Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Staying healthy through the ever-mutating coronavirus epidemic and the flu season is critical. Along with your vaccinations, social distancing, hygiene and mask wearing, you may be wondering how you can boost your immune system to help you fight off viruses and infections.
Boosting Your Immune System
Even though many people are feeling anxious, it’s advantageous to stay in a calm state of mind, try exercising, taking a walk, yoga, meditating, praying, or anything that can help you unwind and decrease anxiety or fear. Getting good-quality sleep, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and supplementing with vitamins and herbal remedies can also be very helpful. Along with immune boosters, adaptogenic herbs can also help to ease anxiety naturally.
Elderberry
Because of its immune-modulating and antioxidant properties, Black Elderberry is able to work at the cellular level and provide deep support for overall immune health. It has antioxidant properties that specifically support and maintain proper mucous membranes and protects the upper respiratory system. It can be used daily as an immune booster, or it can be taken in higher doses at the onset of a virus, like the flu, to lessen the effects and promote healing.
Turmeric/Curcumin
Curcumin is a spice that is very popular in Indian cuisine but has recently grown in popularity here in the US due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce oxidative stress.
Olive Leaf
The olive tree produces a molecule called oleuropein. This substance is found in the fruit, the oil, and the leaves. When it’s extracted directly from the leaves, you’re left with a potent antioxidant that is known for its oxidative and antioxidant effects. It is said to have five times more antioxidant power than Vitamin C. Olive leaf boasts a phytochemical component that is responsible for the immune-boosting power of the extract.
Zinc
Zinc is important for a healthy immune system, and it’s well documented to help fight COVID-19 and the flu infections.
D3
D3 is converted into a hormone that is necessary to fight off infections. You can get vitamin D from the sun but supplementing during this time of year might be a better option to make certain that you are getting enough. Vitamin D3 should be consumed with leafy greens or vitamin K2 for better absorption.
Adaptogenic herbs like lemon balm and ashwagandha are important to help your body reduce anxiety and relax. Having an internal sense of calm can help stave off infections.
How to Maintain Healthy Immune:
• Good quality Sleep (6-9 hours per night)
• Exercise (cardio and strength training)
• Diet (minimal sugar and processed foods)
• Meditation or prayer
• Natural supplementation
WELLCOMEMD Introduces
Dr. Melissa MacVenn
Melissa MacVenn, M.D.
Dr. MacVenn understands the importance of community. Growing up in the small town of Cherry Valley, Illinois, she idolized her family doctor. Even at the tender age of 7, Dr. MacVenn understood the importance of a personal touch. It was then her mom recognized she was destined to be a doctor.
After graduating from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Dr. MacVenn followed her idol’s footsteps into family medicine, attending medical school at Ross University in Dominica then completing her clinic work in Chicago.
Twelve years of treating patients in urgent care “seeing patients come in so sick and hating that they’re on all these different medications” caused Dr. MacVenn to shift focus to preventative medicine.
She recognizes that helping patients optimize their health requires more face-to-face conversations and trust. “I love the WellcomeMD model, I now have the time to dive deep with my patients and help them make the decisions to live a healthier, longer life. This more holistic approach will give them a better quality of life instead of only relying on prescribing mutliple medications.”
Prior to joining WellcomeMD, Dr. MacVenn was a physician with NCH Immediate Care in Naples, where she served as a supervising physician for the last four years.
Dr. MacVenn would be honored to work with you on your journey to optimal health.
WellcomeMD Concierge Medicine
Discover the power of a personal relationship with your primary care physician while never compromising on preventative medical advances and technology.
• Consider the cost of avoiding a preventable disease, the value of early detection of serious health problems, and ready access to a doctor who knows you.
• WellcomeMD physicians limit the number of patients they see, which means that we always have time for you.
• Individualized care with a comprehensive, proactive approach to your personal health.
• Appointments focused on your needs and preferences – not a billing code.
• From unhurried, 30-minute consultations to video conference appointments, or just a quick call or text – you choose.
If you are ready to optimize your health and have options and programs custom-tailored to your specific needs, contact WellcomeMD today.
To schedule your appointment, please call 888.531.3844.
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