Nervous about Flu Shots: Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
The fall season is finally upon us, which means the flu season is, too. Everywhere you turn, pharmacies and doctors’ offices alike will try to convince you to get the flu shot. While the shot works for some, it can cause unwanted side effects. If you are looking for alternative ways to naturally boost your immune system to ward off sickness and stay healthy throughout the cooler weather.
The Truth Behind the Flu Shot
The CDC produced a study which revealed that the flu shot was only 40-60% percent effective in all age groups. Not only does the flu shot only work half of the time, but there are also some serious, negative consequences that can be associated with the vaccine. In the most extreme cases, death and disability have occurred as a direct result of receiving the flu shot. What many do not realize is that there are ways to naturally boost your immune system, which can allow you to avoid getting the flu shot.
Naturally Boost Your Immune System
with Vitamin D and Beta-Glucans
Having enough vitamin D in your body is crucial to the support of the immune system. Vitamin D has a direct, immune-modulating effect on your body’s immune cells, CD8 T-cells. Aside from consuming vitamin D, it can actually be absorbed through your body via the sun as well.
Do you ever wonder why the flu and colds are so prominent in the winter months? It is because there is less sunlight. Also, most people do not get regular exposure to the sun if they work indoors. This is especially true for those who live in the northern region of the United States, due to the fact that there is not as much sunlight. Because of this reason, most people fall extremely short of gaining the healthy, optimal level of vitamin D: 50 to 70 ng/ml.
Vitamin D has been shown to support immune-modulation, and it is thought that supplementation promotes immune health by promoting the body’s normal regulation of T-cell function. In reference to cellular health, vitamin D supports the modulation of many genes that are responsible for encoding proteins that regulate normal cell cycle activity. Vitamin D levels have been strongly correlated to healthy cells. Lastly, through its interaction with VDR (vitamin D receptor), vitamin D supports the healthy expression of the gene encoding renin, thus helping to maintain healthy blood pressure.
So, as you can see, there are multiple reasons why increasing your vitamin D intake can help you boost your immune and improve your overall wellness.
For the last 30 years, beta-glucans derived from proprietary strains of yeast and certain mushrooms have also been studied. It was discovered that they, too, can help boost your body’s immune function. Beta-glucans are sugars that can promote beneficial activity of macrophages, T cells and natural killer-cells, which engulf and destroy pathogens and foreign matter. This can encourage the strengthening of a weakened immune.
Wellmune WGP ® is a natural yeast beta glucan derived from a proprietary strain of yeast,Wellmune supports the activity of the neutrophils and prime them for their normal activity in the body, including promoting immune health. It also supports the activity of phagocytic cells, which engulf and destroy foreign bodies, thus promoting immune health. Clinical studies have shown that Wellmune promotes a healthy immune system. The molecular structure of Wellmune WGP, with its beta 1,3/1,6 branch points, is responsible for its unique biological activity.
Supporting Healthy Immune Supplements: What’s in Dr. Sheryl’s Cabinet?
If you are concerned about the risks associated with the flu shot want to use a more natural approach consider these supplements that I have in my cabinet, which can help naturally boost your immune system.

nutraMetrix Isotonix® Immune
This patented, natural yeast beta-glucan supplement can help increase immune function and promote the activities phagocytic cells which engulf and destroy foreign bodies, thus promoting immune health.

Immune: nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2
Combining the powers of vitamin D, K2 and D3, this particular vitamin supplement is able to support immune system health and help restore the normal absorption of calcium. I choose this particular product because of the special isotonic delivery system, and its ability to get into the bloodstream quickly. Boosting the level of vitamin D to an optimal range can help your immune system to do its job effectively.

Digestive: nutraMetrix® Ultimate Aloe®
Aloe juice is truly an amazing supplement, as it can support a strong immune system as well as provide digestive health. This product has been clinically tested, has three times more polymers than gel and 50 percent more active components—I wouldn’t use anything else.
If you want to discover more ways to help naturally boost your immune system? If so,
Schedule a Wellness Consult through my website to learn more about naturopathic wellness.





