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Antimicrobial herbs are the top natural treatment for gut issues, like SIBO, dysbiosis, parasites and yeast overgrowth.
Here’s all you need to know and how to use them.
Herbal therapies have been used for centuries as the preferred “drugs” of choice for addressing illness—from stomach aches, viruses, colds and flu’s.
Long before researchers mentioned the words “gut microbiome,” people knew there was powerful healing in nature’s medicine for reversing disease.
Some of these powerful herbal agents include:
“Antimicrobial” protocols—herbal therapies—are often part of a “healing” gut protocol if dysbiosis (too much or too little gut bacteria), SIBO, fungal or yeast overgrowth, parasites or gut infections are identified as a “root cause” behind poor health. Treatment of these “gut issues” typically a two-stage treatment approach:
Generally speaking, a blend of botanical herbs in supplement form is recommended for most cases of dysbiosis for a “broad spectrum” approach to healing. However, depending on the certain pathogenic organisms identified on a stool or SIBO breath test, some people find treating specific organisms with research-backed specific agents may be effective (such as grapefruit seed extract for the overgrowth pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Lastly, given the fact that antimicrobial herbs can be powerful, is also recommended you combine antimicrobial treatment with adjunct supports to aid in both complete eradication/reduction of pathogenic organisms, as well as the preservation of any healthy bacteria you do have. Support agents for an antimicrobial protocol include:
To maintain a healthy gut microbiome as some bacteria die off. (Ideally taken away from antimicrobial herbs; particularly a soil-based bacteria). Medium-chain fatty acids extracted from coconut oil that are antiparasitic in addition to being antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. Great for boosting immunity and warding off yeast.
Pathogenic bacteria can form biofilm around their outer layer—sort of like “steel armor” for preventing destruction. Biofilm may be one of the primary drivers of resistance and treatment failure in multiple disease, antimicrobial and/or antibiotic treatments. Biofilm disruptors help break up biofilm to allow your other antimicrobial agents to work. (ex. NAC, Cranberry, Biocidin, Colloidal silver, Xylitol, Manuka honey, Interfase Plus)
Many people go on an “anti-candida,” ketogenic or “no carb” diet while “healing their gut.” However, these can be counterproductive to resetting your gut microbiome, given the fact that some starchy plants and pre-biotics are needed to feed healthy gut bacteria and bring pathogenic bacteria “out to play.” Prebiotics found in starchy plants and veggies help your antimicrobials work even better (so there is bacteria for them to target). Aim for 1 to 2 servings per day of starchy plants and/or prebiotic fibers while on an antimicrobial herbs protocol.
Herbal therapies are at least as effective as rifaximin—the typical conventional antibiotic treatment for resolution of gut dysbiosis (i.e. SIBO, candida, parasites and IBS)—if not more. In one study, 104 patients diagnosed with SIBO with the lactulose breath test were treated either with Rifaximin (1,200 mg) or a cocktail of herbal antimicrobials (see below) for 4 weeks before repeating the lactulose breath test.
The study showed that 46% of the patients treated with herbal antimicrobials were successfully treated while only 34% were free of SIBO after taking Rifaximin (1).
Here are my top recommended supplements for using in your “gut healing protocol.”
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Pre-Breakfast:
Breakfast
Mid-Morning
Lunch
Mid-Afternoon
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Post Dinner
A die-off reaction, also called a Herxheimer reaction or “Herx reaction”, can occur whenever you first start a new supplement or antimicrobial protocol—often a sign of a “detox” or die off of certain bacteria.
Typically, Herx symptoms develop within a couple of hours to several days after treatment and last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months—depending on the severity of the underlying pathology you are treating. However, depending on the location of the bacteria, symptoms may develop later. The Herxheimer reaction is especially seen during antimicrobial treatments (gut healing protocol) because antimicrobials destroy numerous microorganisms and bacteria.
Although the Herxheimer reaction is typically not harmful, it does frequently cause temporary pain, discomfort, and worsening of symptoms. Symptom severity is often indicative of the level of inflammation triggered by the immune system.
Because of the sudden worsening of symptoms, it is common for patients to feel that the severity of their condition has increased due to the treatment. However, even though treatment causes a temporary increase in symptom intensity due to greater release of toxins the condition ultimately improves. The body responding in this way usually means that the treatment is actually working effectively.
