Peek Inside My Supplement Cabinet: What I Take Daily for Immune Health

Note: The following is not medical advice. Consult your doctor before starting any new health regimen.

Lately, a lot of readers, friends, and family have been asking me what I keep in my supplement cabinet for immune health.

I’ve spent two decades researching optimal health and wellness through holistic fitness, diet and natural medicine.

Here are some of the supplements I take daily. I call this my personal “alternative pharmacy.”

Proteolytic enzymes:

The “secret weapon” of my supplement cabinet. Proteolytic enzymes have TONS of health benefits. They support your immune system, fight inflammation, help your body to kill viruses, bacteria, even cancer… they lower blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, and do much more. I take 3 capsules every night before bed as a “maintenance” dose and up to 12 capsules or more per day when sick, recovering from an injury, etc.

RELATED: The Amazing Health Benefits of Proteolytic Enzymes

Vitamin C (whole food based):

A powerful antioxidant that supports healthy immune function. By whole-food based, I don’t mean the brand “Whole Foods” … I’m talking about supplements derived from real foods that supply real nutrition. Much of the vitamin C on the market is synthetic (ascorbic acid) and has no or questionable nutritional value. My favorite source is Camu Berry powder because it has the highest concentration of vitamin C. I take between 3-5 grams (or more) per day when sick, and 1-2 grams per day when I’m well.

RELATED: The Vitamin C Conspiracy

Zinc:

Helps your body fight off viruses. This essential metal is a hot topic right now. Research suggests zinc can reduce the severity of common colds¹, some of which are caused by coronaviruses. In 2010, researchers discovered that zinc inhibits SARS-CoV — the cousin of the new coronavirus ². Researchers are currently studying if zinc paired with hydroxychloroquine can effectively treat the novel coronavirus. I take 30-50mg 1-3 x per day

L-lysine:

I take this amino acid as a daily supplement. It increases antibodies called IgG that help the immune system. I pair it with lots of vitamin C to get the most effectiveness. I take 500mg-1gram, as 1 per day when healthy, and 2-3 per day when not well.

Vitamin D3:

Essential for maintaining a healthy immune response. I take 5,000 IU per day when I’m healthy. I take less if I’m in the sun a lot during the summer. In winter, I’ll up it to~10,000 IU. And when I’m sick, I’ll take 20-25,000 IU per day for up to 3-5 days. It’s important to get your vitamin D levels tested at least once a year.

Echinacea:

One of nature’s best remedies against the cold or flu. I take it as soon as symptoms arise to reduce the duration of sickness. I take echinacea as an all-in-one liquid. It tastes awful but works great.

Elderberry:

Another wonder herb from Mother Nature. Elderberry contains a potent antioxidant that supports your immune system response. I also take this when I feel the first symptoms of a cold or flu. Studies have proven that it can reduce symptoms when you take it at the onset of cold or flu. Follow the package guidelines for whichever product you choose. I buy a local and organic liquid.

Garlic:

Helps prevent viral and bacterial infections. Also prevents others from making out with you, especially soon after ingesting… All kidding aside, the stinky breath from raw or supplemental garlic is worth it. Garlic also has vitamin C and other nutrients. You must crush or chop raw garlic to get the health benefits from it. I eat 1-2 heads of roasted garlic when I’m not feeling well.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver can help strengthen this immune system when ingested. Commercially available colloidal silver is sold out in many online stores, so it may take some digging to find. Take as instructed on the package.

Nutritional or Brewer’s yeast:

This cooking staple has nucleotides, cysteine, and folate that feed the immune system. I use it in my cooking and as a topping for snacks. Try sprinkling it over popcorn.

N-Acetyl Cysteine:

Increases glutathione, an antioxidant, and is great for the respiratory system. It’s proven to reduce the likelihood of getting sick.

Medicinal Mushrooms:

Mushrooms like lion’s mane and turkey tail can help to boost your immune system. I’ll take 1-2 per day. Raw mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, and maitake have been proven to help kill cancers and also help immune health. They are also great for cooking.

Astragalus (huáng qí):

A staple of traditional Chinese traditional medicine. This plant helps enhance the immune system, and helps to prevent bacterial infections³.

Oregano Oil:

Helps ward off the bacteria and viruses. Also, an in vitro study suggests it could be a remedy for respiratory illnesses like the common cold⁴. I use both oregano oil drops and pills.

Lactoferrin:

A protein that combats inflammation and helps the immune system function⁵. I take it as a capsule daily.

Bee products:

More immune boosting goodness from Mother Nature. Honey, propolis, royal jelly and pollen all have antioxidants and nutrients that charge up immune health.

Bovine colostrum with honey:

Loaded with antibodies, this natural fluid helps ward off viruses. I take 15g of colostrum at a time if I feel I’m about to get sick or am already sick. I don’t take it daily because it does have dairy and try to really limit my dairy intake..

In addition to the above I also consume a smoothie each morning for breakfast loaded with all sorts of goodies, including much of the above… I also strive to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables every day and increase my intake when I start to feel not well.

What are you taking for your health and immune system? Let us know in the comments.

Now dive into these other great articles…

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Sources:

[1] Mossad SB, Macknin ML, Mendendorp SV, et al. Zinc Gluconate Lozenges for Treating the Common Cold: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Ann Intern Med. 1996;125:81–88. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-125-2-199607150-00001

[2] te Velthuis, Aartjan, et al. (2010). Zn Inhibits Coronavirus and Arterivirus RNA Polymerase Activity In Vitro and Zinc Ionophores Block the Replication of These Viruses in Cell Culture. PLoS pathogens. 6. e1001176. 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001176.

[3] Block KI1, Mead MN. Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Sep;2(3):247-67.

[4] Pilau, Marciele Ribas, et al. Antiviral activity of the Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano) essential oil and its main compound carvacrol against human and animal viruses. Braz J Microbiol. 2011 Oct-Dec; 42(4): 1616–1624. Published online 2011 Dec 1. doi: 10.1590/S1517-838220110004000049

[5] Actor, Jeffery K., et al. Lactoferrin as a Natural Immune Modulator. Curr Pharm Des. 2009; 15(17): 1956–1973.