Recommendations from international doctors, natural health researchers, Health 2000 naturopaths and herbalists.
Sunlight or a vitamin D supplement. During summer, being outdoors before 11am and after 4pm should allow enough sunlight to be absorbed to meet your needs. In winter, longer periods are required, around 30 minutes at midday, May to August. It doesn’t work through glass, and people with dark skin or living in the south of the South Island need longer. Around 5 percent of adults in New Zealand are deficient in vitamin D, and a further 27 percent are below the recommended blood level. People who do not eat foods rich in vitamin D – oily fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, eel and warehou), cod liver oil, eggs, fortified dairy and mushrooms – are housebound, or who always cover up with sunscreen and clothes, need to take a vitamin D3 supplement.
Probiotics. This may be the single most important strategy, as the bacteria in your gut have enormous control over your immune response. Ideally you want friendly gut bacteria to overpower bad gut bacteria 9-1. Choose quality probiotics with multiple strains, 5-10 billion CFU (colony forming) units.
Vitamin C. The role of vitamin C in the functioning of immune cells is well proven. The major role of vitamin C is the protection of the immune cells against free radicals formed during the interaction of the immune cells with harmful microorganisms. Deficiency of vitamin C is associated with increased duration of the common cold and infections of the lung.
Omega 3 fats. Increase your intake of healthy and essential omega 3 fats which crucial for maintaining health. Avoid damaged omega 6 oils that are trans fats and in processed foods as it will seriously damage your immune response.
Zinc. Zinc is a trace element essential for cells of the immune system, and zinc deficiency affects the ability of T cells and other immune cells to function as they should.
Oregano oil. Nature’s potent germ-killer, oregano oil has extremely high levels of free radical-fighting antioxidants, which protect the body. It is used for respiratory tract disorders such as to reduce coughing spasms.
Ginseng. Stimulates the immune system.
Ginger. Balances the immune system. Activates T-cells – white blood cells capable of destroying cells infected by viruses.
Garlic. Researchers have seen garlic work against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, they do not lead to resistance.
Fresh olive leaf extract. Ancient Egyptians and Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health purposes, and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.
Propolis. A bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world; propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response.
Astaxanthin. Serious antioxidant power.
Sunlight or a vitamin D supplement. During summer, being outdoors before 11am and after 4pm should allow enough sunlight to be absorbed to meet your needs. In winter, longer periods are required, around 30 minutes at midday, May to August. It doesn’t work through glass, and people with dark skin or living in the south of the South Island need longer. Around 5 percent of adults in New Zealand are deficient in vitamin D, and a further 27 percent are below the recommended blood level. People who do not eat foods rich in vitamin D – oily fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, eel and warehou), cod liver oil, eggs, fortified dairy and mushrooms – are housebound, or who always cover up with sunscreen and clothes, need to take a vitamin D3 supplement.
Probiotics. This may be the single most important strategy, as the bacteria in your gut have enormous control over your immune response. Ideally you want friendly gut bacteria to overpower bad gut bacteria 9-1. Choose quality probiotics with multiple strains, 5-10 billion CFU (colony forming) units.
Vitamin C. The role of vitamin C in the functioning of immune cells is well proven. The major role of vitamin C is the protection of the immune cells against free radicals formed during the interaction of the immune cells with harmful microorganisms. Deficiency of vitamin C is associated with increased duration of the common cold and infections of the lung.
Omega 3 fats. Increase your intake of healthy and essential omega 3 fats which crucial for maintaining health. Avoid damaged omega 6 oils that are trans fats and in processed foods as it will seriously damage your immune response.
Zinc. Zinc is a trace element essential for cells of the immune system, and zinc deficiency affects the ability of T cells and other immune cells to function as they should.
Oregano oil. Nature’s potent germ-killer, oregano oil has extremely high levels of free radical-fighting antioxidants, which protect the body. It is used for respiratory tract disorders such as to reduce coughing spasms.
Ginseng. Stimulates the immune system.
Ginger. Balances the immune system. Activates T-cells – white blood cells capable of destroying cells infected by viruses.
Garlic. Researchers have seen garlic work against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, they do not lead to resistance.
Fresh olive leaf extract. Ancient Egyptians and Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health purposes, and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.
Propolis. A bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world; propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response.
Astaxanthin. Serious antioxidant power.
Natural prevention for the flu/colds
Recommendations from international doctors, natural health researchers, Health 2000 naturopaths and herbalists.