Farewell summer, Hello Fall.
September marks the beginning of the transition into fall. I hope each of you have had a fulfilling summer, and were able to carve out some precious family time. As fall approaches, we are mindful of the back-to-school adjustments, staying healthy from the current round of colds and flu, and thoughts of holiday preparations and plans start to trickle in.
This month, we will be featuring products that support the immune system, as inevitably the instance of colds and flus start to increase as people are indoors more, and back to school.
One of the most important vitamins for immune support is simply Vitamin D3. If you have not taken D3 regularly, I recommend taking 5,000 units with food daily for at least 2 months, if you are not getting sunshine regularly.
Since Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it must be taken with food to maximize absorption. This formula is absorbed effectively with or without food. Pure Encapsulations makes a VesiSorb formula, that is liposomed (to guarantee better absorption).
Secondly, Liposomal Colostrum is a powerful way to support the immune system. It is the highest food source of secretory IgA, which is the compound in breast milk that helps to develop the immune system in infants.
Secretory IgA will help to regulate an overactive (auto-immune conditions) or underactive immune system (someone who gets sick easily). Liposomal colostrum is also helpful to seal up the gut lining, lowering the effects or occurrence of leaky gut.
Zinc is another key nutrient for immune support. Zinc helps to support the gut lining, collagen production, digestion, and metabolism. With increased stress, zinc is depleted more rapidly. If you tend to get sick easily, or have had your tonsils out, you should consider supplementing with some zinc regularly.
Vitamin C is an immune boosting staple. In addition, it supports the adrenals in its natural form, and is a powerful antioxidant. I recommend a natural form of Vitamin C, rather than ascorbic acid, which is conversely hard on the adrenals. Both Purium and Premier Research Labs make high-quality, food-based Vitamin C formulas that you can find in the featured products this month.
We are also featuring several fermented food products to support the microbiome, which is vital to a healthy immune system.
May each of you have a healthy, happy and productive fall. It is beneficial to get a little morning sunlight each day, especially as the days shorten. 20-30 minutes of morning sunshine on the eyes (without sunglasses) will help optimize your circadian rhythm, hormones and overall mood. It isn’t quite sweater weather yet in California, but we look forward to it!
To your radiant healh,
Rachel