulating properties. Vitamin A is another great vitamin that supports the immune system by stimulating white blood cell function and increasing antibody response.
Maintaining good vitamin B6 or (pantothenic acid) levles also supports immune system energy, thymic function and healthy white blood cell levels.
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In the very beginning of my journey, after residency, I joined an Internal medicine practice.⠀
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I knew deep down inside - it didn’t align with the doctor I truly wanted to be.⠀
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Too easily, I fell into the same routine as my colleagues....Seeing 30 patients a day and giving them a RX after spending only 5-10 minutes with them. ⠀
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I wanted to be able to explore and dig for clues to find what was really impacting their health. ⠀
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I knew we needed to look deeper. ⠀
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The universe was urging me to get back on track with my highest intentions for becoming a doctor in the first place.⠀
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All of a sudden, I was introduced to Funt!on@l medicine. It hadn’t been on my radar previously, but I quickly developed a passion for it and never looked back. ⠀
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Through my experience with both practices, I wanted to provide a breakdown of what both approaches are and why I prefer the Function@l approach to medicine.⠀
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Both have the intention of healing the patient but are very different in their approach regarding HOW the person will be treated.⠀
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Conventional medicine typically puts a “band aid” on the problem to get rid of the symptoms vs. looking at WHY the problem is there in the first place. ⠀
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Funct!onal Medicine focuses on how the body is connected, and looks at the underlying cause of the problem. It also looks at how future problems may be prevented, by making diet and lifestyle changes instead of masking or temporarily relieving symptoms.⠀
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Have you worked with a function@l med physician? If so? How was your experience ? Share below :)⠀
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#functionalmedicinedoctor #functionalmedicine #functionalmedicinepracticioner #medicineforthesoul #medicinelife #healing #patientcare #holisticwellness #holistichealing #holisticmedicine #doctorsofinstagram⠀
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You found mold in your home... Now what?🤔⠀
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Toxic mold exposure in your home is often the last thing on your mind, when it should be one of the first. ⠀
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Mold spores can easily grow in any spot in your house that has excess moisture. If it is left untreated, it can have a serious impact on your body. ⠀
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Toxic mold releases mycotoxins and mVOC’s (microbial volatile organic compounds). Exposures to these toxins result in numerous symptoms.⠀
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A few symptoms related to toxic mold exposure include:⠀
-Headaches⠀
-Nausea and abdominal discomfort ⠀
-Changes in vision ⠀
-Muscle pain and cramps ⠀
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So, how do you recover after being exposed to mold?⠀
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It’s crucial that you leave this to the experts. Call in mold remediation experts that will follow a detailed remediation plan. Once you have a plan in place to remove the mold, it is important to focus on restoring your health - post exposure. ⠀
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For more tips on how to restore your health after toxic mold exposure, click the link in my bio to download my free guide for help. ⠀
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Dr Ann ⠀
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#biohackingtips #biohackinglife #biohackingsuccess #biohackingsecrets #biohackers #preventativemedicine #mold #moldexposure #holistichealth #toxicity #detox #moldsymptoms #moldtips #moldsymptomdetoxying #healthtips⠀
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We've all been taught to prevent skin cancer by wearing sunscreen, but we need to go one step further and make sure the TYPE of sunscreen we choose is not causing more harm than good ⚠️
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As with most products in the personal-care industry, it’s difficult to tell what’s what.⠀
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This is why finding products that are produced free of harsh chemicals is important when deciding what will work best for you.⠀
A key to maximizing your overall health and wellness is taking the extra step to read labels and research the active ingredients that are listed.⠀
According to the EWG, the ingredients oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone are all systemically absorbed into the body after one use and could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after no longer being used.⠀
The most worrisome is oxybenzone. It is readily absorbed through the skin and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found it in nearly all Americans. Oxybenzone causes allergic skin reactions, behaves like an endocrine disruptor in many studies, and is potentially of greater harm to children.⠀
Since it’s possible to inhale ingredients in sunscreen sprays and ingest some of the ingredients applied to lips, ensuring your ingredients aren’t harmful to the lungs or internal organs is key.⠀
Here is a list of a few sunscreens you’ll want to avoid 👇
⚠️ Neutrogena Beach Defense⠀
⚠️ Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport⠀
⚠️ Neutrogena Invisible Dry⠀
⚠️ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer⠀
⚠️ Aveeno Protect + Refresh ⠀
For a full list of ingredients to look for and ones to avoid, click the link in my bio.⠀
What brand of sunscreen do you typically use? Would love to hear below.⠀
Dr. Ann⠀
#sunscreen #sunscreens #ewg #staycool #summerfun #mineralsunscreen #wearsunscreen #reefsafesunscreen #organicsunscreen #bestsunscreen #nosunscreen #sunscreenplease #sunburns #nontoxichome #nontoxicliving #functionalmedicine #fxmedicine #integrativemedicine #holisticmedicine #EveryLifeWell #GetBetterWithAge #EveryBabyWell
So many people think fitness is just about having abs or a perfectly sculpted physique - but TRUE health is about so much more than how you look in a bikini 🎯⠀
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It’s about being able to play sports and spend quality time with your children on a beautiful Sunday, or attending a special event like graduation or their wedding day. It’s about confidence, self-love, and loving the skin you’re in. ⠀
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With that said, here are just a few reasons you should make fitness a priority:
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• It helps with lymph drainage and detox.⠀
• Improves circulation. ⠀
• Increases feel good hormones to promote well-being. ⠀
• Improves cognitive function ( aka makes your brain work better ) ⠀
• Helps combat depression and anxiety.⠀
• Helps reduce inflammation. ⠀
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As you can see...the list of benefits are endless.
