3 Simple Steps to Boost Your Immune System
Covid-19 is surging, and people are asking themselves how to:
- Lessen the risk of getting covid-19?
- Reduce the severity of symptoms?
- Avoid the hospital?
The best defense is a good offense.
Keeping your immune system as strong as possible is an excellent strategy.
3 easy steps to boost your immune system
- Maintain healthy levels of vitamin D
- Get plenty of sleep
- Get acupuncture
Maintain healthy levels of vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a critical role in supporting healthy immune function. Recent studies have shown a link between low levels of vitamin D and more severe symptoms of Covid-19.
Many people have low levels of vitamin D. The body makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight. In today’s world, our skin is usually protected from direct sunlight by sunscreen, clothing, or spending time indoors.
One can get a simple blood test to check their vitamin D levels. While lab ranges can vary, an optimal level of Vitamin D is in the range of 50 – 75.
The best way to improve vitamin D levels is through supplementation. A standard daily dose might be 2,000 – 5,000 iu. If one is deficient in in Vitamin D, then 10,000 iu daily for 8 – 12 weeks can bring levels up more quickly.
Get plenty of sleep
Your immune system functions best when it is getting enough rest, which means 7 or more hours of good sleep every night. A lack of sleep depresses immune function and makes it more difficult for the body to defend itself against a virus like Covid-19.
For better sleep:
- Maintain a regular bedtime
- Eat a bedtime snack high in protein and low in sugar
- Exercise regularly, preferably in the morning
- Sleep in a cool, darkened room
- Get acupuncture
Get acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to boost immune function. It is also very relaxing, and can reduce stress, promote better sleep, and increase energy.
In short, acupuncture:
- Boosts immune system
- Reduces stress
- Promotes restful sleep
- Increases energy
Acupuncture is available right now when many other options for self-care are closed. Furthermore, your acupuncturist can tailor an immune boosting program specific to your individual needs.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, we would love to work with you. We can answer your questions and help you get scheduled for your first appointment. Call today 510-595-1175!
Leslie Oldershaw, L.Ac.
Medical Director
Fertility Acupuncturist East Bay
510-595-1175
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