Immune Boosters by Dr. Gold

Dr. Gold’s Favorite Immune Boosters - Part 2

As part of the Black Belt Leadership Training program, I feel honored and privileged to share my regiment for staying healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic (and for the many years prior). I used to get sick all the time and now I rarely do. A healthy mind set coupled with great workouts from Krav Maga, and my sacred secrets (as listed below) can be a game changer. Also remember the importance of good nutrition, adequate sleep and taking “ME TIME!”

1.Moisturize

To get sick, an organism (or bad bug) must enter the body. It’s a lot easier to enter if the skin is dry, which leads to cracks and openings. So, moisturize especially inside the nostrils and lips. I try to stay away from Vaseline because it’s made from petrochemicals (derived from crude oil) and instead I use bee’s wax.

May also consider Booda butter, coconut oil, jojoba oi, shea butter, and vitamin E oil.

2.Adequate hydration

Drink Filtered Water (with electrolytes)- Since most of our body is water (i.e., 64% skin, and the muscles, kidneys and lungs are 80% water), it’s essential for normal bodily functions. Water moisturizes the body, helps with blood flow (by which the immune cells travel through).

How much water do I drink?   In normal healthy individuals a good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces i.e., 100 lbs. = 50 ounces. If you forget, set reminders, and leave water around your home (or workplace if possible) in glass or stainless-steel bottles. Feel free to spice it up with real fruit or organic tea. If you love soda, think of switching to sparkling water.

Try to reduce plastic because they may contain phthalates which can get in the water. This chemical can disturb the immune system, reduce sperm count, and increase one’s risk for liver cancer.

If you live in a dry climate or have a dry home, consider humidifying the home appropriately. I use a humidifier especially when I sleep.

3.Vitamin D

a. Vitamin and Hormone

b. Boosts the immune system

c. Can help regulate mood and reduces the risk of depression

d. Strengthens your bones

e. People with cancers and MS, and children with asthma and allergies have been shown to have low Vitamin D levels

f. Found in fatty fish (i.e., salmon), mushrooms, spinach and egg yolks

 

Consider checking your levels because even in the sunshine states such as Florida, people have been shown to have low levels of Vitamin D. This is because Vitamin D is not only gained through sun exposure (which may be blocked from sunblock or SPF clothing), but also absorbed through the gut and kidney, which may be blocked from acid blockers (i.e., tums, Pepcid, Prilosec etc.) or dehydration. You need stomach acid to absorb nutrients well, including Vitamin D.

Checking your Vitamin D levels can also help determine what levels you may need to supplement. Many of my adult patients need at least 5,000 iu + vitamin K2 (which helps with absorption into the bone)

Vitamin D comes in various forms: small capsules (most common and highest concentration). Drops (liquid) are also available

Optimal Vitamin D 25-OH (hydroxy) levels = 70-100.

4.Omega 3 Fatty Acids (fish oil): Freeze the caps to reduce burping. For vegans/vegetarians get DHA omega 3 caps. Strong anti-inflammatory. I like this for many autoimmune conditions and arthritis. It has also been shown to promote better immune function (reducing viral entry and decreasing severity of symptoms in those with COVID-19).

Comes in pills and liquid form, and gummies (pay attention to sugar content and any dyes used. Nature Made uses corn syrup and sugar.) 

Food sources: Cold water fish (i.e., salmon, cod). Avoid fish high in mercury like albacore and yellowfin tuna or swordfish). Flaxseed, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, and walnuts.

5.Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

              a. Raw ACV contain natural probiotics (friendly bacteria) which can help with your immune system and gut health

              b. Antioxidant

              c. Liquid or capsule form

              d. On a personal note, this is my go-to whenever I am feeling sick (along with Emergen C, fish oil and Vitamin D (I usually double my normal dose). I take 1 TBS of ACV with raw local honey.

6.Zinc

a. Helps fight off invading bacteria and viruses

b. The body needs zinc to make proteins and DNA (genetic material in all cells)

b. Important for wound healing and sense of taste and smell

c. Pills or drops. I usually start low i.e., 15 mg- 30 mg (with protein food, as high doses can upset the stomach and make one feel nauseous).

d. Long-term high dose zinc supplementation requires 1-2mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency

e. Zinc is found in red meat, fish, and poultry. I recommend 100% grass fed meat, wild caught fish (high in omega 3 fatty acids, low in mercury and other heavy metals) and pasture raised poultry.

