If you have recently contracted the omicron variant of Covid-19 or know someone who has, we are here to recommend ways to support your immune system and help address some of the symptoms you may be experiencing. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been suggesting several holistic remedies that can help support your immune system. Many of those recommendations are still indicated like vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc. Our pharmacist, Lynn Roper, is recommending OrthoMune by Orthomolecular. This product has all three of these nutrients combined with n-acetyl-l-cysteine and quercetin, both of which are antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system. 

For smell loss we recommend zinc. If you’ve been taking zinc in capsules or tablets, it may not be enough or absorbed well, so try a liquid zinc product like Premier Research Labs Liquid Zinc Ultra. The other recommendation we have seen to be successful at helping people regain their sense of smell is acupuncture. Several consistent acupuncture sessions are proving to be helpful at reducing the long wait time some experience from covid related smell loss. Need a good recommendation for an acupuncturist? Our wellness team would be happy to refer you to some amazing licensed acupuncturists in the Austin area. 

Are you suffering from an intense sore throat? We also have remedies that could alleviate the discomfort you are experiencing. Singer’s Soothing Throat Spray used throughout the day alongside a few cups of Throat Coat tea with some manuka honey could calm the pain. We also have a very large selection of lozenges with zinc, colloidal silver, honey, echinacea and elderberry if you need more support. 

Some people are reporting tummy troubles with this variant like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to follow the recommendations from your physician and stay properly hydrated. If you cannot stomach any food, try our warm and ready-to-order bone broths from our deli or pick up a box of tea or bottle of coconut water from our grocery section. If the nausea is intense, I recommend Ginger Force capsules by New Chapter or Gin-Gins ginger candies for those who can’t swallow capsules. Still suffering from nausea and vomiting? Try homeopathic Nux Vomica by Boiron. This homeopathic remedy works very well for vomiting and can be given safely to people of all ages. 

If you are suffering from a bad headache and your normal go-to options for pain are not quite working, give White Willow Forte a try by Biogenesis. I also love CBD for topical relief around the head. Use the PlusCBD Extra Strength 500 mg roll-on  over the area you are experiencing the headache as well as on any other areas of pain or tension. 

For fatigue, we recommend as much rest as possible. If a warm bath sounds appealing, try Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath salts. It is invigorating and soothing and is better than a normal Epsom salt bath when you are under the weather. 

Lastly, if your appetite is good and strong, or once it has returned, consider ordering from our deli for curbside pick-up. Our warm bone broths, organic cold-pressed juices and salads are yummy, nourishing foods ready for pick-up daily so you can focus on resting up and getting better quickly. 

Looking to dig in a little deeper and work with a practitioner that can help you improve your health in 2022?

Naturopathic Doctor* Lauren Sanchez is accepting new patients at Infinity Wellness Center.

*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas.

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

If you are like most Americans, making plans to improve your health in the new year, you’re going to want to make sure you are taking these four foundational supplements that have countless health benefits.

Magnesium is my absolute top recommendation for people who are having trouble sleeping, perhaps a bit constipated and under a lot of stress. Natural Vitality Calm is an excellent choice if you’re looking to improve your overall response to stress and sleep better. The Natural Vitality Calm gummies are a great choice for families who may  have trouble sleeping or are experiencing stress. Have a kid who isn’t great at sleeping or perhaps a bit anxious? Try the gummies that can help put them at ease. Magnesium is an essential mineral, found in many foods such as dark leafy greens and nuts. It is utilized in over 300 processes in the body. Many of us do not get enough magnesium for our body’s needs through our diet alone so supplementing provides numerous benefits and those taking it may find they have less issues like muscle cramping and constipation. When trying Natural Vitality Calm, whether the powder or the gummies, start off slowly with half the suggested dose and work your way up to a full dose. If you take too much too soon, you may have loose stools which is a normal effect of magnesium citrate.

You’re probably already familiar with the benefits of fish oils and omega-3 essential fatty acids but are you taking a quality supplement? A poor-quality fish oil is bad for your health and could be giving you a dose of rancid oils that could promote inflammation. To combat inflammation and improve brain function and mood, take a high-quality omega-3 supplement like those made by Nordic Naturals. Not a fan of fish, but still want the benefits? Nordic Naturals Algae Omega is an excellent choice for omega-3s made from sustainably sourced microalgae. If you’re concerned about heart disease, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, consider supplementing with Nordic Naturals omega-3s now. Omega-3s can be very effective at reducing systemic inflammation related to heart disease and neurological diseases.