Personally, I love my Peloton as well as meditation and yoga.
It’s great for both the body… and mind 🙏🏻
Now you tell me, what’s your favorite form of exercise? Would love to hear in the comment section below.⠀
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#health #fitness #wellness #exercise #workouts #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #exercisemotivation #exercisemedicine #exerciseathome #exerciseroutine #exercisedaily #integrativemedicine #integrativenutrition #integrativewellness #integrativehealth #integrativehealing #fitnessjourney #fitnesslifestyle #fitnessgoals #fitnesslove #fitnesstransformation
If you’ve been around the health and wellness space for a while, then I’m almost certain you’ve heard the term “intermittent fasting.”⠀
But, you likely haven’t heard about fasting mimicking. ⠀
And what in the world is the difference between IF and fasting mimicking?!👇
The fasting mimicking diet is a 5-day mimicked fast where you follow a plant-based and calorie- restricted diet. This diet allows you to eat whole foods, while the body transitions into a fasting state.
With this approach, it is much easier, and safer, to comply with a mimicked fast than to water fast, (where you literally only consume water).⠀
What are some of the benefits associated with FM?⠀
Benefits such as a supported immune system, decrease in inflammation, improved energy metabolism, improved sleep, and improved memory are just a few of the many benefits that are found when you follow the fasting mimicking diet. ⠀
Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, is a 16 hour period of time where you go without food. Most people who practice IF typically stop eating after dinner and then eat a late breakfast or early lunch the following day. IF allows the body to detox naturally, decreases inflammation, supports a healthy metabolism, etc.⠀
Both have a long list of benefits, it all depends on what works best for YOUR body and immune system.⠀
If you’re familiar with IF but new to the fasting mimicking world, then click the link in my bio to read more about what the diet entails and if it could be an option for you.⠀
Dr. Ann ⠀
#fastingmimickingdiet #fastingresults #fastingbenefits #fastingforhealth #fastingforweightloss #intermittentfasting #weightlosstransformation #fastingdiet #fastinglife #detoxtips #weightlosstips #healthandwellness #intermittentfasting #intermittentfast #if #intermittentfastingdiet #dieting #diet #diettips #diethelp #diets⠀
Fungal infections are more common than you think. Especially during hot summer temperatures. ⠀
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They can affect anyone, and can appear on feet, arms, stomach, under arms, anywhere sweat is persistent.⠀
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Different types of fungi can cause fungal infections. In some cases, fungi that aren’t typically found on or inside your body can colonize it and cause an infection. ⠀
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In other cases, fungi that are normally present on or inside your body can multiply out of control and cause an infection.⠀
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For those of you who may not be familiar…. Fungi, like aspergillus, can be extremely dangerous and lead to life-threatening diseases.⠀
They reproduce by releasing spores that can be picked up by direct contact or even inhaled. That’s why fungal infections are most likely to affect your skin, nails, or lungs. ⠀
Some common types of fungal infection include:⠀
• Athlete’s foot⠀
• Jock itch⠀
• Ringworm⠀
• Yeast infection⠀
A few ways you can avoid fungal infection is by:⠀
• Keeping your skin clean⠀
• Avoid using other people’s towels or products⠀
• Use products that are free of toxins.⠀
• Wear shoes at community pools, locker rooms, hotel rooms, etc.⠀
Have you ever experienced a fungal infection? If so, which one?
Share with me below.⠀
Dr. Ann⠀
#fungalinfection #fungalinfections #yeastinfections #infections #fungus #detoxyourlife #detoxyourbody #detoxtips #fungus #skinhealth #skininfections #skincareregimen #skincareroutine #skincarethread #skincaretips #skincaredaily #integrativemedicine #Integrativehealth #toxins #toxinfree #toxinfreeproducts #toxinfreeliving #toxinfreelife⠀
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