For Exclusive Offers, Events and Resources, Join the VIP list!
Essential Nutrients for Fighting the Cold and Flu
Strengthen your own immune system and give your body the natural ability to fight any bacteria, virus, or microbe.
You see the signs at every pharmacy, and the doctor asks every time you check in: “Have you had your flu shot?” Though November and December are prime months for flu season, you can really catch the flu at any time, so better be prepared, right? Well, there are a number of reasons why one should reconsider getting a flu shot.
Flu shots contain mercury. Mercury is one of the most hazardous neurotoxins because it destroys brain tissue. Easily destroys brain tissue. A common urban myth is that the mercury has been taken out of vaccines. This is not true. Several of the flu vaccines contain a neurotoxic ingredient called thimerosal. This is a fancy term for mercury.
The purpose of the flu shot is to assist the body’s ability to fight specific strains of flu. However, the problem here is that every year, the influenza viruses in the seasonal flu vaccine are selected through calculations about what flu viruses are most likely to cause illness in the coming season. The FDA, acting in concert with the CDC, decides which influenza vaccine strains should be sold in the U.S. Do you know how the flu strain is picked to put into the vaccine every year? The “experts” guess.
Instead of getting a flu shot, which is both ambiguous and dangerous in what it has to offer, why not strengthen your own immune system and give your body the natural ability to fight any bacteria, virus, or microbe?
Most folks who contract the flu already have a subclinical deficiency of a nutrient, which means that the body cannot function at optimal performance. Add emotional stress, weather changes, and/or daylight changes to the borderline deficiency and we have the recipe for a body functioning at a lower performance level. The result is that bacteria and viruses gain temporary control--we call that the cold or the flu.
Two major nutrient deficiencies that I test for in my clinic are zinc and vitamin D because both of these nutrients play a critical role in warding off colds and flus.
Zinc is crucial for a healthy immune system and is a co-factor in over 200 enzyme systems. We need zinc to make proper amounts of hydrochloric acid HCL (see my blog Got Heartburn?). Zinc is also necessary for so many other functions:
- Improves of cardiovascular function
- Supports female and male reproductive health
- Increases wound healing
- Produces healthy skin cells
- Stimulates GI cell repair
- Reduces inflammation
- Creates healthy cell membranes
- Metabolizes essential fatty acids (Omega 3/6)
- Produces white blood cells
Zinc has a direct link to our body’s T-cells. If the body has a proper level of zinc, helper T-cells orchestrate an immune response and play important roles in all arms of immunity. Killer T-cells hunt down and destroy cells that are infected with germs or cells that have become cancerous. However, low zinc produces a direct and rapid decline in T-cell function in both helper and killer. Four out of five people I test in my office for zinc deficiency have suboptimal levels. Unfortunately, our soil and water is devoid of minerals and, therefore, so are we.
Vitamin D is another crucial nutrient that aids in building a healthy immune system, and almost everyone is deficient in it. Vitamin D, which is more like a hormone than a vitamin, is responsible for the regulation of over 2,000 genes in our body. Like zinc, Vitamin D has many roles in the body:
- Maintains blood sugar
- Supports a healthy gut
- Reduces inflammation
- Activates the immune system against microbes
- Alkalizes pH
- Maintains healthy bone mass
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin along with Vitamins A, E, and K. Vitamin D should be taken with fat at your largest meal of the day.
Studies show that Vitamin D helps the body make more glutathione in both the liver and the brain. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant and without it we are not able to detox metals, toxins, or chemicals. In scientific studies, when subjects were given Vitamin D, glutathione production was increased, however, those who had a zinc deficiency had the lowest increase [1]. Glutathione, the master antioxidant, outweighs the importance of any antioxidant you can take by mouth. It affects every system in the body, especially the immune system, the nervous system, the GI system and the lungs. Glutathione cannot be taken as a supplement; it must be made in the body.