We all need a good multivitamin, but why? Most of us don’t eat a well-rounded diet that has all the nutrients we need. Yes, we should aim to get our essential nutrients through a healthy diet but it’s easy to fall short when much of the food we grow, even organic, has far less robust nutrient profiles than food grown just a couple generations ago. A high-quality multivitamin that’s easy to absorb like those made by New Chapter is a good choice. I often recommend the One Daily for women or men if people want an easy to take multivitamin. The vitamins and minerals in this formulation have been fermented which makes them easier to absorb and gentle on your digestive tract. This is also a good multivitamin for teenagers and young adults ready to switch from a kid multivitamin to a multi that offers more.

Probiotics are beneficial to anyone trying to stay in tip top shape. If your gut is healthy and balanced, so are you. At the root of many health issues is poor gut health and the notoriously inflammatory American diet can be very detrimental to our gut health. If your gut health is poor, so is your immune health, and so can be your emotional health. Are you taking a lot of medications and supplements for various symptoms but not getting the results you want? You may be missing the root cause, and that may be in your gut. One of the ways of improving gut health is by taking a quality probiotic like Dr. Ohhira’s 3-year and 5-year fermented probiotics by Essential Formulas. It is formulated by taking vegetables, mushrooms and seaweed and fermenting them for either three or five years which is based on a Japanese tradition. Not a fan of eating kimchi every day, but wanting the same benefits in a capsule? Try Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics. They contain prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics which support the overall health of the gut, strengthening its defense against issues that could throw it out of balance.

I hope you have found this information helpful and I wish you the best on your health and wellness journey. Peoples Rx is a great one-stop shop to help you on your way. For a limited time, Natural Calm, Nordic Naturals Omega 3s and New Chapter’s multivitamins are on sale at a Peoples Rx near you!

Looking to dig in a little deeper and work with a practitioner that can help you improve your health in 2022? 

Naturopathic Doctor* Lauren Sanchez is accepting new patients at Infinity Wellness Center.

*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas.

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Cleavers / Galium aparine
It’s Cleavers season and they are taking over Texas yards as we speak! You may know it as that long, sticky weed that clings to your clothes like velcro–a gentle reminder of its presence. It will quickly take over gardens if you let it! For many gardeners it is nothing more than an invasive garden “weed.” However, Cleavers is another well-known, beneficial weed, so before you rip them out and toss them into the compost, let’s talk about what they can do for you!

Cleavers can grow just about anywhere in the more temperate climates of the world, and are usually found in abundance in dense mats in forests, meadows, and gardens where they cling to walls, trees, and plants around them. They arrive just in time for our yearly spring cleaning when our bodies start the transition from winter to spring, making them the perfect spring tonic.

They have been used in many cultures across the globe for thousands of years as a tonic to help relieve temporary water retention and for kidney health. Herbalists today tout their use as one of the best herbs for the lymphatic system, as they are effective in assisting our bodies in the elimination process, stimulating lymphatic drainage, and clearing heat and stagnation, especially in the pelvis area. Lymphatic system function is important to help remove waste from the bloodstream and maintain healthy immune function. Also a soothing diuretic, Cleavers help increase the flow of urine and are appropriate in cases where there is irritation and inflammation of the bladder. They are nourishing and rich in minerals and flavonoids, and are gentle enough to take daily.

Fresh Cleavers are best, so if your yard is full of them, you can easily make Cleaver tea or juice! For tea, try a handful steeped in a quart jar of hot or cold water, and for juice, simply add some water to a blender, a handful of fresh Cleavers, blend, strain and drink up! You can add lemon, lime, or orange juice for taste, but cleavers alone have a fresh green taste that would be a great addition to a juice cleanse or any detox regimen. Cleavers are in the same plant family as coffee, so you can even roast the seeds for a coffee-like beverage!

Peoples Rx carries some herbal blends featuring Cleavers such as WishGarden’s Bladder Buddy tincture which can help support lymph, immunity, and urinary health. We also carry Traditional Medicinals’ Everyday Detox Lemon herbal tea, which can help relieve water weight gain and promote healthy kidney function. It’s also offered as part of our wonderful new 3-day Juice Cleanses!

