As flu season approaches, it’s the perfect time to focus on enhancing your immune defenses. Instead of immediately relying on pharmaceuticals when illness strikes, consider taking a proactive approach to strengthen your immune system naturally. From maintaining proper nutrition and consistent exercise to utilizing cutting-edge natural therapies, there are numerous ways to fortify your body against colds and flu.

How to Boost Your Immune System and Overcome Cold Naturally

Boosting your immune system involves a holistic approach, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and proper mental well-being. Seasonal changes can make it challenging to stay active, and shorter days often lead to dips in energy and mood. Supporting your immune health also includes the right nutritional supplements, lowering inflammation, and utilizing treatments like UV/ozone therapy and methylene blue IV therapy to effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses. When utilized effectively, these strategies can help you recover faster when you do catch a cold.

Diet and Exercise Tips to Boost Immunity During Fall and Winter

• Nutrition: Your diet plays a crucial role in supporting your immune system. Focus on nutrient-dense foods to nourish your body. Increase your intake of leafy greens such as kale and spinach, and add citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits to get a natural boost of vitamin C. Garlic and ginger are also excellent immune-boosting additions due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries and raspberries help protect your cells from oxidative stress.
• Exercise: Engaging in moderate exercise is a fantastic way to keep your immune system in peak condition. Regular activities like brisk walking, yoga, and strength training boost circulation, mobilize antibodies, and keep your immune defenses strong. As temperatures drop, consider adapting your workout routine to include more indoor exercises if outdoor activities are hindered by the cold. Whether it’s following an online yoga class or practicing strength exercises at home, maintaining physical activity is key to resisting seasonal illnesses.

Immune Packages to Keep You Healthy

We offer a range of comprehensive immune support packages tailored to help you remain healthy and resilient throughout flu season:

1. Immune Boosting Package: Preventative Support Before Exposure

• Vitamin D: This nutrient is essential for modulating immune function, particularly during colder months when sun exposure is limited.
• Elderberry: Studies have shown elderberry can stimulate immune response and help reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C serves as a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and shortens the duration of colds.
• Zinc & Melatonin: Zinc helps maintain immune health, while melatonin promotes restorative sleep, which is crucial for maintaining immunity.
• Antiseptic Mouthwash: Using an antiseptic mouthwash helps reduce pathogens that can enter through the mouth and throat, providing an additional barrier against infection.

2. Enhanced Immune Support Package: During and Post-Cold Support

• Nasal Spray: Helps relieve nasal congestion and acts as a protective barrier to reduce the risk of viral entry into the respiratory tract.
• NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a potent antioxidant that helps enhance immunity and decrease inflammation.
• Black Seed Oil: Known for its immune-boosting properties, black seed oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
• Mushroom Blend: This blend includes seven functional mushrooms that work synergistically to support immune health and overall well-being.
• Resveratrol: A well-known antioxidant found in grape skins, resveratrol helps decrease inflammation and bolster the immune response.
• Quercetin: A natural bioflavonoid, quercetin supports immunity through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

UV/Ozone IV Therapy: A Powerful Natural Immune Support

UV/ozone IV therapy is an advanced treatment designed to boost immune function and minimize inflammation. This therapy works by increasing oxygen levels in the body, stimulating immune cells, and effectively destroying viruses and bacteria. UV/ozone therapy has proven benefits beyond fighting infections; it also promotes circulation, improves tissue oxygenation, and enhances overall health.

Conditions Treated by UV Therapy

• Viral Infections: Studies have shown that UV/ozone therapy is effective against a variety of viruses, including hepatitis C, shingles, respiratory infections, and herpes.
• Bacterial Infections: This therapy also has the ability to kill bacteria, including drug-resistant strains such as MRSA.
• Immune System Support: UV therapy can give a significant boost to the immune system, aiding in the prevention of illness and providing relief for autoimmune diseases.
• Improved Oxygenation: UV therapy enhances oxygenation of tissues, benefiting individuals with respiratory infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Methylene Blue: Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiviral Support

Methylene blue is a highly effective therapy for immune support due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. It exhibits significant antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it beneficial in preventing and treating infections. When administered intravenously, methylene blue helps destroy pathogens and boosts cellular energy production, which is crucial for immune defense during illness.

Recent research has found that methylene blue displays antiviral activity against influenza virus H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2. In laboratory studies, methylene blue demonstrated the ability to degrade viral RNA, suggesting its potential as a preventive or therapeutic agent. Moreover, co-administration with immune serum further enhances its effectiveness. As methylene blue is already approved by the FDA and EMA for other uses, including methemoglobinemia and malaria treatment, ongoing studies continue to explore its clinical efficacy against viral infections.

Protocols for Initiating Treatments

Before starting any immune-supportive treatment, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. For UV/ozone therapy and methylene blue IV therapy, certain tests, such as G6PD testing, are required to ensure safety. Additionally, those considering methylene blue treatment should avoid antidepressant medications, as interactions can occur. Our naturopathic practitioners are dedicated to working with you to create a personalized immune-boosting plan that meets your specific health needs.

Lesser-Known Health Hacks for Immune Support

• Mouthwash: A health tip that might surprise you is to avoid alcohol-based mouthwash. Regular use of mouthwash containing alcohol can disrupt the microbiome in your mouth, leading to a reduction in nitric oxide levels, which are essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. By keeping your mouth’s microbiome balanced, you support both cardiovascular health and your immune system.

• Ozone: Did you know that your own antibodies produce ozone when you’re sick? This natural ozone production helps your body fight infections by neutralizing harmful pathogens. There’s fascinating research from Scripps University exploring how ozone contributes to immune defense.

Special Fall/Winter Offer

Ask about our fall/winter immune package discounts, specially designed to keep you healthy through the cold and flu season. Whether you’re looking to prevent illness or recover faster, we have the right plan for you!

Take Control of Your Health This Flu Season

Proactively strengthening your immune system can make all the difference during flu season. With a combination of proper nutrition, exercise, immune-supportive supplements, and advanced therapies, you can effectively bolster your body’s defenses. Let us help you stay healthy, vibrant, and active all winter long!

Experience the Transformation

Join us at Lake Oswego Health Center as we strive to improve your health. Whether you’re seeking relief from fatigue, protection against infections, or a boost to your overall well-being, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

To book an appointment now, call today at: 503-505-9806