Another vitamin worth mentioning when talking about the flu is vitamin C. Most people know that vitamin C is great for combating the common cold, unfortunately many people lack the enzyme that is required for the last step of Vitamin C synthesis. The body will make-do by recycling the oxidized version of vitamin C, but in order to complete synthesis, glutathione must be present.
Additionally, most people get their vitamin C from fruit or juice (i.e. consume more sugar), which places the uptake of vitamin C in direct competition with the uptake of sugar by the cell. This is due to what is known as the Glucose Ascorbate Antagonism (GAA) theory. The GAA was aptly named in the 1970’s when Dr. John Ely discovered that glucose and vitamin C (ascorbate) have a very similar chemical makeup. When glucose levels are elevated, they compete with, and effectively restrict, vitamin C from entering the cells. Blood glucose levels become elevated by eating sugar, or if the body is insulin resistant and diabetic. Both glucose and vitamin C depend upon the pancreatic hormone insulin and its signaling effects in order to get into the cells. This means that the greater the amount of circulating blood sugar, the less vitamin C will enter the cells. This is one of the many ways that sugar dampens our immune system and why we face more colds and flu during the highest sugar-consumption season of the year: Halloween through Valentine’s Day.
The most effective way to combat disease and illness is not necessarily through a flu shot. You need to develop a wellness program that includes a whole food diet and a professional grade supplement regime year round to help support optimum nutrition. Exercise, even moderate, is also key--get and keeps everything moving! Make your body its own best defense, without pumping a bunch of “guesswork” vaccines into it.
The nutrients mentioned above are crucial to our wellbeing. For more information, contact me through my website
or purchase some of these amazing nutrients in my Shop
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23770363
Don't Miss Out!
Heidi Toy Functional Medicine Blog
Discover How CoQ10 Supports Heart Health, Energy Levels, and More—Especially During Heart Health Month.
Good Yeast, Bad Yeast
Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show your love with thoughtful gifts that align with your partner's Paleo lifestyle.
One of the reasons fad diets often fail is because they are not sustainable. The other reason is because they usually harm different systems in the body as much as they are meant to help. As with all health issues, when it comes to diet, everything should be in moderation. The following five diet points all involve TOO much of a “good thing”:
From Seed Oils to Sustainable Farming: How We Can Reclaim Our Health and Make America Healthy Again
Hormones. The Hot Topic for Men + Women
Cortisol and weight gain often go hand in hand, but there are ways to break the cycle. Discover five effective ways to reduce cortisol levels and prevent weight gain.
When it comes to improving your health and energy levels, the balance between sodium and potassium is crucial. These two minerals are involved in essential cellular functions, working together to maintain your body’s energy, hydration, and response to stress. If you're looking to enhance your mood, energy, and overall well-being, learning about this balance is vital. The Role of Sodium and Potassium in Your Body Inside each of your cells, the sodium-potassium pump helps regulate the movement of nutrients and waste. This process is essential for maintaining energy levels, proper hydration, and managing stress responses. The ratio between sodium and potassium determines how well this pump operates, making it critical for your health. Think of this balance like a tightrope: too much or too little on either side, and things can start to go wrong. Imbalances in sodium and potassium can lead to health problems that may already be affecting how you feel on a daily basis. Ideal Sodium-Potassium Ratio for Health In Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), the optimal sodium-to-potassium ratio typically falls between 2.1 and 3.1, with 2.4 being the median. This ratio reflects how well your body manages stress, inflammation, and