This is the first of a series regarding immune system boosters. With all the recent news concerning the pandemic and the annual flu, a quick reminder of supplements will encourage all of us! The usual rhetoric continues to stress hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing. However, once someone has been diagnosed with a virus, the recommendations only include staying at home or going to the hospital if your symptoms worsen.
The good news is there is so much we can do between initial symptoms and increasing severity of illness. If you come to Forum Health Knoxville, you are aware of our large tool box of pharmaceutical grade supplements and precision treatments. Over the past year, these have proven to be very effective in boosting the immune system.
For a general reminder, everyone should be taking a multivitamin with zinc, as well as extra vitamin D and vitamin C. We have these guidelines at Forum Health Knoxville and on our website. Be sure and have your vitamin D level checked – lower levels have been indicated in more severe cases of the virus. You don’t want to be in a deficit if you have been exposed.
The most important immune boosting molecule that many of you have never heard of is glutathione. Our bodies produce this from three amino acids. However, due to poor diet, toxins, chronic stress, aging, medications, and infections, many of us are depleted.
Glutathione helps our immune system fight infection. It reduces the severity of a cytokine storm which occurs as our body responds to viral load. Cytokine storms increase inflammation in the lungs and elsewhere in the body.
Glutathione recycles antioxidants, making it the mother antioxidant! Inflammation is the driving force behind acute and chronic infections. Many chronically ill patients – from autoimmune diseases to cancer are deficient in this vital molecule. Other risk factors for low levels include age, overweight or obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. At Forum Health Knoxville, we can test your need for glutathione.
Glutathione is the most integral part of your detoxification system. Toxins stick onto glutathione like fly paper due to the sulfur chemical groups it contains. Glutathione carries toxins into the bile and stool for elimination.
Tips to Optimize Your Levels:
- Sulfur rich foods such as cruciferous vegetables, onions, and garlic. Whey protein (if you don’t have a dairy sensitivity) that is free of antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides.
- Exercise can boosts your glutathione levels thereby improving your immune system.
- Supplements including N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), Methylated B Vitamins, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Milk Thistle.
- Liposomal Glutathione – most over the counter glutathione supplements will not survive the acidity in the stomach but specific pharmaceutical grade brands are excellent. At Forum Health Knoxville, we recommend it in sublingual forms, weekly injections, or through IV therapies.
For more information on our glutathione brands, call Forum Health Knoxville today.
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