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This winter is shaping up to be potentially fraught with health concerns. There are three major diseases that health experts are worried about: COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. While by now, most of us are familiar with COVID-19 and influenza, RSV is less well-known. It is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be dangerous for infants and older adults. The real danger of RSV is catching it at the same time as the flu or COVID-19.

All three of these viruses being active and infectious at the same time have earned the nickname “tripledemic.” Before the infectious season starts, you should prepare and boost your immune system to avoid catching and getting sick from these viruses. 

1. Feed Your Immune System with Good Food

Nourishing your body is one of the best ways to keep it healthy. Your body needs calories, vitamins, and minerals to function. Some nutrients are extra-good for your immune system and can be found in your favorite foods. These include citrus fruit, broccoli, spinach, poultry, almonds, shellfish, and fresh berries, just to name a few. 

One of the most important nutrients to boost your immune system is zinc. You can find zinc in meat and shellfish, along with legumes, nuts, and seeds.

2. Stay Hydrated

Your immune system depends on nutrient flow from your bloodstream and on your lymphatic pathways being clear. If you are dehydrated, these systems won’t work as effectively and it will be harder to stay healthy. You get a lot of water through the food you eat– about 22% of your daily hydration needs– but you should also be drinking water throughout the day. 

3. Avoid High-Stress Situations

Stress and the immune system are intimately linked. Multiple studies show that stress responses can cause clinically important immunosuppression and other types of immune system regulation problems. This is especially true in older individuals. 

While the exact mechanisms of the relationship between stress and the immune system are still being studied, the good news is that there are lots of ways to reduce the effect of stress on the body. Gentle exercises like stretching and walking, spending time outside, relaxing with loved ones, and finding something to laugh at are all ways to reduce stress.

4. Use Immune Boosting Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids can have a powerful impact on our immune system as well. Three, in particular, CBD, CBDA, and CBGA, are known to support immune responses. 

Cannabidiol – CBD

There is evidence that CBD is a potential treatment for COVID-19. It has been shown to block virus replication and protect the host from an overactive immune system in the late stages of infection. If you want to take CBD for immune support, we recommend a full-spectrum CBD tincture for the best results.

Cannabidiolic Acid – CBDA

CBDA is the precursor molecule to CBD and shares many of the same characteristics. A study at Oregon State University has demonstrated that CBDA (and a similar molecule, CBGA) can prevent the COVID-19-causing spike protein from entering cells in the first place. This may lower your chances of COVID-19 infection. A CBDA tincture is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take this cannabinoid. 

Cannabigerolic Acid – CBGA

As mentioned above, CBGA may also lower your risk of COVID-19 infection. CBGA is the precursor compound for many other cannabinoids, including CBGA– think of it as the grandparent to CBD. As with other cannabinoids, tinctures are a great way to take this compound. Taking CBDA and CBGA together may further enhance its effects.*

Terpene Blends

If you’re planning on trying a cannabinoid like CBD for immune support, you can also add an immunity terpene boost to give it extra terpenes targeted at strengthening the immune system. When you’re ordering your tincture, choose “Immunity Blend” under the Terpene Boost Blends option on the product page.

5. Get Plenty of Rest

If you’re not getting enough sleep, you aren’t going to be able to fight infection. This is because the initiation phase of an immune response happens during sleep. Adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night, but some people need more. Getting good sleep is the foundation of a healthy immune system. 

Every winter, lots of people try to learn what to do and how to boost their immune systems. The immune system is a powerful bodily system, but it needs help sometimes. If you listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard, you’ll have the best chance of avoiding illness this winter. 

At Myriam’s Hemp, your wellness is our top concern. All of our cannabinoid products are designed to help you stay healthy, and our blog has lots of information about how you can improve your overall wellness. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about how you can use hemp to boost your immune system this winter. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.