Whether it’s flu season or the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many reasons why it’s important to foster immune resilience. A measure of the body’s ability to handle an attack, immune resilience can vary significantly based on factors like current health and nutrition. As you might imagine, the stronger the immune system is, the greater its odds of effectively fighting off any virus.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to start strengthening your immune system right now. For instance, vitamin D supplements have been shown to reduce influenza mortality rates, especially in elderly individuals. Some experts have even speculated that it can play an important role in enhancing resistance — perhaps even as effectively as a flu shot. [1]
At Cenegenics, we have pioneered the medical specialty of age management medicine. We therefore believe in supporting a healthy immune system in our patients of all ages to help improve their resistance to illness of any kind. For this reason, we take a highly scientific approach to getting the body tuned at the cellular level, prompting ideal functioning. Oftentimes, this includes introducing a supplement regimen. Discover our take on how to boost your immune system with supplements below.
When it comes to boosting your immune system, the importance of gut health cannot be overstated. There is significant interaction between gut bacteria and the immune system. While researchers are still studying this interplay, it’s apparent that the ecology of the gut can either help or hinder disease prevention. [2]
To that end, it’s critical to continue promoting a healthy population of gut microflora by eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods while avoiding processed foods. Aside from practicing sound nutrition, however, you can further boost your immune system with probiotics. These supplements provide the body with a healthy dose of “good” bacteria and have been shown to mediate immunoregulatory effects. In fact, they’ve shown therapeutic potential for not only chronic conditions such as allergies and eczema, but also viral infections. [3] While you can take probiotic supplements, you can also explore dietary sources, including fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchee.
In addition, you might also consider taking prebiotics. While probiotics are beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help to promote the development of the good bacteria that already exists in your microbiome. These, too, have been shown to stimulate the immune system. [4]
Finally, to further promote gut health, avoid any triggering foods if you have a food allergy or intolerance. For many individuals, grain and dairy sensitivities may require some extra attention.
Beyond promoting gut health, you can also boost your immune system across the entire body by taking supplements. Here are a few to consider:
This vitamin modulates both the innate and adaptive immune responses in the body. You can only take in vitamin D through your skin (via sunlight), from diet, and from supplements. A deficiency in vitamin D is associated with an increased susceptibility to infection. [5] Vitamin K2 is often paired with vitamin D3. While vitamin D ensures proper calcium absorption, K2 directs it to the bones instead of the arteries, where issues such as calcification could otherwise occur.
This powerful herb has compounds known as andrographolides which appear to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. [6]
Found naturally in yeast, some cereal grains, and certain mushrooms, beta-glucans are polysaccharides which have been linked to improvements in immunity, blood sugar management, and cholesterol. [7]
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea leaves which has been linked to immune-boosting benefits, such as decreased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and improvements in gastrointestinal inflammation. [8]
Hailed as a natural way to boost the immune system during flu seasons, this plant has been used to combat upper respiratory infections and strengthen immunity for centuries. [9]
Olive leaf extract has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating properties, making it a powerful therapy for the prevention and treatment of infections. [10]
Vitamin C intake is essential to immune function. Your body can’t produce or store vitamin C, but a lack of the nutrient could make you more susceptible to illness. [11]
Whether it’s an outbreak of a novel illness or the height of cold and flu season, hearing reports of thousands falling ill can be alarming. Yet, the goal for staying healthy should always be preparation, not panic.
Cenegenics patients already have an advantage over their peers when it comes to immune resilience. Through tactics like individualized nutraceutical recommendations, our doctors prioritize immune function and help to reverse the biological age of patients by rebalancing the body to where it was in their 20s and 30s. Within just 30 to 60 days on the program, patients begin to feel dramatically different. In fact, many of our patients are doctors and their families who trust in our physicians to help them achieve the best line of defense against illness: optimized health at every age. Find out what they’re saying about their experience with the program by visiting our Cenegenics review page.
If you’re ready to discover how we can help you boost your wellness, want to inquire about Cenegenics cost, or are ready to schedule your Elite Health Evaluation, contact your nearest Cenegenics location today.
Contributor: Rudy Inaba Director of Clinical Relations & Corporate Development
Rudy Inaba is Cenegenics’ Global Director of Nutrition & Exercise. He is a recognized fitness and sports nutrition consultant with nearly 15 years of experience in clinical exercise physiology and lifestyle management. After pursuing his Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Rudy joined Cenegenics where he leads 20 clinical locations nationwide in their advancements in kinesiology, nutritional biochemistry, and their analyses of industry research & market trending.
"The modern diet is grossly deficient in hundreds of important plant-derived immunity-building compounds which makes us highly vulnerable to viruses, infections and disease." - Joel Fuhrman, MD
