Our Key Supplements for Immunity and Gut Health This Season
No one wants to deal with a cold over the Christmas season - especially now!! We always say the best medicine is prevention, so let’s look at a few ways you can keep your digestion and immune system strong this season.
Immune Supportive Supplements to Consider:
Vitamin D3, Vitamin C & Zinc
These 3 supplements help build your foundation for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C can be taken preventatively all year long and in higher doses during active infections, such as a cold or flu, to boost white blood cell activity. It’s also great for supporting a healthy stress response and fuelling the adrenals. Zinc enhances white blood cells, called natural killer cells, which are our immune system’s infection-fighting soldiers.
Of course Vitamin D3 is another essential, which I’ve covered in a previous article you can find here. Did you know there have also been numerous studies showing the effectiveness of D3 in the prevention and recovery of C0VID-19? One meta-analysis that stood out was the link between low vitamin D levels and significantly increased risk of severe illness. I’ve linked Vitamin D Hub resources below if you’d like to read more.
Andrographis Complex (with Echinacea & Holy Basil)
Andrographis is a great herbal support to have on hand when upper respiratory symptoms strike. Traditionally, it has many uses, including clearing a variety of infections in the upper mucous membranes and lungs, while modulating and strengthening the immune response.
This complex also has the added benefit of echinacea, which works in conjunction with andrographis, to fight cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea has the ability to balance the immune system, while reducing inflammation that occurs during an immune challenge, such as a flu.
Holy basil is included to aid the adrenals and stress response, which is heightened during times of active infection. Used as a short-term immune builder, Andrographis Complex makes for a fantastic seasonal support when you need it most.
Probiotics
Of course we needed to include probiotics in this list! They work double duty by supporting a healthy gut microbiome and digestion, while boosting the immune system. Probiotics work best when taken on a regular basis to prime the gut and immune system, but can be taken before bed during the holidays for better digestion.
Additional Digestive Supports to Consider:
Digestive enzymes with HCl
You know that feeling after a big meal where you feel sluggish, tired, bloated and all you want to do is sleep? Taking digestive enzymes right before meals can help mitigate the affects of certain less-than-healthy foods. We use blends that contain fat, protein and carbohydrate digesting enzymes to give our clients some extra help in breaking down foods. The additional HCl can also be beneficial for priming the stomach for digestion, specifically for protein digestion. We always recommend these before holiday meals!
Zinc Carnosine
This specific form of zinc is not only great for immunity, but has added benefits for digestive health, such as stomach lining and intestinal repair. This can be a good option for those struggling with their gut health.
For Stressful Times:
Lastly, consider adding an adrenal support to counter added stress. Everything from getting less sleep, to eating and drinking more baking or alcohol, to the emotional stressors that tend to come up during this time. An adrenal support will help keep your energy up, digestion stable and mood balanced.
P.S. Our vitamin D3 with K2 would make an excellent stocking stuffer for your loved ones to show them you care! ;)
Email us today with inquiries about our practitioner-quality products.
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist™
