Akin's Healthy Edge September 2017

Page 28

4 Keys to Staying Well Year ‘Round

BY MARY ANN O’DELL, MS, RD

SCHOOL IS STARTING, WEATHER WILL BE CHANGING SOON, AND THAT MEANS PEOPLE WILL START GETTING SICK! Take a proactive approach to good health with these keys to keep you and your family’s immune systems strong.

supply beneficial probiotics; and berries and citrus fruits supply vitamin C that is essential for a strong, healthy immune system. Choosing less processed whole foods will eliminate the excess sugar and fat that can weaken the immune system.

Eat Nourishing Foods. Adding certain foods to the diet can help naturally boost the immune system. Oats, barley, and mushrooms are rich in beta-glucan that strengthens immunity; yogurt and kefir

Control Stress. Stress has been shown to suppress immune function. Stress reduction techniques, exercise, and getting adequate sleep are all ways to help your body handle stress. Taking a good multivitamin with a high B-complex is crucial for protecting the body against the damage of stress. In addition, adaptogenic herbs such as eleuthero can help minimize the negative effects of stress in the body. Enhance with C & D. Vitamin C in an essential nutrient for immune health. It has anti-viral properties and is a potent antioxidant, making daily use of vitamin C essential for healthy immunity. Vitamin D also plays an important role in strengthening your defense system to fight any invading viruses and bacteria. In fact, one study found that people using vitamin D had fewer upper respiratory tract infections than those who were deficient in vitamin D. Mix in Mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, cordyceps, and maitake, are rich in beta glucans that have the ability to enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity. NK cells are part of the immune system that promote deep immune health, fighting off viral-infected cells. These mushroom extracts can be used on a daily basis. These are four steps you can take every day to keep your immune system strong so you stay healthy all year.

Dr. Mercola

Akin’s™

Paragon Plus™

Liposomal Vitamin C

Myco-8™ Defense Formula

Vitamin D3 1000 IU

1,000 mg vitamin C per serving. Higher bioavailability than traditional vitamin C. Incorporates phospholipids to protect the C.

26

Broad spectrum immune defense.* Helpful during seasonal changes.* Blend of eight certified organic mushrooms.

Essential nutrient needed to help maintain bone density.* Supplies 1000 IU of the bioactive D3 form of vitamin D.

September 2017

HE_Sept17_26-27_platechange_JS.indd 26

7/21/17 10:08 AM


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.