Nevertheless, even though a Herxheimer reaction indicates that treatment is working effectively, it doesn’t make the patient’s condition any more comfortable in the immediate.
Fortunately, there are several ways of limiting the symptoms of a Herxheimer reaction without inhibiting treatment efficacy. The following suggestions can and should be used when detoxing, using antibiotics, or being treated for infections and other forms of chronic disease to limit Herxheimer intensity, including:
The post Important: How to Use Antimicrobial Herbs to Heal Your Gut appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.
Glyphosate (Roundup) is the #1 chemical used found in practically EVERY non-organic food source on the market: from Cheerios and Chic-Fil-A chicken nuggets, to apples, broccoli & grain-fed beef and chicken. Chances you have glyphosate–and lots of it–in your body. How to get rid of it? David Sandoval is in the house today to tell us all about it!
Purium’s Co-founder and Visionary, Dave Sandoval, has made it his life’s mission to change the world for the better. From nutrition and the environment to domestic violence and poverty, Dave has advocated on behalf of many causes. He’s invited people into his home to personally help them get healthy, lose weight or achieve their goals. And, through his mentorship program, he has inspired all kinds of people, including celebrities, to get out into the world and make a difference. Dave founded Purium in post-riot Long Beach with Gandhi’s philosophy, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
The post Break The Rules #39: How to Cleanse Your Body of Glyphosate (Round Up) with David Sandova appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.
One of the most modifiable risk factors for hypothyroidism comes down to your dietary intake of essential nutrients, along with a healthy gut microbiome (to be able to digest those nutrients in the first place).
| Nutrient | Sources |
|---|---|
| Iodine | Sea vegetables, dairy products, iodized salt |
| Selenium | Ocean fish, Brazil nuts, ham |
| Iron | Oysters, clams, liver, venison, beef |
| Zinc | Oyster, liver, crab, lobster, beef |
| B12 | Clam, liver, oyster, mackerel, sardine |
| B2 | Liver, mushrooms, seaweed, spinach |
| Vitamin C | Red pepper, kiwi, broccoli, citrus |
| Vitamin A | Organ meats, CLO, seafood, grass-fed dairy |
| Vitamin D | CLO, cold-water fatty fish, UV exposure |
| Magnesium | Clams, Swiss chard, spinach, beet greens, kelp |
Unfortunately, our modern-day, industrialized diets of the 21st century strip our body void of essentials necessary to make the thyroid properly. Even more, if you aren’t digesting your nutrients in the first place, your body (and thyroid) run into more problems with underlying pathologies, such as bacterial overgrowth, yeast infections, and dysbiosis (imbalances in “good” and “bad” bacteria) impairing nutrient absorption and thyroid function as well.
The following is a list of necessary nutrients required for healthy thyroid function–as well as caution to not go overboard on them either (since toxicity of these nutrients can also inhibit thyroid function).
Gut Healing Nutrients
Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, pickled veggies), prebiotic foods (cooked & cooled potatoes/sweet potatoes, cooked & cooled white rice, green plantains), Supplements: soil-based probiotics, partially hydrolyzed guar gum (prebiotic), short-chain fatty acids (butyrate)
Why It’s Important: Our gut health impacts thyroid hormone production.
Amount: 1-2 fermented foods (condiment sized serving)/daily, 1-2 starchy tubers/prebiotic foods; Supplements: 1 probiotic in the morning & evening, ½-1 tsp. Prebiotic fiber, 1 short-chain fatty acid capsule with meals
Iodine
Sea vegetables (kelp flakes, kelp, wakame, hijike, arame, nori, etc.), dairy products, cod, iodized salt
Why It’s Important: Required for reproduction and growth, and it’s only known function is the synthesis of thyroid hormone; Can be helpful if TSH markers are “off”;
Amount: Consume food sources in small-moderate doses (kelp flakes 3-4 times per week, cod 1-2 times per week, iodized salt occasionally, etc.); If deficient (according to a hair or urine test), consider supplementing with 100 mcg/day and increase up to 1000 mcg if deficiency is severe for 30-90 days, then re-test; Note: If you have Hashimoto’s, iodine typically will often cause “flares” if you are deficient in selenium too (consider taking with selenium)
Selenium
Ocean fish, Brazil nuts, ham
Why It’s Important: Selenium is essential for the conversion of T4 to T3; Studies also show benefits of selenium supplementation in treating autoimmune thyroid conditions to reduce inflammation (reducing inflammation may limit damage to thyroid tissue); Amount: The best strategy is to first ensure adequate selenium intake through the diet. As little as 2 Brazil nuts each week supply you with 500% of the RDA—four times the recommended amount for the day. Just eating a couple Brazil nuts two to three times per week is all you need. If supplementing, first use testing for selenium levels at baseline to determine whether selenium supplementation is needed (The normal concentration in adult human blood serum is 70 to 150 ng/mL).
