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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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Clean, pure water is absolutely fundamental to better health and detoxification❗️
No one would consciously drink water with heavy metals, arsenic, disinfection byproducts (DBPs) or other contaminants, but chances are that you have unwittingly had your fair share.
Many people have asked me what water filter to use, and it can be overwhelming to find the right water filter– especially if you’re not feeling your best.
So, I’ve put together some guidelines for you in the carousel above 👆🏻
My goal here is to provide you with a reliable approach to choosing a water filter for your home that meets all of your criteria, so I’ve put together an entire guide to help you make the best choice for you and your household needs (link in bio)
What water filtration system do you use? Share with me below ⬇️
Dr. Ann
#waterfiltration #waterfiltrationsystem #waterfilter #waterfilters #waterfiltersystem #waterfiltration #cleanwater #filteredwater #toxins #toxicity #toxinsout #toxinsbegone #toxinfreelifestle #toxinfreeliving #toxinfreeproducts #toxinsout #toxinremoval #toxinsupport
What happens when you feel “off?” 🤔
Most times, you go to the Doctor’s office, receive a diagnosis, and leave with an RX to alleviate the pain or symptom.
And that’s the problem 🚩You’re adding to the equation instead of SOLVING it.
Think of your body as if it was a pyramid made up of 3 layers.
If two layers are functioning great, but in the middle layer you’re experiencing gut issues, guess what? What’s going on in the middle layer is going to affect the ground layer and arc eventually as well.
Every symptom has a root cause, and that root cause is more times than not - a deficiency in something. Take gut health, for instance:
If you're gut is leaky, you may be deficient in:
• Whole Foods
• Self-care and stress reducing activities
• Protein
• Vitamins and Nutrients
• Sunlight
• Probiotics
• Digestive Enzymes
If you're hormones are imbalanced you may be deficient in:
• Magnesium or Iron
If one layer of the pyramid is off, the entire pyramid will feel the affects.
If one organ or system in your body is off, your entire immune system will be as well.
Focus on each layer of the pyramid.
Focus on the deficiency, and you’ll uncover the root cause 🙏🏻
#rootcause #healthylifestyle #sustianablechoices #wholefood #cleaneating #lifestylechanges #healthyisaninvestment #healthylifestyle #healthaccountability #healthmindset #happyishealthy #eatwellfeelwell #healthyliving #betterchoices #onebodyonechance #personalaccountability #healthisyourwealth #autoimmune #chronicillness #healthtips #cleandiet #wellnesstips #healthylife #healthcaresystems #integrativemedicine #healthyresponsibility #chronicillness #chronicillnessawareness #integrativemedicine #integrativenutrition ⠀⠀
We all know that sleep plays a crucial role in so many things. From
😴Brain function to overall mood…
😴Appetite/Hunger levels….
😴Your ability to lose weight or break through a weight loss plateau…
😴Gut Health….
But what many don’t realize is the important role sleep plays in detoxification and the elimination of toxins.
This is why people who don’t get quality sleep tend to have a tougher time losing weight, experience low energy, and a long list of other symptoms.
To learn more about the role sleep plays in detoxifying and how sleep affects the glymphatic system, check out the carousel above 👆🏻 And for a deeper dive, click the link in my bio to read my blog post.
Dr. Ann
#glymphaticsystem #toxins #toxicity #toxinsout #toxinsbegone #toxinfree #toxinfreeliving #sleep #sleepsupport #sleeprelief #sleepless #sleeptips #sleephelp #sleepaid #detoxtips #detoxyourbody #detoyobody #detoxifying #detox101 #detoxsupport #detoxhelp #detoxrelief
You just fell asleep… yet 3 hours later…you find yourself wide awake.
You proceed to use the restroom and get some water thinking it will help…only to find yourself tossing and turning all night.
Does this sound familiar?
If so, this could be a way your body is communicating to you…and crying for help.
Your body may be signaling that your toxic load is far too heavy.
Recent research has revealed that the more toxins you have in your body, the tougher it is to get those much needed 7-9 hours. It also revealed how the quality of our sleep can impact the ability of our brain to clear waste and toxins efficiently.
This is why I always say not to underestimate the power of sleep!
Why? Because SO many body processes happen during the sleeping hours, including detoxification through the glymphatic system, so getting enough, high quality sleep each night is important for both daily detox and recovering from any toxin-related illness.
