As Coronavirus continues to dominate our headlines and our headspace, many of our clients are asking us how they can strengthen their immune system to protect themselves and their families against this rising epidemic.
Aside of regularly washing our hands, boosting our immunity is the most important thing we can do to help ward off any virus. We asked our experts for their top tips on how we can support our immunity most effectively.
TOP 3 IMMUNITY-SUPPORTING VITAMINS by Nutritional Therapist, Evie Whitehead
- VITAMIN C
Eat brightly coloured veg/fruit/salad regularly to ensure you’re getting plenty of this vitamin.
🍓Eat berries every morning (they are a fab source of vitamin C and high in other antioxidants)
🍏Eat one more serving of fruit throughout the day
🥕Eat chopped bell peppers and carrots as an afternoon snack or other brightly coloured veg
🥦Include 3-4 different coloured veg/salad items with your lunch and dinner.
🍋Squeeze lemon over salads/fish for an extra dose.
AND because humans don’t make vitamin C it’s a great idea to top up through a supplement, ideally one that is timed-released (half of the dose is released into your body rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of 12 hours)
Nutri-Advanced do a nice version for £17.05 for 90 caps.
- VITAMIN D
I can’t stress how important it is to ensure your vitamin D levels are optimised – this is a critical factor for healthy immunity. Joint pain, muscle aches and fatigue are some of the most common side effects of low vitamin D levels, but inadequate amounts can impact all areas your physical and mental health.
As we live in the Northern hemisphere we should all be supplementing as we simply don’t get enough naturally. I suggest taking 1000iu/day, ideally via under the tongue drops (Nutri-Advanced 30ml @ £11.50) or a mouth spray (DLux 1000 Vitamin D Oral Spray £7.35). I also offer a simple home test kit to check your levels – just get in touch.
- PROBIOTIC
70-80% of our immune system is in the gut, so a probiotic supplement can help strengthen these internal defences. A healthy gut = a healthy you!
I like a good multi strain formula such as Bio-Kult x 60 @ £17.40
TOP 3 IMMUNE SUPPORTING HERBS by Medical Herbalist, Jesper Lauder
Herbal considerations for Covid-19 are mainly focussed on supporting vital immune function to minimise the risk of contracting the illness, and herbs with proven effects against previous viral outbreaks. These would be my recommendations for strengthening your immune system and fighting off infection:
- Cat’s Claw (Uncaria species) is for me the stand out herb for boosting immunity. It is a herb that exerts marked immune enhancing as well as exerting anti-viral effects. It is best taken as a tablet or in tincture form.
- Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) might be the bane of house owners due to its destructive root growth, but this well-tolerated anti-viral herb is showing excellent effects against many groups of viruses. In addition its potent antioxidant activity can aid physiological performance and minimise the impact of infection. The herbal tincture is best, but Resveratrol which is extract of this herb, can be taken as a capsule.
- Andrographis (The Chinese herb Andrographis paniculata) is another herb with an array of anti-viral effects that may prove very effective. This herb can be taken as a tablet or tincture.
Research into the effect of these herbs on Covid-19 may take many years to be completed by which stage the significant threat of this pandemic is likely to have passed. But for now herbs like these with previously proven effects on other complex viruses would be a wise choice in attempting to minimise risks of contracting the illness.
Please get in touch for further information on the herbs and how to get them.
Anyone taking any pharmaceutical medicine should discuss possible herb-drug interactions with a medical herbalist or healthcare professional. Under my membership to NIMH I can offer guidance following a brief consultation to assess possible interactions and any other factors that may need considering.
TOP 3 IMMUNITY SUPPORTIMG ESSENTIAL OILS by Adele Wimsett.
An easy & effective way to boost your immunity naturally, essential oils are Mother Nature’s powerhouse germ busters! We are fans of doTerra because they are medicinal and therapeutic grade, meaning guaranteed quality, purity and potency (and one drop goes a very long way)
We’ve been covering our kids in these oils and diffusing them around the house to keep the germs at bay this winter and they are working a treat.
- Air (previously Breathe) – This protective oil blend promotes clear breathing and a healthy respiratory function. Rub a few drops on your chest, back or feet at bedtime for a clear chest, inhale to help clear your nose, diffuse in your bedroom to support a good night’s sleep. Think Vicks but without any chemical nasties. AND did we mention it smells minty delicious too (and is great for snorers!)
- On Guard – One of doTERRA’s most popular blends & for good reason. On Guard supports your immune system’s natural functions. Quite simply, it helps fight nasties & boost your natural immunity. Its citrusy spice smell means it’s great to diffuse around the house too.
- FLOOM Bomb – This is a germ-busting blend of 5 different oils. Both ‘Protective & Aggressive’ this combination is a must-have for the current environment. Crucially it features Oregano, Mother Nature’s antibiotic! In a 10ml roller bottle, mix together 5 drops of Frankincense, Lemon, Oregano, On Guard & Melaleuca with some fractionated coconut oil, give it a good shake and then roll away. Your chest, your feet, your throat – every morning and every evening!
Find out more about these amazing oils and how to order them
TOP 3 IMMUNITY BOOSTING TIPS FROM THE YUMMY JUICE COMPANY
Now is a great time to be increasing your intake of immunity boosting fruit and veg. This will help ensure that your body has enough vitamin A and C to fight off any germs. We prefer to juice our fruit and veg to make sure we maximise the nutrients we are getting.
- Ginger is great for boosting immunity because it helps to kill cold viruses and has been said to combat chills and fever. It also helps to promote energy circulation in the body. Our Orange Sunshine and Green Machine juices both contain lots of ginger and we also have pure Ginger Shots for a fiery power kick!
- Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that bolsters the immune system. Our Hot Shots add a healthy kick to your day with a with a burst of orange – spiced with turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper
- Eat or juice foods that are known to supercharge your immune system. Give your body the ability to fight back against germs and viruses by including the following 10 superfoods into your diet:
- Citrus
- Red Peppers
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Ginger
- Spinach
- Almonds
- Turmeric
- Green Tea
- Papaya
TOP 3 IMMUNITY-BOOSTING LIFESTYLE TIPS By Emma Burwash, Naturopath
Most colds and flus are a form of Coronavirus so do what you would normally do when trying to ward off normal cold or flu as follows:
- Stay well rested. This also gives the body time to restore and the liver time to cleanse.
- Nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods such as casseroles and stews based on bone broth (homemade or available from supermarkets) and vegetables
- Stay well hydrated
For more information on how to boost your health and immunity then please contact our members directly:
Naturopath – Emma Burwash
Nutritional Therapist – Evie Whitehead
Medical Herbalist – Jesper Launder
Essential Oils – Adele Wimsett
Organic Juices – The Yummy Juice Company
For advice and information from the NHS about the Coronavirus please CLICK HERE