hydration. When your sodium-potassium balance is off, it can be a sign of deeper issues with stress and overall health. High Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Signal of Acute Stress A sodium-potassium ratio above 3.1 suggests that your body may be dealing with acute stress or inflammation. Some common signs of an elevated ratio include: Water Retention and Bloating: High sodium levels can cause the body to retain water, leading to puffiness or swelling. High Blood Pressure: Increased sodium often results in elevated blood pressure, especially if excess water is being held in your system. Mood Swings and Irritability: Rapid changes in mood, heightened stress responses, and irritability can be tied to high sodium levels. Hormonal Imbalances: An imbalance in sodium and potassium can lead to estrogen dominance, affecting other hormones and potentially causing mood swings, bloating, and menstrual irregularities. Liver and Kidney Strain: If your ratio is excessively high—above 12—it can indicate significant stress on your liver and kidneys, two organs essential for detoxification. Factors such as exposure to heavy metals (like copper, mercury, or aluminum) or certain medications can also elevate your sodium levels, pushing this ratio higher. Low Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Marker of Chronic Fatigue If your sodium-to-potassium ratio falls below 2.1, it’s often a sign of chronic fatigue or prolonged stress. A low ratio, also known as an "inverted ratio," is associated with several symptoms: Chronic Fatigue and Weak Immunity: A low ratio indicates that your body is exhausted, often resulting in feelings of extreme fatigue and a weakened immune system. Food Cravings and Digestive Issues: Low potassium levels can trigger cravings for sugar or stimulants, and may lead to digestive discomfort. Emotional Instability: Low potassium can also contribute to irritability, frustration, and feelings of being emotionally drained. Trauma Response: When the sodium-potassium ratio dips below 1, it can be linked to deep-seated stress or trauma, signaling that your body needs serious support. As with a high ratio, heavy metal toxicity or certain medical treatments can contribute to a lowered sodium-potassium ratio, making it essential to address both mineral imbalances and environmental factors. How to Restore Sodium-Potassium Balance Bringing your sodium-potassium ratio back into balance is key to improving energy and overall health. Here's what you can do: For a High Ratio: Increase Potassium-Rich Foods: Eat more potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to help counteract high sodium levels. Reduce Inflammation: Investigate possible sources of chronic inflammation, whether it's diet-related, stress-related, or due to exposure to toxins. Lower Stress: Engage in stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise to help reduce inflammation and restore balance. For a Low Ratio: Consider Potassium Supplements: If HTMA results show low potassium, supplementation may be necessary to correct the imbalance. Support Emotional Health: Chronic stress or trauma can often be at the root of low ratios. Seeking emotional support through therapy or stress-reducing activities can help. Check for Toxic Metals: If heavy metals are present, detoxifying your body may be required to restore proper sodium-potassium balance. Conclusion: Balance is Key to Wellness The sodium-potassium ratio may seem like a small detail, but it has a major impact on your health and energy levels. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, mood swings, or inflammation, maintaining the right sodium-potassium balance is crucial for overall vitality. Paying attention to this balance can help you manage stress, support your hydration, and guide you toward better health. By incorporating strategies to restore your sodium-potassium ratio, you can take control of your well-being and experience more energy, better mood stability, and improved resilience against stress. HTMA is the way to understand your own ratio. In a few days, the 'Special of the Year' will be revealed, allowing you to discover your personal ratio and learn how to enhance it, along with your health and energy! Make sure to sign up for my newsletter and open your emails!
