Preparing for Seasonal Change

Well folks it looks like the Indian Summer is coming as we begin a transition towards the folding inward that comes with a different seasonal energy. With that in view many of us experience a challenge to our immune resources which may be amplified by the seasonal shift and ongoing events.

Through reflection we can learn how to make mindful adjustments in response to the seasons and the stressors we are all being exposed to. Many are looking towards upping their game in view of Long or short C-19 recovery. and some of this is covered in this article and a SUPER insightful podcast link at the end on longevity and health span.

Much of this we already know but when our health becomes challenged it always good to have a refresher along with some resources to help support our immune health at this time of year to get ahead of the game. In particular look out for new insights regarding current vitamin D recommendations in light of recent research and testing I have been doing...

Hidden immunity benefits of a plant- based diet

We are seeing the emergence of a ton of research that’s dialling into the hidden benefits of a plant-based diet for enhanced immunity and Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology says:

“A healthy microbiome is crucial to a healthy immune system”

Now that’s not necessarily cutting out animal product altogether but as Sarah Stanner, Science Director of British Nutrition Foundation says:

Plants are also packed with vitamins and minerals, so they need to be at the cornerstone of any health dietary regime.

Seasonal Immune Upgrade

In addition, to nutritional plant-based foods containing lots of antioxidants vitamins and minerals such as red, yellow, orange peppers, carrots, beetroot, watercress and spinach we can create our own supportive environment with;

Whole body Hyperthermia

Raising the body temperature is a key defence mechanism against infection so now the mercury why not jump in the bath for 30 minutes with Olbas oil (available from most chemists) and magnesium salts containing eucalyptus. Then rinse down with cold water to increase monoclonal antibodies. Eucalyptus oil has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. It has immune modifying and antimicrobial effects against many bacteria and it is also known for its antiviral properties. Research shows that the thermal effect of fever increases the body’s ability to respond to bacterial challenge. This helps with down-regulating inflammation dampening down cortisol (stress hormone).

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract has the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication. Olive leaf can stimulate a process called phagocytosis, an immune system response in which cells act like little Pac-Man, ingesting harmful microorganisms and foreign matter.

Vitamin D

If you are dark-skinned then upping your vitamin D intake is recommended – here’s why geographic location, natural sunscreen in the skin and compromised or stressed immune system.

Apart from aiding the absorption of calcium which promotes good bone health and teeth vitamin D is an important immune modulator and support for lung epithelial tissue, countries which have been most severely affected by COVID-19 are those that have a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency as they have just come out of winter and are above 20 degrees latitude in the northern hemisphere.

As the vitamin D receptor is expressed on immune cells, vitamin D has the capability of acting in a milieu of immunological functions. It can modulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses and a deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.

I have recently discovered there is a form of vitamin D that is 3 times more effective than most on the market and surprisingly it's not sublingual. It’s in the more active form called Calcifediol or Prohormone D. This form bypasses the liver to enter the kidneys and then concerted to calcitriol via D3 protein receptors. Research shows Calcifediol sustained and optimised vitamin D levels for longer. It also showed that it acted 3 times faster than cholecalciferol which is used in most vitamin D formulas.

This brings up the question of testing your levels which I have been doing for clients with my own equipment that gets results in 15 minutes over the last 6 months. The illuminating thing is that only two individuals out of the eight I tested recently had sufficient levels of vitamin D. Even more interestingly the ones who were deficient had been supplementing with vitamin D. Below are the levels you should be looking out for if you have already been tested.

Interestingly, as far back as 1947 Dr E. Obermer (BMJ) conducted a four-year study at the City of London Maternity Hospital on pregnant women. He concluded after his research that a vitamin D dosage of less than 10,000 i.u. had no influence on calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

“I submit that we should play for safety. In a climate like that of England, every pregnant woman should be given a supplement of vitamin D in doses of not less than 10,000 i.u. per day in the first 7 months, and 20,000 i.u. during the 8th and 9th months.”

I have a special discount code for you to use, so you can get stocked up before the winter: get your 3x faster Vitamore D. Click here.

Oregano

The oil extracted from oregano leaves has a long history of medicinal uses and has been traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma, coughs and bronchitis for many years.

Oregano is rich in antioxidants due to its high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids and helps to fight the damage from free radicals. It has also shown antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

To date, there have been several studies (1, 2) that have looked at the health benefits of oregano in relation to viral infection. One study demonstrated that participants with URTIs, who used a throat spray containing oregano oil, experienced reduced hoarseness, sore throat and coughing and had significant and immediate improvement in symptoms.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Acetylcysteine is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, which is required for the production of glutathione. As glutathione is the body’s most powerful antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is valued primarily for its antioxidant role in the body.

In human studies, a randomised double-blind trial was carried out on a total of 262 elderly subjects who received 600 mg NAC twice daily, as opposed to those receiving placebo. The group that received NAC experienced fewer influenza-like symptoms and days of bed confinement.

Other research has indicated that in immune-compromised situations such as the flu, NAC may hamper the virus’s ability to replicate, potentially reducing the symptoms and lifespan of the illness.

It is the potential antioxidant mechanism of NAC that has generated interest with the current COVID-19 pandemic

Vitamins A, C and D, selenium, zinc, beta glucan, quercetin and N-Acetyl-Cysteine

If you are immune compromised you may try usual broad spectrum a more intensive Immune Complete 2 from Cytoplan which covers all of the above and more.

Use discount code voucher code: CYT40611-35-10

Medicinal Mushroom power

I add this organic super seven mushroom powder blend to my tea, coffee or soup twice daily for extra fortification. It includes Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Tremella. Each mushroom possesses its own unique health-giving polysaccharides and medicinal properties. Get it here.

One more thing...

Finally, here's a great podcast to connect with that captures the overarching need to address our health span vs our life span as early as our 40’s to positively influence our health span and longevity.

It covers the importance of blood sugar regulation, cardio and strength training and much more in an accessible really practical way. Connect with Dr Peter Attia where he reveals longevity SECRETS on Science & Nutrition with ZOE Science and Nutrition here.