Building better immunity.
How to build better immunity?
Taking simple steps today can go a long way. Here are 9 healthy ways to build better immunity and increase your body’s natural defences.
What nutrients help the immune system?
Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables lays a strong foundation of quality antioxidants in your diet.
Phytonutrient-rich foods
Fill up on phytonutrients! These incredible nutrients produced by plants have strong anti-inflammatory benefits. Some examples are quercetin (bioflavonoid), resveratrol (phytoestrogen), bilberry and black currant extracts (anthocyanins).
While we are still learning a lot about these phytochemicals, we do know that they help enhance immunity, repair DNA damage from exposure to toxins, and detoxify carcinogens. There are several classes of phytonutrients, and within each class there are dozens of phytonutrient groups that contain hundreds of phytonutrient types. Foods that contain phytonutrients include apples, dark berries, dark greens, broccoli, spices, onions, garlic, grapes, leeks and chives to name a few. Phytonutrient groups like flavonoids, for example, help scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.
Practice good gut health
Over 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, so keeping it full of healthy microbes is a good defence. Eat slowly and mindfully and consume a wide range of plant-based and fermented foods. Beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium can help improve intestinal microflora, and has a positive effect on intestinal immunity.
Boost daily fibre
Soluble fiber may help increase production of an anti- inflammatory protein called interleukin-4 (IL-4). IL-4 has been known to help convert harmful inflammatory immune cells into protective anti-inflammatory cells, increasing the body’s ability to fight infections.
How does sleep affect one’s
immune system health?
Research indicates that sleep and the intertwined circadian system have been shown to have strong regulatory effects on immunological functions affecting both innate and adaptive immunity.
Plus, movement along with time spent in nature can also enhance immune function and overall well-being. Great reasons to sleep well and find movement outdoors often.
Magnesium Drink Mix
This ultra gentle magnesium drink mix comes in 3 delicious natural fruit flavours and provides 250mg of pure elemental magnesium per scoop.
What role do antioxidants play in keeping your immune system healthy?
Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals in our body and can further optimize healthy immune system function. The best offence is always a good defence. Our in-house holistic nutritionist, Samantha Cohen explains it in this video.
Alpha Lipoic Acid 600
ALA has the ability to regenerate and recycle other beneficial antioxidants in the body like vitamins C, E, CoQ10 and glutathione.
Antioxidant Networkâ„¢
Antioxidant Networkâ„¢ contains N-Acetylcysteine, a precursor to the formation of Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant recycler
NAC+
NAC+ was designed for superior defence against oxidative stress from over-exercise, pollutants and respiratory conditions.
Myco10
Myco10 is a source of antioxidants and immunomodulating polysaccharides that help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
What are water-soluble vitamins?
Water-soluble vitamins are not stored by our bodies. They are eliminated via urine, and so regular intake is required to avoid deficiency. The body relies on these fundamental nutrients for many biochemical functions including growth, development and proper immunity. They are essential components for maintaining optimal health. Why do we need water soluble vitamins? How are vitamins classified? Our in-house holistic nutritionist, Alexandra Daugherty explains it in this video.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is responsible for the growth and repair of all tissues in the body, including wound healing and scar tissue.
Why do we need minerals?
Think of minerals as tiny building blocks that when stacked together create the framework for building bones, blood cells and a healthy immune system.
Zinc Bis-Glycinate 25
Zinc Bis-Glycinate provides a therapeutic and optimal form of zinc that plays a crucial role in the body’s immune and detoxification processes, and is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions.
Zinc is essential.
Zinc plays a critical role in wound healing, healthy growth and building a strong immune system. You can trust CanPrev’s zinc formulas to deliver elemental zinc in the preferred bis-glycinate form-known for its gentle and effective absorption. We’ve formulated several options so you can choose the potency that meets your needs.
Are Canadians getting
enough minerals?
Not at all. Mineral deficiencies can show up as symptoms such as constipation, decreased immune system, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle cramping and so on. We can help fill the gaps that our food supply lacks. Gentle, pure, absorbable minerals that get straight to work for you.
What role do fat soluble vitamins play?
We can obtain this particular group of fat soluble vitamins via our diet. While they are naturally stored in our body (liver and fat tissue) for later use, certain dietary restrictions, health conditions and issues may decrease our ability to absorb these nutrients properly. In order to maintain good health, small amounts are needed on a regular basis and in a form that can be readily absorbed. Our in-house holistic nutritionist, Alexandra Daugherty explains it in this video.
Vitamin A drops
Vitamin A Drops is a factor in the maintenance of good health, and helps to maintain immune function, eyesight, night vision, skin, bones and teeth.
Does vitamin D3 boost the immune system?
Low vitamin D levels can be associated with auto-immune conditions and an increased susceptibility to infection. Studies have shown that an estimated 40% of Canadians have blood levels of vitamin D that are below the recommended cut-off during the winter months (peak cold and flu season).
Omega-3 healthy fats
Omega-3 fish oils rich in DHA and EPA is widely believed to help reduce the risk of disease by lowering inflammation. CanPrev’s Omega-Pro super concentrated fish oils are uniquely crafted in their native triglyceride form. The best part? They’re IFOS certified with no fishy taste. With a goji lemon, fruit-fusion taste so delicious, you’ll never want to miss your daily dose of fish oil.
Explore herbs and adaptogens.
Adaptogens are herbs and roots that have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions. They have many beneficial properties most notably their role in helping to regulate the body’s stress response.
Ashwagandha
A well studied herb proven to be beneficial for weight loss, stress and anxiety, libido, athletic performance and overall enhancement of well-being. Can be used for acute stress and also long term use for adrenal gland support.
Astragalus
Astragalus has been used therapeutically for years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its properties contain compounds called polysaccharides. Polysaccharides have immunomodulatory, anti-viral, antioxidant, and even cardio-protective properties. Studies indicate that astragalus shows anti-influenza virus activity which is why it has been used for centuries in immune boosting elixirs in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Research suggests that medicinal mushrooms have immunomodulatory, immune-stimulating, anti- microbial, antifungal effects on the body.
Oil of Oregano
With its free radical-scavenging, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties, this herb has long been used as an option for a wide range of ailments. Carvacrol, a phenol constituent of oregano oil, is strongly antiseptic, making it valuable when used against viral, bacterial and fungal infections. As a potent anti- microbial, oil of oregano is recommended for acute and short-term use only and in conjunction with probiotics (taken a few hours apart).
Does Ashwagandha make our immune system strong?
This adaptogenic herb helps the body cope with stress and change. This includes immune support, antioxidant protection, and energy boosting. Providing 600mg of KSM-66®, the highest concentration, full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha, Adrenal Chill has a nourishing blend of Ashwagandha and L-Theanine to help you relax, rejuvenate and re-centre.
Clean, custom nutrition for immune health.
Stir or shake them into your favourite drink, smoothie or morning joe and go about your day feeling great.
Fresh Fix
Stress less and think happy thoughts with this meadow-fresh fix.
- Banana
- Spinach
- Hemp seeds
- 500ml of coconut water
- 1 scoop of GreenUp!
Aquatein Vegan Superprotein
Mix Aquatein Vegansuper protein into your favourite shake for a complete nutritional boost.
- High protein
- Anti-inflammatory
- Rich in phytonutrients
- Excellent source of amino acids & fibre
Immune Boosting Smoothie
Get the kick you need to fight off the "ick".
- 1 scoop of L-Glutamine
- 1 scoop of Myco10
- 2 table spoons of cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of mixed berries
- Half an avocado
- 500ml of plant based milk or your favourite drink