Iron
Oysters, clams, liver, venison, beef
Why It’s Important: Iron deficiency reduces production of thyroid hormone; however, excess iron damages the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid (Fact: people with hemochromatosis or iron overload are 80 times more likely to have hypothyroidism);
Amount: Eat foods with iron in them or use a liver capsule supplement (if organ meats are not preferred); Only supplement with iron if lab test levels indicate deficiency outside of these markers.
Serum Iron: 40-155 ug/dL
Ferritin
Men: 30-400 ng/mL
Pre-Menopausal Women: 15-150 ng/mL
Post Menopausal Women: 15-150 ng/mL
Transferrin Saturation: 15-55%
TIBC
Men: 250-450 ug/dL
Pre-Menopausal Women: 250-450 ug/dL
Post Menopausal Women: 250-450 ug/dL
UIBC: 150-375 ug/dL
sTfR (soluble transferrin receptor): 12.3-27.3 nmol/L
Zinc
Oysters, liver, crab, lobster, beef, pastured eggs (Note: spinach, beans and nuts also have zinc, but are not bio-available due to difficult-to-digest components)
Why it’s Important: Required for synthesis of TSH;
Amount: If deficient (outside of: 81–157 µg/dL), supplement with 30 mg for 8 weeks, then recheck levels
B12 & B2
B12: Clam, liver, oyster, mackerel, sardine; B2: Liver, mushrooms, seaweed, spinach
Why it’s Important: Required for synthesis of TSH
Amount: A methylated B-Vitamin complex is beneficial for those with thyroid or energy issues.
Magnesium
Dark leafy greens, Dark chocolate, Almonds, Banana, Pumpkin seeds, Avocado, Halibut
Why it’s Important: Required for synthesis of TSH;
Amount: Consume 600-800 mg/day between foods and supplements; Supplementing with 300-400 mg/day of chelated magnesium such as Magnesium Glycinate can be helpful
Vitamin C
Red pepper, kiwi, broccoli, citrus, brussels sprouts, kale
Why it’s Important: Boosts adrenal function to support hormone health and also leads to less suppressed T4 and T3 levels;
Amount: Supplement: 500-1000 mg/day if you have low T4 & T3 and high stress
Vitamin A
Organ meats, cod liver oil, seafood, grass-fed dairy
Why it’s Important: Regulates thyroid hormone metabolism and inhibits elevated TSH;
Amount: Supplement: Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil, ½ tsp-1 tsp/day
Vitamin D
Cod liver oil, cold-water fatty fish, pastured egg yolks, sun exposure, supplementation if necessary
Why it’s Important: Boosts immune function and suppresses autoimmune attack on the thyroid; Deficiency is highly connected to Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism;
Amount: Check Vitamin D levels aiming for this reference range: 35–60 ng/mL; If deficient,supplementation may be warranted for 4 weeks with upwards of 5,000-10,000 IU (depending on severity), then recheck levels
The post Important: The 10 Best Foods for Your Thyroid Health appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.
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When it comes to thyroid medication, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Medication is often viewed as the “panacea” in conventional healthcare.
Headache? Pop an Advil.
High blood pressure? Take a statin.
Unwanted weight gain, fatigue or swelling?
Thyroid medication, specifically levothyroxine (Levothyroid® Synthroid®, Levoxyl®, and Armour®), are the most prescribed drugs in the nation—ranking above statins, SSRI’s and the birth control pill. Since many conventional practitioners do not typically consider the different variations of thyroid disease (i.e. Overt vs. Subclinical vs. Secondary vs. Autoimmune), any sign of an “off” thyroid marker must mean you need a replacement.