As always, stop in your favorite Peoples Rx location and let the knowledgeable wellness team help you pick the best Cleavers product for your needs!

 
Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples Rx. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

 
 
Photo credit: Laurène Elliott-Deyris
**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com

Going into the 2020 flu season seems like a perpetuation of our already established pandemic. While we hope Covid cases decline and we begin to feel secure again, flu season is upon us to test that notion. It is a trying time and the collective global worry is heightened.

Naturally, worry prompts action–what to (or not to) eat, do, and take are common questions. Let’s settle some fears while encouraging healthy habits so that, coupled with your doctor’s medical care, you can make choices that will best suit your health.

Step one: A strong immune system starts with diet

We always say, when going into any flu season, nutrition is paramount. But this year, we really mean it. If there is a year to veer away from family holiday recipes and have a Paleo Thanksgiving, this is this one. Inflammatory foods (dairy and gluten are most common) weaken the immune system and sugar and carbohydrates feed viruses and bacteria, spreading infection. Eating sweets, gluten, and dairy can push that mild cough into full bronchitis or that sinus drainage into sinus infection.

It doesn’t mean holiday dinner has to be bland! Sweeteners like stevia (which doesn’t feed microbes) are always being reformulated for taste. And there are many delicious gluten-free and dairy-free food choices that have also evolved in flavor. Cauliflower crackers and chips are a favorite at my house!

If gluten and dairy do happen, enzyme formulas exist that minimize inflammation. Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV or DPP-IV is a critical enzyme that both regulates digestion and inflammation. It helps breakdown gluten (protein from wheat) and casein (protein in dairy) and can be taken to minimize or clear the inflammatory symptoms from dietary exposure.

Step two: Supplements!

With the inflammatory holiday-diet season also comes shorter daylight in fall and winter, which means double trouble. Less light means less vitamin D production, an important “trainer” for the immune system. Vitamin D activates macrophages, dendritic cells, and T and B lymphocytes–the infection-fighting weapons of your immune system.(1)

It has now been published that people with vitamin D blood levels under 30 ng/mL were more likely to have upper respiratory tract infections than those with sufficient levels.(2) Ideally, having the blood levels tested by your doctor will determine the dose to take. Anyone presenting with blood levels under 30 ng/mL may have to take between 5,000-10,000 IU per day for several weeks. Always have the blood levels checked again after 4-8 weeks of supplementation to assure the levels are coming up to sufficient status.

In addition to diet changes and vitamin D, general immune support is wise. Echinacea is an oldie but goodie. A 1989 study showed echinacea was useful in preventing upper respiratory infections.(3) Another study in 2007 showed that mice given echinacea had increased percentages of natural killer cells and lymphocytes (important immune cells for fighting infection).(4) Finally, in 2014, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study determined echinacea inhibited virally-confirmed colds, minimized recurrent infections, and showed a reduction in total number of colds reported in a sample of 293 individuals.(5)

As a society, we need to start understanding that viral and bacterial infections are very much in part reflective of immune status. A robust immune system is not overwhelmed by dietary inflammation. If you eat ice cream and cake, take notice if you develop the sniffles 4-7 days later. This is no coincidence. That said, everyone is doing their best and it isn’t always easy to eat clean. Supporting with enzymes can improve outcomes when we are not eating perfectly. In addition, vitamin D and echinacea are two evidenced-based tools that play huge roles in infectious outcomes.

Peoples Rx and our expert wellness team are here to help figure out what might benefit your body and diet the most. Come in store and safely shop around (masks required, sanitizer available, social distancing in effect, and staff cleaning surfaces around the clock), or now you can even easily shop online!

 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

1. (Beard JA, Bearden A, Striker R. Vitamin D and the anti-viral state. J Clin Virol. 2011;50(3):194-200. doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2010.12.006)

2. (Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA., Jr. Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(4):384–90.)

3. (Hudson J, Vimalanathan S. Echinacea—A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2011;4(7):1019-1031. Published 2011 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/ph4071019)

4. (Zhai Z, Liu Y, Wu L, et al. Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multiple Echinacea species. J Med Food. 2007;10(3):423-434. doi:10.1089/jmf.2006.257).

5. (Jawad M, Schoop R, Suter A, Klein P, Eccles R. Safety and Efficacy Profile of Echinacea purpurea to Prevent Common Cold Episodes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:841315. doi:10.1155/2012/841315).

