Naturopathic Therapy and Your Immune System

Our immune systems are truly remarkable.

Every second of every day, our immune systems are fighting to keep us safe from microscopic invaders. These invaders can travel through the air we breathe, the food we eat, or on the surfaces we touch. When we inevitably come into contact with harmful viruses or bacteria, our immune system quickly launches into action. If your immune system is strong and healthy, then your body will identify and remove the trespassing microbes with precision and efficiency. If your immune system is weak, then your body may not be able to properly identify and remove these unwanted visitors, leading to a variety of health issues.

Naturopathic Doctors can support your immune system in the following ways:

 Nutrition, Supplementation, and IV Therapy

• There are specific vitamins and minerals that help support our immune systems. Vitamins C and D, for example, play a significant role in our body’s ability to fight infections as do zinc, selenium, and iron. It may be challenging to get optimum levels of each vitamin and mineral through diet alone, which is why supplementation and IV Therapy are wonderful solutions. Naturopathic doctors are trained in nutrition science and can create individualized treatment plans for your unique needs.

 Counselling and Stress Management

• The strength of your immune system is inversely related to your stress levels. Meaning, when stress levels are high, your immune function is low. Life’s stressors are not always obvious and stress can be very difficult to manage on your own. It is important to talk to a licensed health professional about how stress impacts your immune system and what treatment options are available.

 Acupuncture

• Acupuncture can help relieve stress, speed healing of chronic injuries, and even influence the immune system. Regular acupuncture therapy can gently increase immune cell counts and improve the overall function of the immune system. Naturopathic doctors licensed to practice acupuncture in BC have had extensive training in this ancient and effective form of medicine.

 Herbal Medicine

• The plant kingdom has been combating viruses and bacteria since the dawn of time. Certain plants and herbs are well known for their anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, and humans should wisely take advantage of what plants have to offer. Many of these herbs not only support our immune system directly, but they are also adaptogenic, meaning they help our body’s ability to resist stress. Naturopathic doctors are highly trained in herbal medicine and can prescribe the right herbs at the right dose.