In theory, this sounds good—especially if you are feeling the effects of a thyroid condition. If you have a thyroid issue, you can’t wait to start taking your thyroid medication to make the dreadful symptoms go away – good bye constant fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, headaches, sleepless nights, depressed moods, and so on.
Unfortunately, thyroid formulas are not always the panacea they are made out to be, often yielding mixed or subpar results for some—especially if you’re not on the right formula for you.
Simply put, if you have a gut or liver issue, your body will not metabolize the thyroid medication properly.
Your thyroid may not be the issue. Common culprits behind “thyroid symptoms” include:
Your cells must be able to convert T4 to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, in order to produce energy. If they can’t make the conversion, you may still experience thyroid symptoms while on the medication. What causes poor conversion? Inflammation! Inflammation decreases the conversion of T4 to T3. T4 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone. Furthermore, the body has to convert it to the active T3 form before it can be used. Most synthetic hormone medications on the market are T4. If you give a T4 medication (like Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, etc.) to a person with inflammation already, it’s not going to work because they can’t convert the T4 to T3.
On bloodwork, a red flag that you’re having conversion issues is having low levels of T3 with normal T4 and either low or normal TSH—also known as “low T3 syndrome”. Although it does involve low levels of T3 (the most active form of thyroid hormone), it is not caused by a problem with the thyroid gland.
Hashimoto’s and Grave’s disease are inflammatory conditions wherein the thyroid attacks itself. The top twos driver of autoimmunity are intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and triggers (inflammation) that “turn on” the genes of autoimmunity—not poor thyroid function.
If you’re taking a thyroid medication for a condition—particularly if you have an undiagnosed autoimmune condition—but you’re not addressing your gut health, inflammation and personal triggers (from fluoride in your water and toothpaste, to birth control pill use, antibiotic history, mold in your home, etc.) then medicine won’t do a body good.
Interestingly, many medications—or supplements for that matter—produce drug interactions with thyroid medication. For instance, estrogen found in birth control pills can exacerbate thyroid dysfunction. Even slight alterations in the dosing or absorption of medications can impact the effect of thyroid hormones. Additionally, do your research on what you are currently taking to uncover for yourself how medications may affect the assimilation or absorption of thyroid hormones.
Beyond interactions as well, medications for other health conditions may have a direct effect on the health of your thyroid in other ways—destroying thyroid cells and tissue, impacting natural thyroid hormone production and triggering the immune processes of the thyroid gland.
Also, if medical reasons warrant your thyroid medication use, it is even more important to optimize essential nutrients including probiotics and prebiotics, magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins and glutathione.
The strength and power of your thyroid changes over time—it fluctuates with the change of seasons, it gets weaker as you age, and it increases or decreases hormone production as you gain or lose weight or if you are under more stress than usual. However, when we take medication, it works in contrast. We do not modify thyroid medication immediately as we change our weight, as the seasons change or anything else happens to our body. As a result, you can have a mismatch between the medication dose you were prescribed and what your body currently needs.
A blinded study comparing the effects of natural desiccated thyroid hormone (T4/T3) vs. levothyroxine (synthetic T4) found that the patients who took the more natural version felt better—despite normal blood work results on both trials. In the study, a total of 70 patients with hypothyroidism were treated with either desiccated thyroid extract or levothyroxine for 12 weeks followed by a switch to other option for another 16 weeks. The participants were “blinded” during both phases—they did not know the type of pill they received. After each treatment period patients were weighed, had blood tests, underwent psychometric testing and were asked which therapy they preferred.
The researchers reported that 49% of the patients preferred desiccated thyroid extract, 19% preferred levothyroxine and 23% had no preference. Desiccated thyroid extract use was also associated with more weight loss. There was no difference in the psychometric testing or in any symptoms. Lastly, both types of thyroid hormone were able to normalize the abnormal thyroid blood tests. Although desiccated thyroid extract is not widely used, this study showed that many patients preferred the more natural option as compared with levothyroxine, potentially worth considering with your healthcare provider if your symptoms are not improving on thyroid medication (1).
The post Thyroid Medication Does Not Always Work: 6 Reasons You Need to Know appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.