When you have an unusual breakout, what do you associate it with? Hormones or Gut health.
When you hit a weight loss plateau? Typically a food intolerance or eating too much sugar and processed foods.
When you can’t sleep? A heavy toxic burden/drinking alcohol before bedtime etc.
Our body is always in communication with us.
For tips on how to improve the quality of your sleep, I recommend reducing your toxic load and following the steps outlined in my free guide.
Click the link in my bio if you’re ready to finally start getting some zzzz’s once again.
Dr. Ann
#sleep #sleeptips #sleepsupport #sleephelp #sleeptime #sleepaid #sleepapnea #sleepytime #sleepcoach #sleeper #sleepnomore #sleepparalysis #sleepsupport #agewell #detox #detoxying #detoxifying #detoxtips #detoxhelp #detoxsupport #detox101 #toxins #toxicity #toxinsout #toxinsbegone
93 percent of the water in the US is contaminated with microplastics ❗️
Bottled water is no exception and also a large source of microplastic exposure. Microplastics in water are also transferred to other products, such as beer.
What’s even more alarming is…water isn’t the ONLY place you can find microplastics.
In short, microplastics are everywhere!
We are exposed directly through the air we breathe and indirectly as plastic particles and chemicals associated with plastic accumulate through the food chain.
Microplastics are also used in medicine to deliver pharmaceuticals into human tissue.
In those who have plastic put into their body, such as a knee replacement, we know that the plastics wear down, releasing microplastics into circulation.
What’s also important to note is microplastics can also absorb other toxins from the environment: Through microplastic exposure, you might become exposed to these chemicals or classes of chemicals:
PFAS – found in waterproof clothing, carpeting, food packaging and cookware are persistent in the environment and highly toxic to humans.
Phthalates – and other endocrine disrupting chemicals are added to plastics to make the plastic softer. They are also frequently found in personal care products.
And with so much plastic already in the environment (it will certainly outlive our children), I think it is important to stop plastic production and consumption in significant ways in order to prevent symptoms and further effects.
So, I’ve put together a blog post with my 6 action steps you can start implementing today to reduce your exposure. Check out the link in my bio to read it, then share with me one way strategy you plan on implementing.
Dr. Ann
#microplastics #plastic #plastics #pfas #pthalates #toxin #toxinfree #toxicity #toxinsout #toxinsbegone #toxins #toxicitysupport #toxicityrelief #detox #detoxying #detoxifying #detoxtips #detoxsupport #detoxrelief #detox101 #detoxhelp #detoxguide #detoxyourbody #toxinfreelifestyle #integrativemedicine
We’re being exposed to hundreds of heavy metals EVERY DAY that have some level of toxic effect on our bodies, and these heavy metals are gradually building up leading to things like:⠀
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🚩No Energy⠀
🚩A lack of focus/concentration⠀
🚩Extreme fatigue⠀
🚩Weight gain⠀
🚩Brain fog⠀
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And a long list of other symptoms.⠀
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A few examples of heavy metals are things like: Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, and they can be found in your water, toothpaste, perfume, deodorant, and even some over-the-counter meds. ⠀
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To avoid exposure, I always recommend not living with the “Oh, it’s just a little bit of toothpaste,” or “getting a water filtration system isn’t that big of a deal,” or “that’s a little bit of Roundup that I’m spraying on my weeds.” ⠀
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Instead, you want to really choose carefully what you’re breathing in, what you’re putting on your skin, what you’re eating and drinking…and then you want to be actively detoxifying every day❗⠀
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Eating the foods that help to support detoxification and taking the right supplements will help. ⠀
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I outlined a few of my top supplement recommendations in the graphic above 👆🏻 ⠀
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To learn the role each herb and supplement plays in detoxification, click the link in my bio to read my blog post.⠀
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How do you detox your body? Share below. ⠀
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Dr. Ann⠀
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#heavymetals #mercury #lead #toxins #toxicity #toxinsout #toxinsbegone #toxinfree #toxinfreeliving #detox #detoxying #detoxtips #detoxifying #detox101 #detoxhelp #detoxsupport #detoxyourbody #detoxtime #detoxjuice #detoxtea #integrativemedicine #metaldetox #heavymetaldetox #heavymetal⠀
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