Taking A Trip? Boost Your Immune System With Functional Medicine Before You Go

Travel Is Trending Again. Is Your Immune System Ready?

Are you dreaming of travel?

Many Canadians put spending time on airplanes or in resorts on the back burner during the pandemic. Now that travel is starting to feel safe again, the number of people taking trips within Canada and abroad is trending upward.

Whether it’s a sunny destination or a family gathering, travelling is a fun and exciting part of life! But, it requires your immune system to work overtime. 

So, how do you balance travel and health?

One thing the pandemic made clear to everyone is the importance of a healthy and resilient immune system. So, if you’re planning a trip, now is the time to think about boosting your immune system with the help of functional medicine.

A Functional Medicine Approach To Building A Strong Immune System.

A healthy immune system works to defend and heal the body. Every system and organ has its own set of cells and molecules working as part of the greater immune system. (If it sounds complex, that’s because it is!) 

Functional medicine takes a whole health approach to building up the immune system. Here are some simple things you can do to establish strong immune function before you travel.

Reduce Your Stress Levels.

We all face stressful situations in life. (For many of us, travel is a way to escape the stress of daily life!) But, when stress becomes chronic, it can affect your immune system’s ability to respond. That means you are more likely to get sick. Try managing your stress levels with meditation, yoga, mindfulness exercises and breathing techniques. They are all wonderful tools to help you manage stress in your life–and in your body.

Learn more about stress, adrenal health and the immune system in our blog Stress And The Immune System: Supporting Adrenal Health With Functional Medicine Helps To Naturally Boost Your Immune System.

Create Healthy Sleep Habits

How much sleep you get affects your mood and mental functions. Sleep also has a big influence on the health of your immune system. That's why creating healthy sleep habits is an important part of building and maintaining a strong immune response. Simple things like limiting screen time before bed and sleeping/waking at the same time every day can make a real difference.

Exercise Regularly

When you exercise, the body’s levels of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies rise and stress hormone levels fall. This gives your immune system a natural boost! Part of optimal health is moving your body regularly. Walk, swim, cycle, dance, lift weights, or do yoga. Meet yourself wherever you are in your fitness journey and reap the benefits of movement. You will feel stronger and more energized for your trip!

Eat A Nutritious Diet

Have you heard the expression “eat the rainbow”? It’s good advice! Research indicates that brightly coloured vegetables and fruits boost immunity better than most supplements. (Food really is medicine.) You can boost your immune system by including more fresh, local foods in your diet and limiting the number of processed foods on your plate.

Incorporating these healthy habits into your daily life will help you establish a resilient immune system and avoid getting sick before (or after) you travel.

Two Ways You Can Boost Your Immune System Before You Travel.

There are no shortcuts to optimal health. But, there are things you can do before a trip to give your immune system a quick boost!

Ask your local functional medicine nurse practitioner about the following immune-boosting treatments.

IV Therapy Immune Boost

IV Therapy delivers a nutrient-rich solution directly to your bloodstream. Because the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients bypass the digestive system, they are absorbed more easily–and in higher concentrations. The IV Immune solution by Farsk provides an effective electrolyte balance. It includes A and D vitamins along with high levels of Vitamin B and C to protect, repair and supercharge your immune system. 

To give your body an immune-boosting dose of nutrients before you travel, book 1 to 2 sessions a week before you take off. 

Vitamin D IM Shots

Vitamin D (aka. the “sunshine vitamin”) plays an important role in supporting your immune system. Studies show that having an optimal level of Vitamin D reduces your risk of getting sick with a cold or flu. Unfortunately, many of us are deficient in this vitamin–especially during the winter months here in Canada. Supplements can be an effective solution. But, Intramuscular (IM) Shots offer a quick and efficient way to boost your levels–and your immune system.

NOTE: Before receiving Vitamin D IM Shots, your NP PHC will need to know your current levels. This means ordering a blood panel at least 2 weeks prior to receiving IM shots. Once your healthcare provider knows your current levels, they can determine the right dosage to help you reach an optimal Vitamin D level of 150 nmol/L.

Don’t Forget To Wash Your Hands!

Last but certainly not least, never forget the importance of proper respiratory and hand hygiene. (This should be a no-brainer!) 

• Wash your hands regularly. (Don’t forget to lather up and scrub for at least 20 seconds!)

• Use hand sanitizer when washing your hands isn’t possible. 

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or by coughing or sneezing into the arm–not your hands). 

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. (Did you know the average person touches their face 15 times an hour?) 

And, when it’s required or makes you comfortable to do it, wear a properly fitted mask. 

These simple habits help limit your exposure to illness when you’re out in public places (like that beautiful beach resort) and help buffer your immune system. 

Balance Travel And Wellness By Boosting Your Immune System.

If you’ve got the travel bug, make boosting your immune system part of your travel plans.

A functional medicine approach to health and wellness can set you up with a strong and resilient immune system. Start by getting more sleep, eating better food, enjoying regular exercise, and managing your stress levels. Then, give yourself a pre-trip boost with IV Immune and Vitamin D.

Are you looking for help to boost your immune system before you travel? Contact NP Optimal Health and Wellness at www.npoptimalhealth.com/contact.html today and talk to your local nurse practitioner about immune-boosting treatments like IV Therapy and IM Shots.