Have you ever started a new healthy diet or supplement routine, only to feel like it’s not working? Nausea, skin breakouts, headaches, bloating, constipation and beyond are all common symptoms of “healing reactions”–a response the body can have when starting a new nutrition or supplement protocol. The kicker? It can ACTUALLY be your body’s sign of healing itself. Gray Graham, the founder of the Nutritional Therapy Association, is in the house today and here to share more on finding the RIGHT nutrition and supplements for YOUR body…plus what you need to know about “healing reactions.”
Gray L. Graham has been an international consultant and teacher in the field of clinical nutrition for over 27 years. Gray received his Bachelor of Arts, with an emphasis in Nutrition and Natural Health, from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. He was an Adjunct Professor at the South Puget Sound Community College, where he originally developed and taught the Nutritional Therapist Training Program (NTT). During his career, he has taught numerous seminars on nutritional therapy to physicians and other healthcare practitioners worldwide. In 1997, he founded Biotics Research NW and the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA). NTA has certified more than 5,000 Nutritional Therapist Practitioners (NTPs) and Nutritional Therapist Consultants (NTCs) worldwide. Gray is the lead author of Pottenger’s Prophecy – How Food Resets Gene’s for Wellness or Illness.
The post Break The Rules #37: Dealing with Healing Reactions & Discovering Your Own Food Intolerances (without Expensive Tests) with Nutritional Therapist Gray Graham appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.
Approximately 80% of our immune system is produced in the gut.
The Bottom Line: Our immune health is a direct reflection of what is going on in the inside (our gut health and foods we eat).
Immune conditions (from allergies, to autoimmune conditions, acne, breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, colds and flu’s etc.) are a sign of “inflammation” in the body.
What causes chronic inflammation? It starts in the gut.
Eighty percent of our body’s health and immunity is produced in your gut, making our gut health a crucial component to maintaining a low level of inflammation in the body. When our gut is not healthy our body has a difficult time eradicating inflammation, allowing greater room for an “immune response” to occur—from skin breakouts, to allergies, colds, the flu, autoimmune disease and more.
What to do about it?
Boost your immune system…in your gut!
It all starts with anti-inflammatory gut-loving foods, supplements and lifestyle choices that help create less internal stress for a chronic “immune response” to occur.
After all, inflammation is not a bad thing, but when inflammation persists (chronic inflammation) without the ability to recover or your immune cells go into “hyperactive” (overdrive) mode is when “immune issues” (like skin breakouts, autoimmune conditions, allergies, and more occur.
Want a stronger immune system?
Here are more than 50+ nutrition, supplement and lifestyle essentials that go beyond expensive face washes, allergy shots, steroids, and Benadryl.
Natural Immune Boosting Foods
Incorporate these foods on a regular basis in your diet:
For at least 30-60 days, take a break from the top inflammatory foods:
Not to sound like a broken record, but your gut holds the key to good skin health:
Probiotics help regulate and balance the immune system as well as promote the function of T regulatory cells. Think of probiotics as “immune regulators,” not increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, but instead fine-tuning and regulating the immune system. (Prebiotics help increase the number of probiotics.
Find In: Supplements: Soil based formulas are often best tolerated by most people until you’ve assessed whether or not you have bacterial overgrowth through gut testing (stool, SIBO, urine organic acids testing); Foods: Fermented foods, Prebiotic foods (see list above)
Feed healthy bacteria that’s already in the gut and will increase those levels over time.
Find In: Supplements*: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum, unmodified potato starch, plantain or banana flour, oligosaccharides (FOS, XOS, GOS), *start dose small; Foods: Prebiotic foods (see list above)
Helps break down foods you eat so your body can more easily digest them!
Find In: Supplements (pancreatic enzymes, ox bile), Foods: Sprouted Seeds/Legumes, Pineapple, Kiwi, Grapefruit, Papaya, Mango, Raw honey, Avocado, Bee pollen, Raw fermented dairy, Extra virgin olive oil, Coconut oil
Boosts stomach acid to assist in the complete breakdown of foods
Find In: Supplements, Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp in 4-8 oz water), Lemon Water
If you have an underlying inflammatory gut or liver condition, antimicrobial herbs may be warranted. (See Signs & Symptoms Assessment Hacks in Resources)
Find In: Supplements. A broad spectrum herb is often best. May include: Oregano oil, thyme, sage, garlic, berberine: goldenseal, Oregon grape, olive leaf, Pau d’arco, ginger, licorice, and skullcap, Foods: Oregano, garlic, ginger, clove, raw honey, thyme, basil
If you discover you have an underlying bacterial overgrowth, bacterial infection, parasite, dysbiosis or candida/fungal overgrowth, then antimicrobial herbs in conjunction with a short-term course of taking a biofilm disruptor can be helpful for ridding of unwanted pathogens. Biofilms are often overlooked when working on gut healing.
