Holiday Health and Product Spotlight: Daily Immune

The holidays are around the corner! Our Summit RX Pharmacy staff hope you enjoy this special time of year and make memories with friends and family. As healthcare professionals, we are also aware the winter season is a time of increased circulating respiratory illnesses like the common cold, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.* Catching a bug can grind holiday fun to a halt and disrupt time with loved ones. Our team’s goal is to support you in achieving your best health year-round! Read on for basic tips to stay healthy and illness-free this season.

*Some of these infections can be prevented with a vaccine; ask a pharmacist today about which vaccines are recommended for you!

Prioritize Sleep

Making time for sleep can be a challenge, but research shows lack of sleep results in decreased immune function. A sleep-starved immune system isn’t as effective at intercepting and removing germs. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommends adults age 18 and older get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Keeping up on sleep can also support healthy metabolism and weight management. One study showed a single night of interrupted sleep negatively impacted several metabolic pathways, resulting in insulin resistance in study participants.

Schedule that Turkey Trot!

Regular physical activity also boosts the immune system by promoting healthy sleep (see above) and supporting a healthy weight (being overweight also lowers immune function). The American Heart Associations recommends adults engage in ≥150  minuntes/week of moderate-intensity equivalent aerobic physical activity and ≥2 episodes/week of muscle-strengthening activity. A study of over 500,000 American adults showed a 48% decreased risk of death from influenza and pneumonia in participants who reported meeting this target versus participants who did not.

Fuel Your Immune System

Napoleon Bonaparte famously said, “An army marches on its stomach.” Your immune system is your internal army fighting invasive germs and guarding your health. Providing essential nutrients to this “army” is critical to keeping it effective. Nutrient-dense foods to consider include whole fruits, vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and lean meats. Eating a variety of foods from all food groups lays the foundation of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats for your immune system.

Consider Supplements for Extra Support

Another source of “fuel” for your immune system is targeted supplements formulated to specifically support immune function. These vitamins, minerals, and herbals don’t replace a healthy diet but complement healthy eating for optimal results. We’ve highlighted several immune system boosters such as vitamin D and quercetin in our blog and will continue to showcase important nutrients in the weeks to come. To achieve the benefit of multiple supplements supporting immune function, Summit RX Pharmacy offers Daily Immune, an immune support blend from Pure Encapsulations®. Daily Immune provides essential nutrients like vitamins C, D and zinc in a powerful, easy-to-use blend. This formula also includes additional immune system supporting compounds such as elderberry, lemon balm extract, and quercetin. Polysacharides from arabinogalactan, aloe, and maitake mushrooms are added to help activate multiple immune system pathways including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. This comprehensive, immune-boosting product and additional pharmaceutical-grade supplements are available in-store at Summit RX Pharmacy. Ask a team member about our auto ship program and receive a discount on your next purchase!

If you would like to discuss Daily Immune in more depth, review your health profile for targeted supplement recommendations, or inquire about how your prescription drugs may be depleting essential nutrients, schedule a nutrient support consult with our clinical pharmacist Katie by filling out this form.

We wish you a healthy holiday season!

As always, you can review this article's references by visiting our citations page here.