Much confusion exists around the applications of therapeutic silver. Widespread criticism regarding colloidal silver is rampant on the internet. Google searches are packed with claims about its ineffective and even toxic uses. While these claims are debated, a lot of basic science is omitted from the conclusions, leaving readers vulnerable to misinformation. As is often the case on the internet, information can be convincingly misleading. Our goal is to make sure industry and ego bias are not the basis for this misinformation.

What is colloidal silver?

Colloidal silver is a liquid of very small silver particles suspended in “colloid” for even distribution. Elemental silver has a +1 charge. Many times when placed in the colloid solutions, the charge on the silver becomes neutral. This is an important distinction when assessing therapeutic value. Some colloidal silver forms are in solutions that have been able to stabilize and maintain that positive charge. This charge, solution, and absorbability of the silver is where the microbial-balancing and immune-supportive quality exists. The absorbable silver creates action to limit microbial overgrowths, which supports overall immune health.

When reading reports about ineffective results, there are two main questions: 1) What is the charge of the solution studied, and 2) What type of solution is it? A pure water solution containing the positively charged silver will have a different therapeutic value than a neutral, non-aqueous solution. Without these answers, the claim that all colloidal silvers are ineffective is misguided.

What is nanoparticle silver?

Colloidal silver is actually not the most widely-used silver therapy. Nanoparticle silver is a popular, proven treatment whereby the value is not in the charge of the silver but rather the small particle size. How big is a nanoparticle, you say? It would take 6,000-8,000 nanoparticles to make up the diameter of just one mature human red blood cell, which is 6-8 micrometers!

The silver nanoparticles’ ability to create a coating is what can disrupt and kill microbes, almost a literal and figurative “silver lining.” The Journal of Nanobiotechnology* reports nanoparticle silver arrests the growth and multiplication of bacteria and fungi by binding to the actual cells. Because the nanoparticles are smaller than microorganisms, they inhibit cell growth and replication and rupture the bacterial and fungal cells, killing pathogens and reducing infection.

Silver nanoparticles are very effective at killing microbes and have a low-toxicity to human tissue. Also, because nanoparticles have a high surface area, the actual concentration used in the dosing is low, requiring only a minimal, nontoxic amount of silver for therapies.
 

With so many negative colloidal silver claims on the web, understanding and trusting any silver protocol is difficult. The forms, types, and chemistry of the silver therapy matters. We urge you to use critical thinking when evaluating articles on the web and work with an informed practitioner to determine the right therapy for you. Use silver therapies under careful provider guidance.

Importantly, Peoples Rx researches the validity and quality of every product in the store and has trained staff who are knowledgeable about the latest research and safe therapeutic applications. We want you to know that when you shop at Peoples, you’re in good hands!
 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

 
 
*Siddiqi, K.S., Husen, A. & Rao, R.A.K. A review on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their biocidal properties. J Nanobiotechnol 16, 14 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0334-5.
 
 
Photo source: Hinterland Co

We have been fielding a lot of questions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic about “the elderberry controversy.” There have been several warnings circulating about the potential catastrophic effects of taking elderberry extracts with COVID-19. The concern is that elderberry extracts may cause a fatal “cytokine storm” in patients affected by COVID-19.
 

What is a cytokine storm?

The immune system is like a team made up of a lot of different specialists. There are more than a dozen different types of immune cells, each one in charge of different aspects of immune function. They communicate using molecules called cytokines. There are LOTS of different cytokines (think: letters in the alphabet that are used to make words or phrases). When we contract a virus, a specific set of cytokines are released and they tell the virus-killing specialist cells to mobilize and swing into action. In most circumstances, this is how our body wins the battle against a virus, so an increase in those cytokines is usually a very good thing.

If the infection is severe, sometimes this cytokine signal gets stuck in a self-perpetuating loop. It keeps increasing, causing more and more of an immune response. If the immune response gets out of control, it can cause damage to our own healthy cells, sometimes on a large and dangerous scale. This is called a cytokine storm.

In the case of COVID-19, when people develop difficulty breathing and fluid build up, it is due to a cytokine storm. The huge excess of cytokines make the virus-killing cells too aggressive, and they end up damaging lung cells in addition to killing the virus. This can be fatal in some people. Just to clarify, the cytokines that can cause this deadly storm are the SAME cytokines** that are essential for us to have an immune response to the virus at all.

