You know your body better than anyone else and are probably already aware of areas in which you’d like to improve your wellness and upgrade your nutrition. But implementing routines to practice ultimate self-care can be difficult, particularly when we’re all feeling vulnerable to the unseen virus COVID-19. Feelings of worry are especially pronounced in New York, which currently holds 5 percent of Coronavirus cases worldwide, and where 40 to 80 percent of the state’s population is expected to contract the virus.
Check out our resource guide to help tame those feelings.
First and foremost, we strongly encourage eating nutrient-dense food, staying hydrated by drinking lots of water, engaging in physical activity, and, of course, staying inside. Supplements and herbal remedies can quietly do the work of improving your health for you, filling in the gaps in your nutrition and bolstering your immune system when you need it most.
We’ve outlined some key supplements and herbal remedies below that can strengthen your immune health. While there is no supplement or herb that is guaranteed to prevent you from catching a virus, we recommend these tried and true cold and flu tamers, proven to provide relief from symptoms and even lower the risk of catching colds in the first place. Metagenics is one of our most trusted partners because of their extensive testing protocols and commitment to transparency and quality.
Please note: We carefully select topics and resources on our blog that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. Occasionally we feature affiliate partners and when you buy something through one of these links we may receive a commission from your purchase. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.
Supplements
Zinc AG
Because the body does not naturally produce or store this mineral, we highly recommend having it in the form of a vitamin. Zinc is a crucial part of our arsenal when fighting off cold and flu, as it’s essential to our immune system response. The addition of “AG” (arginine and glycine) is important, as it allows the nutrient to be highly absorbable, and therefore, efficient.
Ultra Poten-C
We’ve all been told to drink orange juice when feeling under the weather. The key component is vitamin C, a powerful source of antioxidants that supports healthy immune function. In order to get a big boost in our systems, we take Ultra Potent-C. Available in a 1000 mg tablet or powder, this supplement features gently buffered vitamin C, which makes it easier on the stomach and can cause an enhanced cellular uptake.
Vitamin D
While vitamin D is known for your mood and bones, recent research shows that it directly supports respiratory health. This vitamin has anti-microbial activity and enhances defence mechanisms against respiratory pathogens. We suggest taking it in liquid form for better absorption. Bonus: kids can easily take their daily dose in this form as well.
UltraFlora Immune Booster
In addition to eating gut-friendly foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, we recommend taking a probiotic supplement as well. With a blend of highly viable, pure strains of “friendly” bacteria, the UltraFlora Immune Booster does exactly what it sounds like. This supplement targets healthy nasal, sinus and respiratory function — some things we are all currently trying to achieve and maintain.
ImmuCore
The amount of recommended supplements can get overwhelming and be deemed as too much work. ImmuCore is a multidimensional solution that features all the essential minerals and vitamins we discussed earlier. With Ultra Potent-C, Zinc, vitamin D and concentrated mushroom extracts, this supplement fires off support to your immune system.
Herbal Remedies
Garlic
Used mainly as a cooking ingredient, garlic actually possesses powerful antiviral properties. This kitchen staple has compounds that boost the disease-fighting response of some white blood cells, which work to reduce the length and symptoms of the common cold. In order to maximize its benefits, crush or slice it and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking it.
Oil of Oregano
Oil of Oregano is a natural antibiotic, potent with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. This concentrated substance is another must-have during cold and flu — and COVID-19 pandemic — season. Add a few drops to a glass of water to better tolerate the intense aroma and flavor, or take it in a capsule.
Ginger
Closely related to turmeric, ginger has a long history in natural medicine and has been used to ward off cold and flu-like symptoms. This antioxidant-rich plant contains gingerol, a bioactive compound responsible for its medicinal properties. Pick up some fresh ginger root at your local grocer, slip it into some of your recipes, or add it into hot water with lemon and honey.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy used for a variety of treatments. The plant’s antiviral activity makes it a strong candidate as a tool to reduce and prevent flu-like symptoms. As with any supplement and herbal remedy though, make sure you are buying a high quality product to ensure the effectiveness and strength of the medicinal properties.
Astragalus
Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, astragalus is a key ingredient in treating upper respiratory infections and fortifying deep immune function. Take a closer look at this herbal remedy if your immune system is stressed, as it is said that it can be especially effective in that environment.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Both nutritious and delicious, fungi are our friends. While we could recommend more, we’re focusing on Chaga and Reishi for this scenario. Chaga boosts the immune system, as this nutrient-dense superfood contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Reishi also enhances immune health, plus it is known to stimulate relaxation and improve sleep. This wonderful mushroom is featured in our Turmeric Reishi Detox Shake, an inflammation-busting drink part of The Provenance Detox program.
Fire Cider
Fire Cider is a homemade tonic composed of nutritious ingredients like ginger, horseradish root, onion, garlic, habanero, cayenne, turmeric, lemon, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Not only can this be a fun activity to do at home, it boosts energy and can prevent or tame cold and flu symptoms. Check out this recipe or buy it online.