Biofilm is like the “steel armor” of some gut bacteria. When individual yeast, pathogens and parasites attach to a surface, such as the GI tract, they clump together into a matrix and create a colony. Larger colonies can contain different species, creating very complex structures.This matrix forms a type of shield (biofilm) around the clump making the microorganisms hiding inside hard to detect in testing, and difficult to address. If unaddressed, biofilm can prevent your “gut healing” herbs and protocol from working.
Find In: Supplements (some of these are found in antimicrobial herbs as well). Interfase Plus (Klair Labs), NAC (N-acetylcysteine), Monolaurin (Lauricidin), Colloidal silver, citrus seed extract, berberine, oregano oil, chitosan, citrus pectin Foods: Cranberry, garlic, Manuka Honey, olive oil/oleic acid, apple cider vinegar, ginger
There are several natural herbal and supplemental strategies for building a stronger immune system when allergies, autoimmune conditions, colds and skin imbalances strike.
All of the following work to boost T-cell function and counter the histamine response.
Extra Virgin Cod-Liver Oil
Anti-inflammatory fats that activates immune fighting cells.
Find In: Supplements or 1 lb./cold water fatty fish/week
Ginger Tea. Works as a natural antihistamine, potent antiviral agent, and immune booster.
Find In: Tea or add, eat raw to recipes/foods.
L-Glutamine Powder, Colostrum or a Dairy-free Source Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
Promotes healing support for the intestinal lining.
Find In: Supplements, Colustrum Whey Protein
The active ingredient in turmeric that promotes T regulatory cell function, decreases inflammation and reduces oxidative damage. However, most forms of curcumin are poorly absorbed when taken orally or consumed in foods; reach for a liposomal form. Find In: Liposomal curcumin supplements (600 mg, 1-2 times per day)
Liposomal Vitamin C
Fights oxidative damage and strengthens the stress (adrenal) response.
Find In: Spinach & other dark Leafy greens, Citrus fruits, Bell Peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, Strawberries, Supplements: Liposomal Vitamin C (500 mg)
Oregano Oil, Olive Leaf and Garlic.
Food and supplement forms help diminish the flare of bacteria often associated with allergens.
Find In: Oregano herbs, garlic, supplements, essential oils
Quercetin, Bromelain, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Stinging Nettles Leaf.
Natural anti-histamines that kick the release of histamine from the air or food sensitivities.
Find In: Supplements
Raw Manuka Honey. An anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent—all in one. Honey is nature’s “immune booster.” It is also a powerhouse of antioxidants, which are very effective for the removal of free radicals from the body.
Find In: Raw Manuka Honey (food)
Promotes good skin immunity and wound healing, as well as protects against UV radiation and inflammation
Find In: Spinach, Shellfish (Shrimp, Oysters), Grass-Fed Bison & Beef, Flax Seeds, Kidney Beans, Pastured Egg Yolks, Wild-Caught Salmon, Pastured Turkey, Organic Chicken, Cocoa powder,
Supplement: Zinc (aqueous or chelate) (15-30 mg/day for 8 weeks);
Note: Copper imbalance may also be a reason why zinc levels are “low.” One of the most common and important imbalances that we see in clinical practice with trace minerals is excess copper and deficient zinc. If you have this Copper-Zinc imbalance, your body could really be starving for oxygen, hence why it’s more prone to immune imbalances causing oxidative stress. Consider a serum blood test for zinc and 24-hour urine test for copper to assess. A “Zinc Tally” taste test is also worth trying with aqueous zinc to assess).
Curcumin: Decreases Inflammation
The active ingredient in turmeric that promotes T regulatory cell function, decreases inflammation and reduces oxidative damage. However, most forms of curcumin are poorly absorbed when taken orally or consumed in foods; reach for a liposomal form.