So, some “antiviral” cytokine signal = good
Way too much of that same cytokine signal = bad
 

How does this relate to elderberry extract?

Elderberry extract produces a small increase in the exact same antiviral cytokines* that we need to fight off things like respiratory viruses.
 

So, is elderberry safe or not?

It really is a matter of scale. Elderberry extract can produce a 2-6x increase in these cytokines. For the sake of perspective, running a marathon can produce a 100x increase in these same cytokines. A cytokine storm produced by a virus that is severe enough to start causing dangerous respiratory distress is more like a 1000x increase. Taking this into consideration, the elderberry is not really the problem in this scenario.

For mild illness or early stages of illness in an otherwise healthy person, elderberry is theoretically a safe and effective choice for immune support. BUT once a virus-induced cytokine storm has started, adding elderberry would not be helpful, and could add to the already growing storm.
 

In summary

Elderberry by itself does not cause cytokine storms.

In otherwise healthy people, elderberry extract should be a safe and effective choice for immune support.

In people with underlying health conditions who already have immune imbalances or lung issues (autoimmune, COPD, pneumonia), elderberry might not be the best choice.

If you become infected with COVID-19 and develop lung symptoms, you should immediately STOP taking elderberry for immune support, and contact your healthcare provider.

There are many other herbs and nutrients that can be used to optimize and balance immune function. Elderberry is not our only option!

 
You can schedule a telehealth appointment with me by calling the Peoples Wellness Center at 512-219-8600. I, as well as the other Peoples Naturopathic Doctors, am also offering discounted mini consultations focusing specifically on immune support. Appointments can be over the phone or via video conference, and all appointments are safe and confidential.
 
**The cytokines that start the immune response and are also increased by elderberry, echinacea, and beta-glucan concentrates are: Interleukin-1b, TNF-alpha, Interleukin-6, and Interleukin-8.
 
Becky Andrews, ND*, L.Ac. received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University. She specializes in complex, chronic and “difficult” cases, especially relating to digestive health, fatigue, mood and detoxification. She works extensively with MTHFr and genetic challenges. In addition to seeing patients in Austin, she is faculty at AOMA School of Integrative Medicine.
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
Consult your healthcare practitioner before changing your medicine regimen in any way.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

As we all know, COVID-19 has led to unique opportunities and innovation out of desperation amid basic supply shortages. With disinfectant cleaners and hand sanitizers hard to come by over the last four months, many companies have started producing products not in their normal lineup of offerings in order to meet demands.

The CDC says that washing hands with plain soap and water for 20 seconds is still the best way to prevent the spread of infections. If soap and water are not readily available, they recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 

FDA sanitizer recalls

While there is evidence to support sanitizer having effectiveness with as low as 60% alcohol content, not all brands are created equal. The FDA just released safety information on hand sanitizers, in particular a list of recalled brands due to potential presence of undeclared Methanol (wood alcohol).

“The FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol), but have tested positive for methanol contamination.

The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations, and death.

Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects.”

See the FDA’s full statement, as well as the list of recalled sanitizers here. The list is being updated daily.

Our wellness department is currently able to keep a few sanitizer brands in stock, none of which appear on the FDA recall list. You can trust that Peoples’ selection of sanitizers is effective and safe for you and your family to use. What’s more, if your sanitizer is over-drying, you can check with our knowledgeable wellness team for creams and supplements to help retain and restore moisture to your hands.
 

Peoples has your hands covered

In an unprecedented move, earlier this year the FDA granted compounding pharmacies permission to compound high quality hand sanitizer for purchase without a prescription! Typically, any item that is compounded requires a prescription per government regulation.

This unique opportunity allows Peoples to compound our own safe and effective hand sanitizer, which we quickly began making batches of. We started donating sanitizer to first responders in the Austin area back in April, and are prepared to make and sell it to the public should the shortage of sanitizer on shelves continue. Being a compounding pharmacy, Peoples has higher standards we are required to comply with, and we’re able to use the highest quality, FDA-approved chemicals in the industry.
 

Does your sanitizer smell like tequila?

