5 Supplements For Immune System Health

When we talk about eating to “stay healthy,” we're talking about eating food that supports our immune system. After all, it's our immune system that keeps us healthy.

Many people see naturopathic doctors to better understand what they need to do to strengthen their immune system.

Here are a few tips to make your immune system’s job easier.

What Does Your Immune System Do?

Your immune system is your body's defense against illness and infections.

Its job is to recognize structures that don’t belong in your bloodstream, work to remove them, and then remember this foreign structure so it’s properly equipped to fight it off if it comes back.

There are conditions where the immune system functions too weakly, and then other conditions when the immune system works “too well”.

One example when this system works too well is seasonal allergies. Pollen will trigger an immune response (when not necessary) that causes all the symptoms we endure.

Another example of this is in autoimmune disease. Your immune system becomes confused between what is foreign and what is “self” and starts attacking your own cells. This can cause all kinds of difficult-to-manage symptoms.

There are many different autoimmune diseases. Some of the more common ones include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and lupus.

What Happens When Your Immune System Is Weak?

The immune system needs to get the right nutrients to be in fighting form.

When it’s starved of what it needs, it grows weaker and weaker, until it is unable to properly combat viruses or illnesses.

Your body uses white blood cells – called macrophages – to patrol your body. They’re your first line of defense.

However, sometimes a virus can get by these cells and infect your system. This means your body needs stronger cells: T cells and B cells.

A healthy body will make upwards of a billion white blood cells every single day. But if it can’t produce enough, it can't mount an effective defense response.

Viruses are more likely to get past the macrophages if there aren’t enough of them to patrol properly.

If your body doesn't produce enough T cells and B cells, it may not be able to give you the “acquired immunity” to the virus. This means the same viral strain could make you sick again in the future.

5 Nutrients To Strengthen Your Immune System

So you see why it’s so important to ensure that your immune system gets the fuel it needs to function.

The good news is a healthy diet rich in the nutrients can help.

Read on below for our top five recommendations for a healthy immune system.

1. Vitamin C

We’ve heard it for years growing up: if you’re getting sick, you should start taking vitamin C.

But the truth is that if you’re getting sick, it’s too late – you need preventative vitamin C to stave off a cold.

You can get your vitamin C from citrus fruits, as just about everyone knows. But there are more plentiful sources, like kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and strawberries.

Last tip for vitamin C: save your money on supplementing. Many foods contain enough to keep you healthy.

Instead, take that money and invest it in other supplements for vitamins your body CAN’T absorb as easily, such as our next vitamin.

2. Vitamin D

Your doctor may have recommended vitamin D to you. This is because if you live in Canada, you're probably deficient in vitamin D

Do your best to take in vitamin D in the form of flax and fatty fishes, such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. But for most, you'll need to supplement.

Not only can it help with your immune system, vitamin D can lift your mood. This can, in turn, have a positive effect on your immune response.

3. Iron

Although vegetarians and vegans have to be extra mindful of their iron intake, it might surprise you how much iron you can get from non-meat sources.

Kale, broccoli and beans are all excellent sources of iron.

For omnivores, you can get a massive dose of iron from oysters and other seafoods, or from lean poultry such as chicken and turkey.

4. Zinc

Zinc is a superhero among immunity-boosting vitamins. It helps slow down overactive immune responses, while also controlling inflammation.

Slowing an overactive immune response may seem like a counterproductive action for when you’re sick. You may be surprised to learn, though, that most of your symptoms while you’re sick is produced by the immune response, not the infection itself.

Slowing down the immune response means that Zinc can keep the immune system active enough to fight off the infection, but control the immune response enough that your symptoms are not out of control.

Oysters once again top the list, as well as lean meats and poultry, crab, beans, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and yogurt.

5. Selenium

Like zinc, selenium can slow the overactive immune response.

Get your selenium intake through sardines, tuna, garlic, broccoli, and Brazil nuts.

Contact Annex Naturopathic

If you’ve been feeling under the weather more often than not lately, it could be a problem with your immune system.

It might be time to boost your immunity with supplements and an improved diet.

Call Annex Naturopathic now to book an appointment. Let's create a personalized, targeted strategy to boost your immune in time for winter.

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic
572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1

-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

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See additional ideas about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopath Toronto

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Is Your Child Deficient In Vitamin D?

Vitamin D keeps our bones strong and healthy.

But did you know it's also one of the most common vitamin deficiencies, especially in Canada?

Vitamin D deficiency is an issue affecting people of all ages, but especially children and teens.

Whether it's due to lack of sunlight or picky eating, it's important to ensure your child has sufficient vitamin D.

It's necessary for a lot more than bone growth.

But what are the signs and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency? And what can you do to make sure your child has all the necessary nutrients?

You can find answers by contacting a naturopath for children in Toronto.