It’s a safe bet that many people today are dealing with sluggish livers, even if they don't realize it. With the constant exposure to toxins in our modern environment, the liver, our body’s primary detox organ, is working overtime to clear out the “junk” we encounter every day. Whether it’s heavy metals, chemical pollutants, mold, or even stress, your liver is under constant pressure to keep up. While it’s easy to assume that most of us have some level of liver dysfunction, it’s important to understand how serious the situation is for each individual. A sluggish liver can lead to a variety of health issues, but it’s not always easy to pinpoint without the right testing. That’s where a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) comes in, offering valuable insights into liver function and overall health. Here’s how an HTMA can help assess liver health and why you should consider this test for yourself or your family. 1. Cobalt Levels: A Clue to Liver Health One of the best indicators of liver performance that shows up on an HTMA panel is cobalt. Cobalt is a mineral that has two sides: as part of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin), and as a toxic metal in high amounts. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, the body can’t absorb Vitamin B12 efficiently, leading to cobalt accumulation in the liver. This build-up can manifest in various health issues, including thyroid problems, tinnitus, blood thickening, and even vision or hearing loss. Elevated cobalt levels in the hair can be a red flag that the liver is under stress. By paying attention to cobalt levels in an HTMA, you can get a clearer picture of your liver’s ability to detoxify and absorb essential nutrients. 2. The Sodium/Potassium Ratio: A Life-Death Indicator Another vital aspect of liver health reflected in HTMA results is the sodium to potassium (Na/K) ratio. Sometimes referred to as the “Life-Death” ratio, this measurement reveals a lot about your body's overall stress and energy levels. A low Na/K ratio typically indicates burnout, chronic fatigue, low stomach acid, and compromised immune function. All of these issues are connected to liver dysfunction. The body’s inability to detoxify and heal is often a result of chronic stress and infections, which can further impair liver function. If you have infections, the liver may be struggling to keep up with the detox demands, making the Na/K ratio a valuable marker for assessing overall liver health. 3. Heavy Metal Levels: A Key Sign of Liver Strain Heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum are highly toxic to the body. When these metals show up in an HTMA panel, it’s a clear indication that the liver is working hard to detoxify the system. Interestingly, low levels of heavy metals can also signal liver trouble. If your HTMA shows little to no heavy metal excretion, it could mean the body is storing these toxins rather than eliminating them. This often points to an overburdened or sluggish liver that isn’t able to keep up with the detoxification demands. Either way, the presence (or absence) of heavy metals is an important clue that your liver might be overwhelmed, making it crucial to support proper detoxification pathways. 4. Oxidation Rate: Slow Metabolism, Slow Detox HTMA also helps assess the body’s metabolic rate through the oxidation rate, which is the balance between calcium and phosphorus. When this ratio is elevated, it indicates slow oxidation, meaning a slower metabolism. People with slow oxidation rates tend to be poor eliminators, meaning they struggle to detoxify and remove toxins from the body. This is another key indicator that the liver is sluggish and not able to efficiently process toxins. When your metabolism slows down, so does your liver’s ability to clear out harmful substances, leaving you feeling fatigued, bloated, and overwhelmed. 5. Lithium Levels: A Detoxification Powerhouse Lithium is a fascinating and often overlooked mineral when it comes to liver health. While most commonly known for its pharmaceutical use in treating bipolar disorder, lithium also plays an important role in detoxification. On an HTMA panel, low lithium levels can indicate poor detoxification, particularly in terms of glutathione production. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, essential for detoxifying the liver and protecting cells from oxidative damage. If lithium is low, it may suggest that your liver is struggling to produce enough glutathione to keep up with detox demands. Although research on lithium’s role in detoxification is still emerging, clinical evidence points to its importance in supporting healthy liver function. The Bottom Line: Start with Minerals for Better Detoxification The liver is central to your body’s ability to detoxify, but it can’t do the job alone. Minerals are the foundation of every detox pathway in the body. Without adequate mineral support, detoxification can’t happen effectively, no matter how many supplements or herbs you take. This is why it’s so important to use HTMA testing to assess mineral levels and create a plan to restore balance. When you support the body with the right minerals, you can improve liver function, increase detoxification, and enhance overall health. Why Wait? Something Big is Coming! If you’re ready to get serious about your liver health and understand your body’s detox capabilities, there’s no better way to start than with an HTMA test. This test provides critical insights into your mineral balance, liver health, and overall metabolic function. And the best part? A major deal is coming your way this Thanksgiving! Keep an eye on your emails because you won’t want to miss out on what’s coming—a huge opportunity to get the testing and insights you need to take control of your health. Make sure you’re ready for this game-changing offer—it’s going to be the deal of the year!
Are you struggling to lose weight? Functional medicine may be the solution you've been looking for. This guide explores the role of functional medicine in weight loss and provides practical tips for success.
Follow Us
Navigation
Policies