Distilleries were also granted permission to make hand sanitizer. Many local distilleries like Tito’s, Deep Eddy, and Dripping Springs stepped up to the task and began making sanitizer when the city’s shelter-in-place orders first took effect. And thank goodness, because our first responders and medical staff on the frontlines of COVID-19 needed it desperately!

But yes, many of the sanitizers currently being produced do have a foul scent. They smell like vodka, tequila, or rum, have a watery or thin consistency, and are extremely drying to your hands. Don’t be alarmed though, as smell or consistency doesn’t necessarily change the effectiveness of a sanitizer. Once again, just be sure to check the FDA’s recall list before purchasing sanitizer.

Thank you for choosing Peoples Rx for your wellness and compounding needs. We appreciate you and are here to help!

Jenni Kroplin has been in pharmacy compounding, marketing, and education for 6 years, and is the Educational Outreach Director for Peoples Rx. She is passionate about educating and advocating for compounding, and actively participates in continuing education courses with PCCA for the latest innovations and updates in compounding.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Staying home during a global pandemic is a great time to work on boosting your immune system, if you weren’t already! While having a strong immune system is indeed important during something like the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s actually significant all the time. At any age, year-round, no matter your health status.

How To Boost Your Immune System Now

Of course there are tons of supplements and vitamins out there that can help with immunity (we’ll touch on that below), but there are other ways to work on your immune system that involve the things you already do every day to be and stay healthy.

Get up and exercise
Getting a daily dose of exercise is obviously good for your overall health, but did you know it can better your immune system too? The lymphatic system, an off-shoot of your veins, is the highway for your immune cells. The best way to get blood and lymph pumping is to exercise. This helps get immune cells where they need to go and helps relieve stagnation in inflamed tissue. In early stages of infection, any movement actually stimulates the immune system.

And we don’t mean you have to train for a marathon or become a powerlifter, either. If your gym is closed or you’re not the gym type, just focus on moving your body and raising your heart rate. Take a brisk neighborhood walk with the family and/or dog, have a living room dance party, search Youtube for bodyweight workout plans, do yoga! Set up a home “gym” with canned food, milk jugs filled with water, and that jump rope you once upon a time stashed in the junk closet.

Focus on nutrition
Ah yes, eating “clean.” The thing so many of us strive to do day in and day out. What many people don’t realize is how important diet is to the immune system. Poor nutrition creates inflammation that weakens the immune system, congests the liver, and potentially feeds pathogens. Gluten, dairy, and sugar are the opposite of superfoods. Gluten and dairy are two of the most common inflammatory foods, creating mucous, inflammation, and tissue damage when ingested.

Get some sleep
We all know that the standard eight hours every night is best, but it’s especially necessary to build and keep a strong immune system. When you get into a deep sleep, your body secretes growth hormone, something that helped you grow from childhood. As an adult, growth hormone repairs tissue. You cannot properly heal from injury or inflammation if you don’t sleep.

Quit those bad habits
We know a lot of people have traded smoking for vaping in the last few years, but it’s not any better for our overall health. And even though you often hear that a little nightly red wine is good for heart health, it’s important to remember that any alcohol isn’t great for the body. Alcohol, in any way, shape, or form is toxic to the liver, digestive system, pancreas, and kidneys. These are also main immune and detox organs that need support during infections.

When supplements can help
As hard as we work to be as healthy as possible, sometimes you need a little supplementation help, and that’s ok! Three basic supplements for the immune system are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc. Upper respiratory viral infections have a classic history with Vitamin C. Even 2,000-5,000 mg per day has been shown to shorten the duration of upper respiratory infections. Vitamin D is an immune supporter, and even people with adequate sun exposure can have low-levels of vitamin D. 2,000-5,000 IUs is a helpful, non-toxic dose to support your body during infections. Zinc is an immune activator that also inhibits the spread of bacteria and viruses. Peoples Rx has a wide array of these basic supplements, as well as specialized formulas for your specific needs.
 
While doing all of these simultaneously are the best case scenario for your body and immune system, know that every little bit helps. Just like maintaining a healthy weight, cutting out a specific food group or habit, and sticking to an exercise routine, building a strong immune system is an ongoing, lifelong journey!

If you feel like you could use some immune support, our practitioners at Peoples Wellness Center and other Peoples Rx locations are currently scheduling virtual, discounted mini-consults focusing on the immune system. Schedule your telehealth appointment today by calling 512-219-8600.
 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.