Best Ways to Boost Your Immune System

What Is Immune Support? 

Immune support, unlike a specific treatment, relies on the ability of the body to illicit its own response against a pathogen, in this case a virus. However, it is not a targeted treatment as what exists for flu virus (Tamiflu) or herpes viruses (acyclovir/valacyclovir).

Immune support is designed to help boost the body’s ability to resist and fight infection and is not a replacement for vaccines or specific anti-viral medications that may emerge in the future.

Immune Response and COVID 19

The first stage of fighting an infection requires the immune system to ramp up a response and clear the virus. This can take a few days to several weeks and requires the body to become inflamed to fight the infection. This is not specific to COVID-19. This is an appropriate response which we WANT our immune system to do.

The risk with COVID-19, and other pathogens, is when the inflammation response goes unchecked and can start to excessively damage our own tissue. This can lead to accumulation of fluid in the lungs and ultimately more complications.

Those at risk for this extreme inflammatory response include those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disorders such as COPD, asthma, and restrictive lung disease.

Select natural products are helpful to balance this excessive inflammatory response.

IV Therapy – Vitamin C

Vida is proud to offer Vitamin C infusions at our Ravenna and Bellevue clinics for Immune Support, Antioxidant benefits, and Wellness. 

Vitamin C:  Vitamin C is a known antioxidant but in higher doses can act as a booster of immune cells AND, when given intravenously (IV), can be helpful in treatment of infections and complications related to an exaggerated immune response.

Our IV Therapy treatments are not covered by your general health insurance. 

IV Therapy Vitamin C Drip – $200 (includes consultation with Functional Medicine Physicians)

 Vitamin C IV Therapy treatments are available at Vida Ravenna and Bellevue for preventative purposes.

All Preventative strategies that may be considered should be discussed with your doctor. The following are supportive supplements that are common for boosting your immune and supporting your body through illness. Some of these supplements are not suitable for everyone. We can not stress enough that a reviewing these with your doctor prior to taking is recommended.

Recommended Supplements for Immune Boosting Support

Anti-Viral Support

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) : Brand Recommended: Wise Woman Solid Extract
Dosing 1/8 tsp BID  **May raise blood pressure***

Elderberry Syrup – Brand Recommended: Sambucus – Integrated Therapeutics
Dosage: 2 tsp 4x daily

Olive Leaf – Brand Recommended: Olivirex – BioBotanical Research
Dosage: 2 caps 3x daily

Astragalus Extract 300mg –Brand Recommended: Vital Nutrients
Dosage: 3 caps 3x daily

Cordyceps Mushrooms – Brand Recommended: Host Defense
Dosage: 2 caps 2x daily

General Immune Support

Liposomal Vitamin C: Brand Recommended: NuMedica – 1,000 mg
Dosage: 1 tsp up to 3x daily

Vitamin D – 5,000 IU daily – Brand Recommended: Metagenics
Dosage: 1 cap daily

Vitamin A, C, E + Zinc (ACES – Zn) – Brand Recommended: Carlson Labs
Dosage: 2 gels x 2x daily with food

Anti-inflammatory

Curcumin – Brand Recommended: CuraPro by EuroMedica 750mg

Suggested Supplements that may be considering should be discussed with your Doctor. 

If you would like to arrange a consultation with one of our Functional Medicine Physicians to review the suggested supplements that could benefit your immune, please click the button below.