Find In: Liposomal curcumin supplements (600 mg, 1-2 times per day)
Glutathione: Fights Oxidative Stress & Damage
An essential for preventing oxidative stress in the body, often deficient in autoimmune conditions. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant. It also promotes healthy function of T regulatory cells.
Find in: Liposomal GlutathioneSupplements (preferably with N-acetylcysteine, a precursor to glutathione), and these foods:
Natural anti-inflammatory fats that activate your immune system fighting cells.
Find in: Cold water wild caught fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, herring), extra virgin cod liver oil, flax seed, walnuts (soaked, dried)
Vitamin D: Creates a Stealth Immune System
Promotes T-cell function and immune system balance. Ideal levels are between 40-60 ng/mL in healthy individuals. If deficient consider supplementation for 8 weeks at a dose of 5000-10,000 IU/day, followed by a re-check of your blood levels. Long term supplementation is not recommended.
Find in: Supplements, extra virgin cod liver oil, sunlight, pastured egg yolks
Colloidal Silver Nose Spray. Can benefit people as a nasal spray and kills off Staph aureus often seen with sinus infections.
Find In: Supplemental form/nose spray.
Double Up on Probiotics: Good Gut Bug Support
Help support the breakdown and eradication of the healthy bugs in your gut in the face of illness (in conjunction with your prebiotics).
Find In: Supplements, fermented foods
Echinacea: Cold Cutter
According to a research report (1)reviewing 14 different studies on this herb, they found that Echinacea cuts the chances of catching a common cold by 58 percent and Echinacea reduces the duration of the common cold by almost one-and-a-half days.
Find In: Herbal Tea or supplemental form (take 1,000 mg 2-3x daily)
For temporary relief make a “Vaporub” with coconut oil + essential oils like peppermint + eucalyptus oil and put it on your chest to help clear sinuses.
Find In: Natural essential oils + coconut oil. While you’re at it, consider getting an essential oil com diffuser to diffuse oils like peppermint, lemon, Eucalyptus, red thyme, cinnamon oil and Bergamot
Neti Pot: Drainage Flow
Good bye drainage! Hello clear head and nose! This baby drains all that gunk up there to help you…breathe easy.
Find In: Neti-Pot
Omega 3 Fats: Anti-inflammatory Booster
Natural anti-inflammatory fats that activate your immune fighting cells.
Find in: Cold water wild caught fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, herring), extra virgin cod liver oil, flax seed, walnuts (soaked, dried)
Oregano Oil & Olive Leaf: Immune Builder
Natural anti-oxidants to fight free radicals looming about. Put a few drops of essential oil oregano in a pot of steaming water, and then inhale the steam, or take in supplemental form.
Find In: Supplements, essential oils
Zinc + Liposomal Vitamin C (together): Antioxidant Fighter Team
These two together are a powerful combination to speeding up cold healing, found to be significantly more efficient than placebo at reducing a sinus infection over 5 days of treatment in clinical trials.
Find In: Supplements; Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, dark leafy greens; Zinc: Organ meats, pastured grass-fed meats, soaked nuts & seeds, dark leafy greens
Biotin: Prevents Hair Loss, Dermatitis & Dandruff
An essential cofactor for enzymes that regulate fatty acid metabolism, essential to help protect cells against damage and water loss. Biotin deficiency causes hair loss, dermatitis, and dandruff.
Find in: Supplements, egg yolks, liver, Swiss chard, spinach, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, avocados, sweet potato, fermented dairy, cauliflower, mushrooms
Omega 3 Fats: Anti-inflammatory Booster
Inadequate intake of anti-inflammatory healthy fats can impact skin health and worsen inflammatory skin conditions.
Find in: Cold water wild caught fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, herring), extra virgin cod liver oil, flax seed, walnuts (soaked, dried)
Supports wound healing, growth and skin cell regeneration. It also increases glutathione levels in the cells, protecting against oxidative damage.
Find In: B-Vitamin Supplements, organ meats like liver and kidney, egg yolks, and broccoli. It’s also in fish, shellfish, dairy products, chicken, mushrooms, avocado, and sweet potatoes
Selenium: Skin Cancer Protector & Acne Defender
Selenium is a component of selenoenzymes that allow glutathione to function.
