As we’re still in the flu season and coronavirus is on the rise within California, I’m fielding many questions about immune system support. There are many actions you can take to control your immunity, and if you need extra support, both Chinese herbs and acupuncture can improve immune system functioning.
The top four things you can do to support your own immune system are:
- Sleep well. Research shows that insufficient/poor sleep provides an easier environment for viruses to take hold. If you are a new parent, there is not much you can do, but the rest of us can often work on getting to bed earlier, removing electronic devices from the bedroom to reduce interruption, and drinking less alcohol to avoid waking in the night. If you need additional help with getting restful sleep, acupuncture and herbs are often beneficial.
- Eat a diet full of varied fruits and vegetables. Your immune system thrives on vitamins A, C, and D, minerals including zinc, and fiber that helps waste products leave the gut. Researchers continue to advise “eating the rainbow” – so within the span of a day, trying to eat some fruits and vegetables of nearly any color. During this season, think of spinach and kale, oranges, grapefruit, red beets, purple chard, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
- Lower stress levels. Continually high stress levels suppress the body’s white blood cells, which are the cells responsible for responding to infections. Sometimes we just have to push through when stress levels are high; but in other cases we need to make deliberate changes around our family, job/school, and mindset in order to decrease stress levels. Chinese herbs and acupuncture can also reset the nervous system and reduce the body’s reactions to stressors.
- Get moderate exercise, especially in the sun. Research is showing that regular, moderate exercise supports immune system function. If you can exercise outdoors during sunny times of day, your body will produce more Vitamin D which is also helpful in immune system function.
If you need additional immune support, both acupuncture and Chinese herbs are demonstrated to support immune system function. Acupuncture actually causes the body to increase production of lymphocytes which are involved in fighting infections. And there are a number of Chinese herbal formulas containing immune boosting herbs along with antiviral and antibiotic herbs.
If you’re concerned about this viral season and would like additional support, please contact me for a consultation to review your health and determine whether you need additional immune system support.