7.Vitamin C (I use Emergen C and liposomal Vitamin C or ester C which are absorbed well) Numerous research studies show the benefit of Vitamin C on the immune system. It can directly fight infection. Remember you usually only absorb about 500mg – 1 gram of Vitamin C at one time, so try not to take several grams of Vitamin C at one time (unless you’re doing a specific protocol) because you will likely pee out what you don’t need (which becomes expensive urine!) Too much Vitamin C can also lead to an upset stomach and loose stool.

Primarily found in citrus fruits. Also in peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and brussels sprouts

8.Essential oils: Breathe and OnGuard (a blend of essential oils) Both boost the immune system.

Breathe helps open the airways and OnGuard helps boost the Natural killer cells (foot soldiers or the “Black Belts” of the body, see previous post on Immune Boosters - Part 1).

Can place in a diffuser or I have used a drop mixed with coconut oil rubbed on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands (and breathed in with closed eyes). Do not place near the eyes or lips as it can burn. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after using OnGuard on your skin.

9.Healthy Mindset: As Grand Master Steve usually mentions, “A Black Belt is a White Belt who never Quits!” They believe they can, and they keep ‘FINDING A WAY’, even if it’s Hard. It’s the same with Health.

I can’t tell you how often my patients who tell me they’re going to get sick do. I have patients (even sophisticated mature adults (over 70) who tell me they are NOT going to get sick or rarely get colds (or covid-19) and have been fine. Of course, this is not an absolute, but as you can make yourself sick (which I used to do in my hypochondriac years. Honestly, I used to read about a disease in med school and thought I had it or tell myself I’m going to get sick when someone coughed on me), IS IT POSSIBLE to MAKE YOURSELF WELL?

So now if I am exposed, I tell myself I will be fine (and I often am). Of course, I load up on healthy nutrients (as above), go to bed early and hydrate well. Even when I have gotten sick, I find it lasts a few hours or maybe a day or 2 (so much better than a week or more). 😊

With warmest wishes, Dr. Tanya Gold

*Remember the above information does not constitute personal medical advice. *Make sure to consult with your health care provider and do not use anything to which you may be allergic to.

I also recommend using high quality vitamin brands, like Thorne, Nordic Naturals, or Metagenics (as located on my website dgoli.com). Unfortunately, since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, they may not contain the active ingredients, or the correct doses listed. They may also have unhealthy fillers (i.e., soybean oil which research shows leads to obesity, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease), added sugars and may contain heavy metals (i.e., lead) Pharmaceutically graded (high-quality vitamins) are more reputable (so you know what you are getting).

**If you want any of the supplements or essential oils (from high quality brands) simply contact Dr. Gold to order. Best to text 813-468-0905.

 

Dr. Gold is the proud owner of Dr. Gold’s Optimal Living Institute (aka D’Goli) since 2016. She is a board-certified family medicine and holistic medical doctor and teaches yoga and laughter yoga. Dr. Gold has been in practice for over 20 years. 

Our mission is to teach people how to become Healthier, Happier, and Stronger.

D’Goli is

1.      Woman owned

2.      Providing compassionate care

3.      Patient focused – Dr. Gold spends time with her patients, listening to their concerns and working with them to treat the ROOT CAUSE of their problem(s)

4.      Percentage of proceeds goes to charity (Charities donated to include Feeding America, UNICEF, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, the Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Malala Fund (working for a world where all girls can learn)

5.      Environmentally conscious: Uses real cups for filtered water, all natural cleaning products and recycles (minimal paper waste)

Immune Boosters in a Nutshell

*If you want any of the supplements or essential oils (from high quality brands) simply contact Dr. Gold to order. Best to text 813-468-0905.

I know the above blog is longer than usual, but I wanted to be thorough. Here it is in a nutshell, if you’re pressed for time. The information does not constitute personal medical information.

1.Moisturize with Burt’s Bees wax inside nostrils and on lips.

2.Hydrate with filtered water. Half your body weight in ounces in a healthy person. Use humidifier

3.Vitamin D. Check your levels. Optimal 70-100. (Common doses for my patients 5,000-10,000 + K2)

4.Fish oils (Common doses for my patients 1 gram – 4 grams daily (if have autoimmune disease)

5.Zinc (Common doses for my patients 15-30mg per day, less if sensitive)

6.Apple Cider Vinegar (Common doses for my patients 1 TBS + 1 tsp raw local honey)

7.Vitamin C (Common doses for my patients 500mg – 1gram a day or 1 – 3 Emergen C packets throughout the day.

8.Essential oils (Breathe, OnGuard) Diffuse or rub 1 drop on palms/soles of feet/chest with coconut oil

9.Healthy Mindset