Keep reading to learn more about this all-too-common vitamin deficiency.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin your skin produces, or synthesizes, after sunlight exposure.

After it's synthesized, your liver and kidneys transform it into the vitamin D your body needs.

Vitamin D is important for many reasons. It helps you absorb other vitamins and minerals, first of all.

For example, it increases your gut absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and others.

It's also necessary for healthy bone growth, cardiovascular health, balancing hormones, and helping your immune system function properly.

There are many benefits to making sure your child has enough vitamin D in their system.

These benefits include:

• May reduce risk of multiple sclerosis, or MS
• May reduce risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and breast cancer
• May reduce risk of contracting the common cold
• May improves lung function, especially in those with asthma and/or COPD

What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Children?

The most common symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency you should keep an eye out for in your child are chronic fatigue and frequent illness.

Severe vitamin D deficiencies happen, but they are quite rare. If left untreated, they can cause bone diseases such as rickets or osteomalacia.

Additionally, having a lack of vitamin D may cause a delay in the age your child starts walking.

When it comes to infants, low levels of vitamin D are linked to low birth weights.

If your young one is always exhausted or comes down with a cold more often than you'd expect, consider getting them tested for a vitamin D deficiency.

Risk Factors For Vitamin D Deficiency

There are a few risk factors that may increase your child's chances of developing a vitamin D deficiency.

These factors include:

Insufficient sun exposure

You need sun exposure to generate the vitamin D your body needs.

But for those of us who live in Toronto, there isn't much direct sunlight for much of the year.

In fact, the higher you live in latitude, the greater your risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Even for those who live in tropical climates, though, our modern habits of spending most of our time indoors can cause vitamin d deficiency.

Obesity

Especially in children, excess body weight is associated with vitamin D deficiency.

This 2013 study highlights this.

In general, obesity is becoming a larger issue. According to this 2016 study, one Canadian child in seven was found to be overweight or obese.

Darker skin tone

Melanin is known to naturally block UVB rays and interfere with vitamin D production.

As a result, those with more melanin in their skin are at greater risk of being deficient in vitamin D.

How Common Is Vitamin D Deficiency In Children?

Unfortunately, vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies in Canada. This includes children.

This is particularly problematic because vitamin D is necessary for healthy bone growth. So you want to ensure your child has all the building blocks necessary for their well-being.

Although this 2011 study doesn't cite a specific number, it does say that vitamin D deficiency among children is "common".

Should You Give Your Child Vitamin D Supplements?

Before you start shopping for supplements, it's best to know exactly how much vitamin D your child needs. Getting them tested for vitamin deficiencies is a great way to do this.

This is a common and simple blood test that your naturopathic doctor or family doctor can order for you.

If you have a baby who is formula-fed, however, most formulas on the market are fortified with vitamin D.

The general rule for breast-fed infants is to take 400 IU of vitamin D every day to prevent deficiency.

For children over the age of 1 year (and adults, up to age 70), the Institute of Medicine recommends 600 IU of vitamin D daily.

However, these are just guidelines. Not medical advice.

Vitamin and mineral supplements can boost your health, but you should consider consulting a naturopathic doctor when incorporating them into your family's routine.

Contact Annex Naturopathic

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies affecting children. It can seriously impact bone growth, respiratory health, and overall well-being.

Is your little one is feeling sluggish or fatigued? Are they not feeling their best? If so, consider having them tested for a vitamin D deficiency.

Thankfully, there are natural solutions to help you and your family deal with vitamin deficiencies.

Contact us at Annex Naturopathic for all-natural treatment options.

We can tell you all there is to know about vitamin and mineral deficiencies, how they affect your health, and how you can get your family on the path to wellness.

We understand the importance of your child's health and well-being, and we can help.

Contact Annex Naturopathic today.

 

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tanya Lee, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1
-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

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Find more info about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic clinic in Toronto

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Does Your Baby Have A Food Allergy?

What you eat affects not only you and your health, but the health of your baby as well.

Food allergies and sensitivities are a tricky one to figure out - they are difficult to pinpoint and difficult to effectively treat.

If you suspect your baby is experiencing a food allergy, contact a Toronto children’s health naturopath for natural solutions.

In the meantime, let's take a closer look at infant food allergies and sensitivities.

What are the symptoms? How are they developed? And how can you help your baby feel better?

Read on to find out.

Do Food Allergies Pass Into Your Breast Milk?

Certain food proteins pass to your baby through your breast milk. This can result in an allergic or sensitive reaction in your baby to that food.

Additionally, if one of the child’s parents have food allergies, the infant is more likely to have one as well.

Some foods are more likely to cause reactions than others. These include cow's milk, peanuts or tree nuts, gluten, soy, eggs, corn, fish, and shellfish.

In babies and young children, the most common food sensitivity/allergy to develop is to cow's milk.

