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Cold and Flu Season Support

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Cold and flu season is fast approaching! Now that kids are back in school, you can bet they're passing more than notes around. Your personal immune-boosting protocol doesn't have to include everything in this list, but each of these herbs and supplements are known to support the body's efforts to fight off viruses. Here are a few tips: 1. The majority of the immune system lives in the gut. Supporting the gut microbiome with a healthy pre-biotic can help. 2. Vitamin C, D, A and Zinc all help with immune function, maintaining healthy mucous membranes and antiviral activity in the body. 3. Herbs like echinacea and eleuthero are known to stimulate the immune system. NOTE: if you have an autoimmune condition, these herbs may make you feel worse, since your immune system may already be overactive. You may wish to stick with the modulating medicinal mushrooms listed in the protocol, as well as the supplements and the probiotics. If you're allergic to ivy or ginseng don't take eleuthero. If you're allergic to ragweed or daisies don't take echinacea. 4. Mushrooms are known for their ability to "exercise" the immune system so it doesn't over or under-react. They are great for keeping you healthy. 5. Melatonin isn't just for sleep. It helps maintain the gut lining, lower inflammation and maintain a healthy immune system. Some people get headaches when they take melatonin, so be cautious when trying it. 6. Elderberry works best within the first 72 hours of flu symptoms. Some people take it as a preventative measure, but its best efficacy is in helping the body fight off the flu within the first few days. Let us know if you have any questions! If you would like a personalized protocol, make a functional medicine appointment with Dr. Meghan Palmer today.