Foods. Brazil nuts, ocean fish, poultry, Grassfed beef, organ meats
Silica: Firm Skin Toner
Interacts with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), to form building blocks of the skin tissue, increasing skin firmness and elasticity; also hydrates skin naturally
Foods: leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus, rhubarb
Promotes new cells and healthy immunity.
Deficiency signs include: rough and dry skin
Find in: Cod Liver Oil (1-2 tsp/day), Liver, Kidney, Other Organ Meats, Grass-Fed Dairy, Carrots, Bell Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Dark Leafy Greens, Winter Squash, Cantaloupe; Supplements: Vitamin A supplements are not recommended aside from cod liver oil, since the conversion of supplemental forms does not happen well in most people.
Vitamin C: Smooth Wrinkle Free Skin
Essential for healthy collagen in skin (helps protect against wrinkles and keratinization-hardening of skin)
Find In: Spinach & other dark Leafy greens, Citrus fruits, Bell Peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, Strawberries, Supplements: Liposomal Vitamin C (500 mg)
Defends against free radicals that cause skin damage and inflammation. It also has a synergistic effect with selenium to boost glutathione levels, preventing inflammatory damage from sun rays.
Find In: turnip greens, chard, sunflower seeds, almonds, bell peppers, asparagus, collards, kale, and broccoli, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil; do not use supplements due to their cardiovascular disease risk factors
Vitamin K2: Skin Wrinkle Guard
Prevents calcification of the skin’s elastin (what gives skin its youthful, springy quality, prevents lines and wrinkles). People who can’t metabolize vitamin K can end up with premature skin wrinkling.
Find In: High-fat grass-fed dairy, especially cheese and ghee, egg yolks, liver, natto, which is fermented soybean, and sauerkraut.
Promotes good skin immunity and wound healing, as well as protects against UV radiation and inflammation
Find In: Spinach, Shellfish (Shrimp, Oysters), Grass-Fed Bison & Beef, Flax Seeds, Kidney Beans, Pastured Egg Yolks, Wild-Caught Salmon, Pastured Turkey, Organic Chicken, Cocoa powder,
Supplement: Zinc (aqueous or chelate) (15-30 mg/day for 8 weeks)
Note: Copper imbalance may also be a reason why zinc levels are “low.” One of the most common and important imbalances that we see in clinical practice with trace minerals is excess copper and deficient zinc. If you have this Copper-Zinc imbalance, your body could really be starving for oxygen, hence why it’s more prone to immune system imbalances causing oxidative stress. Consider a serum blood test for zinc and 24-hour urine test for copper to assess. A “Zinc Tally” taste test is also worth trying with aqueous zinc to assess).
Stress may worsen or provoke many skin conditions, especially autoimmune-related skin issues Commit to regular (daily/weekly) stress management practice such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, prayer, time in nature, acupuncture, journaling, etc.
Lack of sleep activates the stress response, in turn activating how we experience stress most. (For some of us, that is sleep).
Both overdoing it or under-doing it can create stress for your body. Aim for a mix of cardio and resistance exercises (e.g., walking/jogging and weight lifting) three to five days per week. Regular exercise can increase glutathione levels (antioxidant boosting chemical) Exercise also releases endorphins (“feel good” chemicals that cause the “runner’s high” and also regulate the immune system).
Not all “natural” skin care options are created equal. We need to update the 1938 law that gives the FDA almost no authority to regulate cosmetics. Today, companies are allowed to put nearly any chemical into personal care products sold in the US—even known carcinogens—without any safety testing, and without disclosing all the chemicals on labels. Each day, the average American woman uses about a dozen personal care products containing more than 100 chemicals that we ingest, inhale, and absorb through our skin, so they end up inside us. Use resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database and Think Dirty phone app to choose truly green products, and when in doubt, good ol’ food-based sources (like apple cider vinegar, honey, coconut oil, olive oil, castle soap and water go a long way).
Similar to how tap water is not so great for our gut, the same thing goes for the water in which we bathe.
Vitamin D is a natural immune system booster. Ideally our Vitamin D levels should be between 35-60 ng/mL. Supplementation can also be helpful if you fall below that level.
Do you have any favorite immune system boosting secrets? Share them with us in comments and we will add ‘em to the list!
1. University of Connecticut. (2007, June 26). Echinacea Could Cut Chance Of Catching Cold By More Than Half, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 7, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070626152809.htm
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