A recent study conducted by the World Allergy Organization found that infants who are breast-fed exclusively are less likely to develop an allergy/sensitivity to cow's milk.

The study concludes that mothers of breast-fed infants with a cow's milk allergy should continue breast-feeding, but avoid foods containing cow's milk protein.

What Happens When Your Baby Has A Food Allergy?

There are various types of food allergies and immune reactions that may affect your baby.

The true allergy is the rarest and most serious form of allergic reaction.

This immune reaction (typically known as an anaphylactic reaction) happens quickly – within 2 hours of consuming food – and can result in anaphylaxis.

Food sensitivities are much more common than true allergies and the symptoms they produce are much less scary. Their symptoms can occur anywhere between a few hours to a few days after food intake.

Although food sensitivity reactions are immediately life-threatening, they have a few possible effects that can affect your body in the long term. Common consumption these foods can increase gut inflammation, alter your baby's immune balance, leading to discomfort and weakened immunity in your child.

When your little one is suffering from a food allergy or sensitivity, the symptoms can manifest in many different ways.

Let's take a more in-depth look at the symptoms of infant food allergies.

Symptoms Of Food Allergies In Babies

The primary symptom of the rare and life-threatening true food allergy is anaphylaxis. It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty swallowing and breathing
• Puffy, swollen lips and eyes
• Hives
• Diarrhea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain
• Itchy mouth

If your baby is experiencing the above symptoms, contact emergency health services immediately.

As we mentioned earlier, the symptoms of food sensitivity reactions are more delayed and less serious than true allergies.

Typically, the following symptoms will occur if your little one is experiencing a reaction to a food sensitivity.

The most common signs of food sensitivity in an infant include:

• Dermatological symptoms – hives, rashes, and eczema
• Gastrointestinal symptoms – diarrhea, constipation, failure to thrive, colic or irritability, vomiting, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (or FPIES), lack of appetite
• Respiratory symptoms – chronic cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, recurring illnesses (cold, flu, ear infections)

What To Do If Your Baby Shows Food Allergy Symptoms?

If you suspect that your baby may have an anaphylactic reaction to a certain food, consult your primary health care provider. They will refer you appropriately to an allergist that can perform the necessary testing to determine anaphylaxis. Do not attempt to figure this out on your own.

If you suspect your baby may be experiencing a food sensitivity, there are steps you can take to determine which food is causing the reaction.

The best method, and the only way to get to the bottom of your child's symptoms, is an elimination diet.

1. The Elimination Diet

The elimination diet is exactly what it sounds like. You eliminate certain foods from your diet. Then, you slowly start adding them back in to figure out which one is the culprit.

It's important to eliminate all the potentially allergens at the same time, instead of one at a time.

This is to give your baby the best chance to get healthy and feel better as soon as possible.

The foods you should eliminate in such a diet include:

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Soy
• Gluten
• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Fish and shellfish
• Corn
• Nightshades, a family of fruits/vegetables including tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers
• Caffeine
• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Citrus

Although it may be stressful, the elimination diet may leave you feeling a lot better.

It's possible you and your child may share a food sensitivity. This is because of the way your baby is exposed to your immune cells during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Therefore, if your baby is exclusively nursing, then you would be the one doing the elimination diet. If the baby is eating food, and is nursing, both mom and baby would have to do the elimination diet.

It's crucial you eat enough calories, both for your own health and also to maintain a good supply of breast milk.

There are many delicious and nutritious recipes available online that can make the elimination diet a lot easier to master.

You should continue eating without any of the above foods for 5-8 weeks before beginning the next step of the process. This step is reintroducing the potential allergenic foods to your diet.

2. Slowly Reintroduce Eliminated Foods

After you've eliminated potential allergens from your diet for the allotted period, it's time to slowly start bringing them back into your life.

It's key to test one food at a time, and monitor the health of you and your baby.

If either of you experience any symptoms at all after the first or second meal including the test food, stop eating it. After that, keep an eye out for further reactions.

It can be helpful to keep a written log of what foods you're testing, and what reactions are occurring in you or your baby.

If your baby still reacts to a specific food through this process, remove it from your diet completely for 6 months. After that, test it again.

The best and safest way to go about the elimination diet is to do it under the supervision of your naturopathic doctor. Call us to find out more about the specifics of this process.

Contact Annex Naturopathic

Food sensitivities and allergies can be frustrating and difficult to pin down. This is especially true when they're affecting the health and well-being of your baby.

But you're not alone – there are natural solutions available to you and your little one.

If you have questions about food allergies, sensitivities, or the elimination diet, contact us at Annex Naturopathic.

We'd love to get to know you and your baby, and help you diagnose and overcome tricky food sensitivities.

If you or your infant are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of a food sensitivity, we can help.

Contact Annex Naturopathic today.

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic
572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1

-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

---

Learn more info on health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic doctors Toronto

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