In these uncertain times there are many things we cannot control…BUT we can control what we consume.
With health on everyone’s mind there are some key things we can do to empower our health and optimize our immune function.
1. Limit Stress
It’s not a secret that stress hampers the body’s functions and therefore hampers immune response. Deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and making conscious decisions about where we put our mental energy go a long way in mitigating stress. Walking outside barefoot and getting plenty of sunshine and fresh air are also key.
2. Limit exposure to toxins
The liver, kidneys, and skin are the main organs by which our body processes and releases toxins. The less things they have to filter, the more optimal our body will function. Avoid processed foods, drink clean water, and avoid things like toxic cleaning products. Surprisingly, one of the biggest causes of indoor air pollution is fabric softener and dryer sheets!
3. Make sure you are absorbing your nutrition
Deep nutrition is key for all the biochemical reactions that create health in our body. That nutrition must be absorbed by our body to be really useful though. Proper production of stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes, as well as gut microbiome balance and healthy intestinal lining are all key.
Purium products that support nutrient absorption include Biome Medic, Advanced Probiotics, Ionic Elements and Enzyme Advantage.
4. Get the right nutrition!
Let’s look at what nutrients assist in optimum immune function:
1. Vitamin D — The body synthesizes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is critical for many body processes, including hormone balance, metabolism, blood pressure, bone density, fighting cancer, and immune function. Low Vitamin D levels are associated with increased illness. It’s been hypothesized that we have a “cold and flu” season because of reduced exposure to sunlight during the cold winter months.
Purium products that offer Vitamin D include MVP Kids, MVP Sport, and Epi-genius Kids
2. Zinc
Zinc is a crucial mineral for lots of key biochemical reactions in the body. Zinc helps to stop replication of viruses, helps in white blood cell production, protects the cell membrane, and is needed by many enzymes in our body. Think of zinc as the superstar when it comes to immune system support. In order for it to work optimally, though, zinc needs a more neutral pH. An acidic internal environment will therefore inhibit the usefulness of zinc in doing its job.
The best Purium product for zinc is the More Greens. There are also smaller amounts in the LOV Supermeal, the Epi-genius kids, and the Power Shake.
3. Greens
The magic of green foods come from many directions, but in relation to the immune system it has three incredible benefits. The first benefit is the alkalization of the body. As previously mentioned, Zinc (and other minerals) need a neutral body pH to function properly. Everything we eat except for fruits and vegetables cause acidity in the body. That daily green drink goes a long way in alkalizing our body. The second benefit of greens is they are very helpful in oxygenating the body, which is key to optimal function. Finally, Greens have Vitamin K in them, which helps the body properly utilize Vitamin D.
Purium greens include Power Shake, More Greens, Green Spectrum, Kamut Blend, and Barley Green Juice.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an absolute must for white blood cell (WBC) production. It is a water-soluble vitamin which means it needs to be consumed throughout the day to keep levels in the blood stable. Sugar competes with Vitamin C on white blood cell receptors, lowering immune response by up to 75%! Yet another reason for a “cold and flu” season between the sugar-consuming holidays of Halloween and the New Year.
Purium products for Vitamin C support are C from Nature, Epigenius Kids, MVP Kids, Biofruit, and the LOV Supermeal.
5. Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in onions, apples, tart cherries, and citrus. There has been a lot of controversy over hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the news. Like HCQ, querctin is what we call a zinc ionophore. What that means is it assist zinc crossing the cell membrane to get inside the cell. Zinc must be inside the cell to fulfill it’s role in stopping viral replication, which is why zinc ionophores are getting so much attention relation to viruses. Quercetin is also a potent anti-inflammatory and a natural anti-histamine.
The best Purium product for quercetin is Apothecherry Concentrate
6. Vitamin A
Vitamin A assists the body in creating white blood cells, particularly T-Cells. (New evidence is coming to light showing that T-cells have a huge role in successfully fighting of the novel coronavirus.)
The best Purium products for Vitamin A are Power Shake and Carrot Juice Plus.
The bottom line is this—Deep nutrition enables our immune system to be our body’s Superhero. Let’s hear it for Superfoods!
Relevant Blog Posts:
Lifestyle to Support Health and Body Detoxification
Purium Products That Support Detoxification in Children (and Adults)
Read more about our view on Vaccines.
