November is Immune Health Month
Hey! November is almost half way through, but lets continue with boosting our immunity all the way til the end.
The immune system is your body’s primary mechanism of defense, responsible for protecting you from potentially harmful invaders. It is made up of various cells, tissues, and substances including the skin barrier, red and white blood cells, microbiota, antibodies, and cytokines (cell signaling molecules).
The immune system may be generally broken down into the innate immune response, your first line of defense, and the adaptive immune response, which is highly specific against particular intruders. Immune system dysfunction may result in allergies, infections, tumors, and autoimmunity.
An integrative treatment plan including a healthy lifestyle, a nutritious diet such as the Mediterranean diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and dietary supplements may help you to support immune health and prevent disease.
To celebrate Immune Health Month, I’m offering you a discount of 5% on all of your orders through my Fullscript dispensary, so making your health a priority is easier than ever.
Below is some useful information about top recommended supplements for immune health, including popular products from my dispensary.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is a botanical herb with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and anticancer properties. While astragalus has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat individuals with increased susceptibility to infections, studies suggest it may improve outcomes of inflammatory conditions and certain cancers. Research has also shown that astragalus may help stimulate the immune response by increasing white blood cell count.
Top astragalus supplements on Fullscript
Astragalus SAP by Nutritional Fundamentals for Health (NFH)
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Colostrum
The first milk that comes from a mammal after giving birth, known as colostrum, is high in immunomodulatory compounds and growth factors. As a dietary supplement, bovine colostrum may help support immune and gastrointestinal health. Colostrum contains compounds known as immunoglobulins which may prevent upper respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and certain types of inflammation.
Top colostrum supplements on Fullscript
Tegricel® Colostrum by Designs for Health
Find colostrum-containing supplements on Fullscript
Probiotics
Probiotics, beneficial live microorganisms, may support immune health by modulating innate and adaptive immune responses and inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Probiotic supplements may help to protect healthy individuals against respiratory infections such as the common cold and the flu. Additionally, research has shown that probiotics may be effective in certain immune conditions, including allergies, eczema, human papillomavirus (HPV), and certain drug-resistant infections.
Top probiotic supplements on Fullscript
Multi Strain 11 by Cyto-Matrix
ProBio SAP by Nutritional Fundamentals for Health (NFH)
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an important role in immune function by supporting both innate and adaptive immune systems. Vitamin C may be obtained from dietary sources such as citrus fruit, papaya, broccoli, and kiwifruit, as well as from dietary supplements. Vitamin C deficiency may result in lowered immunity and a higher risk of infections. Supplementing with vitamin C has been shown to be effective in treating respiratory and systemic infections.
The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of vitamin C are:
Birth to 6 months: 40 mg
Infants 7-12 months: 50 mg
Children 1-3 years: 15 mg
Children 4-8 years: 25 mg
Children 9-13 years: 45 mg
Boys 14-18 years: 75 mg
Girls 14-18 years: 65 mg
Adult men: 90 mg
Adult women: 75 mg
Top vitamin C supplements on Fullscript
Find vitamin C-containing supplements on Fullscript
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin required in mineral metabolism, bone health, and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Research suggests that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of autoimmune conditions, support immune tolerance in autoimmune conditions, and enhance the antimicrobial effect of certain immune cells.
The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of vitamin D are:
Birth to 12 months 400 IU
Children 1-13 years 600 IU
Teens 14-18 years 600 IU
Adults 19-70 years: 600 IU
Adults 71 years and older: 800 IU
Top vitamin D supplements on Fullscript
Vitamin D3 SAP Liquid by Nutritional Fundamentals for Health (NFH)
Find vitamin D-containing supplements on Fullscript
Log in to your Fullscript account now to explore these supplements and receive a 5% discount on your order!
You can contact me for any further recommendations or if you have any specific questions or concerns.
In health & happiness,
-Dr. Nicole