Immune Boosting Supplements

2024 has been a year! As we look towards the holiday season, flu season, in conjunction with the never ending COVID pandemic, the strength of your immune system has never been more important. We wanted to take the opportunity to highlight all of the tools that you can utilize to combat illness for the next few months. Try these tried-and-true immune boosting supplements to keep you healthier than ever before.

1. Olive Leaf Extract

Used for centuries to disrupt the replication process of foreign bacteria and viruses, Olive Leaf Extract has been shown to effectively work against more than 50 disease-causing organisms, including Candida albicans and E. coli. Unlike regular antibiotics that cause antibiotic resistance, Olive Leaf Extract is safe and effective for long-term use and multiple acute episodes.

I have recommended Olive Leaf to many grandparents on their way to spend time with the little grandkids. The resulting decrease of those grandparents returning home sick has been impressive. Take 3-4 capsules 2 times a day while you are traveling and for 3 days after your return home or anytime that you are feeling under the weather. If you are feeling well, discontinue and keep the rest of the bottle for the next time.

Olive leaf extract comes in a nasal and throat spray, a capsule, and as a convenient liquid for children and those who cannot swallow a capsule.

2. NAC

Because NAC boosts the body’s levels of GSH (Glutathione, an antioxidant), it helps fight most viruses, including the influenza virus. GSH is vital for optimal T and B-lymphocyte function. NAC is mucolytic, which means that it breaks up heavy and sticky mucus that can build up in conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis. NAC is therefore indispensable in any condition that involves excessive mucus. It is a very powerful and effective immune boosting supplement for a wide variety of uses.

3. Nature’s Shield Oil

Nature’s Shield oil is widely used to kill unwanted bacteria or viruses. This oil can be diffused in a portable oil diffuser beside your bed at night or in the car to help with upper respiratory illnesses. You might also want to place a couple of drops on a warm washcloth to wipe down any surface that you need to sufficiently clean. Clean the countertops in the bathroom, the toilet seat, or even the television remote with this oil for an added layer of protection against surface bacteria. This oil is an effective disinfectant, and it has a great holiday smell.

4. Probiotic-10

Probiotic-10 is a supplemental probiotic. Probiotics are great to take during cold and flu season to prevent unwanted exposure to foreign bacteria through the digestive system. Probiotics can crowd out more deleterious gut bacteria and prevent an unpleasant night in your bathroom. If your stomach struggles digesting new foods, Probiotic-10 could be a blessing to your colon. Try taking 1 capsule with each meal while you are staying at your family’s house for the holidays for prevention of any problems. If you do succumb to the stomach bug, start taking Probiotic-10 immediately and for the following 5 days after. It is highly important that you establish a healthy gut microbiome following a bad stomach virus to prevent a relapse or a prolonged bout with chronic fatigue.

5. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the only version of Vitamin D that is readily absorbable as a supplement. You can ingest Vitamin D when you eat/drink milk, fish, fish oils, and egg yolks. Vitamin D deficiency is widely common and can cause many biological problems including a decrease in bone density (Rickets), cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, severe asthma in children, and cancer. Your body can make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight but that can be difficult during the winter months.

It is no coincidence that this is the time of the year that we suffer with colds and the flu the most. Even COVID appears to have a link with low vitamin D levels. Whether you are struggling with a current illness or trying to prevent the next one, make sure that your vitamin D levels stay optimal during the low daylight months.

6. LMNT

LMNT is an electrolyte replenishment product that is great to consume while you are fighting the latest cold or flu. It can even be a great resource after the stomach bug when you are trying to recuperate from a rough 24 hours. The ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium in LMNT has been specifically formulated to assist the body in a quick recovery while providing all of the essential minerals needed to carry on all of the important functions of the body. Best yet it is fantastic hot or cold.

Raspberry LMNT Tea- Add 1 packet of raspberry LMNT to a cup of hot water with a green tea bag. This is a delicious immune boosting tea that can soothe a sore throat and get your energy back.

7. Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry is a fruit grown from the elder tree that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making it a powerhouse when it comes to fighting colds. Studies have shown that taking elderberry syrup can shorten colds and flus and also relieve sinus infections. Our homemade elderberry syrup is available for purchase in our office and contains not only elderberries but other immune boosting ingredients like ginger, apple cider vinegar, local honey, cinnamon, and orange/lemon zest.

Stay safe this cold and flu season. If you missed our immune boosting recipes, click on this Link.

Daryl C. Rich, D.C., C.S.C.S.