Immune Health: A Naturopathic Perspective

Did you know that getting a good cold 1-2 times a year that causes you to spike a low-grade fever is actually good for your immunity. It allows the body to put into action all of the mechanisms of the immune system to keep it “primed” for defense against other viruses and bacteria that we may be exposed to throughout the year. Developing a fever 1-2x a year also signals that your immune system is working optimally.

When you have a history of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, pneumonia, recurrent upper respiratory infections, and strep throat; this signals that your immune system is sub-

optimally functioning and the terrain of your body needs further support through diet, lifestyle, and targeted nutrients. The following are 2 areas of health that you can begin to assess and implement to support and modulate immune system function as we approach the autumn season.

Gut Health

The health of the gut is essential to the health and well-being of the entire body (and mind). The numerous alterations made to the foods that many Americans consume are deleterious to our health. Therefore, select, prepare, and eat foods close to how they are found in nature: unprocessed; unrefined; and free from preservatives, additives, pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones.

Opt for food that is unprocessed and unrefined. This type of preparation removes essential nutrients from the food. That is why white flour must be “enriched”, because refining the flour removes all the vitamins and minerals that were originally in the product! Packaged food is laden with unnatural additives and preservatives. One tip is to do most of your shopping on the perimeter of the supermarket. That’s where you’ll find fresh, non-packaged foods. The frozen section is also good for fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a is an essential nutrient that modulates and actively regulates your immune responses through its interactions with both the innate and adaptive immune cells; contributing to the body’s ability to fight infection and maintain immune homeostasis. While vitamin D is beneficial to the immune system, high doses can be harmful. Therefore, ask your PCP for the right amount of direct daily sun exposure for your skin tone and to run a Vitamin D test to determine what is best for you.

Dr. Amber Tabares practices naturopathic medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, and now also taking on clients St. Louis, Missouri, where she collaborates with the Flow State Holistic Health team. At Flow State, we believe in integrative and collaborative care that supports the whole person. If you’re looking to expand your healthcare team with providers who prioritize both science and heart, we’re ready to support you.

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