Support Your Immune System: 11 Things to Read, Listen To, & Try
A healthy immune system is one of the most important components of overall wellness, which means it’s always on our minds.
These days, we’re sure it’s on your mind, too! During this time, it can sometimes feel like so many things are beyond our control, but we can all take meaningful action when it comes to strengthening our immune systems.
We’ve been so grateful to be able to soak up so much of the knowledge from wellness and functional medicine experts in this area over the last few weeks.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite resources to bring you everything you need to know about supporting and enhancing your immune system function, starting now. Read the practical advice you need from trustworthy sources, or dive deeper with a few fascinating podcast episodes. As a bonus, we’re also sharing a few of our favorite products and vitamins for immune support.
Immune System Superstars:
Some of the best ways to support immune system function are eating nourishing, whole foods (and avoiding sugar and processed foods!), practicing mindfulness, and getting plenty of good quality sleep.
We love to give extra support to that foundation and enhance our immune function and strength with the help of a few key vitamins, herbs, adaptogens, and other wellness products. This is definitely not an exhaustive list (and trust us, it was hard to narrow it down!), but we wanted to share some of our favorite go-to immune boosters. Of course these are not for everyone, and don’t replace medical advice!
Chaga
We’re huge fans of functional mushrooms, which have the power to enhance wellness in so many different ways! Chaga is one of the superstars of the mushroom world, and has been used for centuries to support health and wellbeing. We love Four Sigmatic’s chaga elixir as a delicious and convenient way to get all of the antioxidant and immune-boosting properties of this mushroom, anytime.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most well-known nutrients for immune system support, and it’s popular for a reason! While we definitely encourage trying to obtain a healthy amount of vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables like peppers and citrus fruits, supplements can be really helpful for a boost, especially in times like these.
Vitamin D
Another vitamin that is critical for immune function is vitamin D, which so many of us in North America don’t get enough of, especially in the winter and when we’re spending most of our time indoors without direct sun exposure.
Elderberry
Elderberry is packed with immune-boosting antioxidants and nutrients, and is used by many herbalists to help defend against colds, flus, and other viruses.
Read:
Google searches for boosting the immune system are probably through the roof right now, but it can be hard to know where to look for the best advice. We’ve rounded up a few clear, practical reads from trustworthy sources to get you started.
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Facts (and Myths) About Boosting Your Immune System.
The Wall Street Journal
Read now! -
How to Boost Your Immune System.
Harvard Health Publishing
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Can I Boost My Immune System?
The New York Times
Read now! -
How to Boost Your Immune System in the Time of COVID-19.
Vogue
Read now!
Listen:
For a deeper dive into the world of immune function, we’re sharing some of the best conversations we’ve ever heard on the topic, from some of our favorite wellness podcasts.
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The Secrets to Creating a Healthy Immune System with Dr. Leonard Calabrese
The Doctor’s Farmacy - Feb 27th, 2019
This conversation between Dr. Hyman, one of the greatest minds in functional medicine, and immunology expert Dr. Leonard Calabrese, is fascinating and so relevant right now. They dig deep into the science of stress and joy as they relate to immunology, and the episode is filled with actionable wellness nuggets that you can incorporate into your life right away.
Listen now!
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Everything You Need To Know For Antivirus & Immune System Enhancement: A Special One-Two Podcast Episode with Dr. Matt Cook, Dr. Matt Dawson, and Dr. Michael Mallin
Ben Greenfield Fitness - March 14th, 2020
We felt so empowered and well-informed about COVID-19, viruses in general, and immune system function after listening to this special episode featuring three unique medical experts. They cover everything from the history of pandemics to the science of immunology and viruses, with tons of practical advice for enhancing immune system function and wellness.
Listen now!
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The Power of a Balanced Immune System
The Goop Podcast - March 18th, 2020
This conversation with Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Matt Richter, who recently published An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System, is both eye-opening and calming. He talks about what it means to balance the immune system, and shares sensible, practical guidance that we can all follow.
Listen now!
