While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment
I hate being sick. Even a minor upper respiratory infection is quite annoying. It is amazing how bad you can feel and how easily you forget to have gratitude when you are feeling normal. I have a list of tips that some of my patients choose to use to improve immune function and hopefully not get sick as often. These strategies should not be viewed as "just another thing on my list to do" as they are overall very positive for your health, even irrespective of purported immune function boosting promise. Keep this in mind as you consider implementation.
Stimulate the endocannabinoid system-role in inflammation with immune suppression, regulate GABA neurotransmission (relaxing neurotransmitter)
Foods that function as endocannabinoids: Truffles, dark chocolate, coffee, oregano, curcumin, cinnamon, Chia seeds, hemp, walnuts, sardines, anchovies, eggs.
Omega-3 fatty acids help to synthesize endogenous cannabinoids.
Medium and high intensity exercise also stimulates the endocannabinoid system.
Stress lowering activities such as meditation and yoga stimulates the endocannabinoid system.
CBD oil also stimulates the endocannabinoid receptor system.
Stimulate the endorphin system-promotes T regulatory cell function, decreases inflammation with immune receptor interactions
Low-dose naltrexone can increase endorphin production by 300%.
Moderate intensity exercise increases endorphin release.
Control blood sugar and insulin-improves immune cell function, promotes healing
Low-carb high-fat diet
Fasting
Regular exercise
Gut micro biome health-promotes T regulatory function, maintains proper tight junctions Avoid certain foods such as gluten and lactose containing products.
Avoid processed foods.
Avoid high carbohydrate diet.
Prebiotic fibers
Probiotic fermented foods
Probiotic supplements
Vitamin D-promotes T regulatory function, modulate cell growth and apoptosis, improve glucose metabolism
Obtain adequate sunshine.
Vitamin D supplementation.
Sleep-increases necessary cytokines and T cells that can be used to mount an immune response
Address mouth breathing, allergies, and anatomic nasal or throat obstruction.
Exclude obstructive sleep apnea
Proper sleep hygiene, room temperature, lack of sound noise, normal schedule
Live in community-increased cancer and cardiovascular risk in those that live alone
Connection with family, faith-based body, hobby groups, etc.
Exercise-Pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines are released, lymphocyte circulation increases, favorable immune cell recruitment increases, decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (free radicals)
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!
Jason Williams, D.O.