By: Dr. Dominique Vanier, ND, MEnvSc

Now that we are in the thick of cold and ‘flu season, many patients ask how to fight viruses naturally. Supporting the immune system with nutrients from food, the right blend of vitamins, and the medicinal properties of botanical herbs can help strengthen and stimulate our immune system to better identify and attack “foreign invaders”. Here are5 beneficial nutrients that have been shown through research to help us fight the cold and ‘flu.

  1. Echinacea is my all-time favourite medicinal herb. It pairs synergistically with elderberry, and creates a delicious berry flavour that even kids love. Echinacea is Health Canada-approved for both the prevention and treatment of the cold and ‘flu. Echinacea enhances our immunity by activating our white blood cells, specifically our macrophage cells, to fight viruses including influenza viruses H1N1 and H3N2.

 

  1. VITAMIN C. Vitamin C fights viruses by increasing our production of virus-fighting cells like interferon, which helps prevent the entry of viruses into our cells. Vitamin C foods include papaya, oranges, broccoli, pineapples, and Brussels sprouts.

 

  1. When you hear carotenoids, think of the colour orange. Carotenoids include foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. They strengthen our immune system by increasing the number of infection-fighting cells.

 

  1. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS. Omega-3 fatty acids enhance the activity of our white blood cells (specifically, our macrophages), which is our front-line defense against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Foods high in omega 3 include walnuts, chia, flax, and fatty fish.

 

  1. VITAMIN D. Vitamin D acts like both a vitamin and a hormone. Vitamin D receptors are found all over the body, including the immune cells, and a crucial role is to modulate our immune system’s response to infection. Deficiency in vitamin D is common especially in winter months, and is associated with increased susceptibility to infection.

 

It’s important to work with a qualified health care professional when taking natural health products. Book an appointment with Dr. Dominique today to learn how to incorporate immune-boosting nutrients and herbs into your treatment plan.

Top 5 Immune-Boosting Nutrients for Winter 2019