Stay Healthy: Advice from Tracy Cleary, Owner of Pure & Simple Health

I spoke with Tracy Cleary, owner of Pure & Simple Health and OsteoStrong in Rockville Centre about what can we do now to boost our immune system. She is a wonderful local resource who opened her business because she wanted to help people live their best lives and feel healthy. Many people, like me, want to know what we can do to boost our immune systems. This is the list of the supplements that Tracy is personally taking and giving to her family. If you're interested, she is available to answer your emails, calls and you can pick up orders if you don't have these in your house.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral, it's indispensable for cell division, growth and development. It also helps to produce hormones, break down carbohydrates from foods, and maintain the immune system. Zinc is also antioxidant – meaning that it has the power to scavenge and neutralize disease-causing free radicals.  Research has shown that zinc fights viruses in two ways, by not only being antiviral, but it stimulates antiviral activity. The type of zinc in supplements is important in order to get the most favorable immune response. Some zinc supplements on the market are formulated with zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, which are poorly absorbed. Zinc sulfate and Zinc gluconate are the ones I recommend and are the most effective forms. Zinc offers superior support for a healthy immune system.

Suggested dosage - 10 mg per day. Higher doses can be taken if you are deficient or sick.

Vitamin C

Boosting your vitamin C intake is always a good idea, and now that we know that it has the potential to protect us during a hospital stay, getting more of this amazing vitamin is even more important. In addition to being a proven anti-inflammatory, vitamin C can lower high blood pressure and diminish our risk of heart disease. It has also been shown to improve iron absorption, help our white blood cells fight harder, and protect our brains as we age. The best way to get vitamin C from food is to eat fresh citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, red grapefruits, strawberries and kiwis. I strongly recommend taking a fruit-based Vitamin C supplement. Studies show that getting enough vitamin C (along with zinc) in your diet may help to reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections and shorten the duration of illnesses like the common cold and bronchitis. 

Suggested dosage - 1000 mg per day for prevention. If exposed to any virus, you can increase to 3,000 - 6,000 mg per day while you are not feeling well.

Vitamin D3

We have known that vitamin D was very important in helping to maintain healthy bones, bone growth, bone mineralization and absorption of calcium. But now, research shows that our immune cells have vitamin D receptors. Recent studies confirm that vitamin D modulates the inflammatory response of an already healthy immune system during times of respiratory stress. In addition, ensuring that vitamin D levels are adequate may be critically important to help activate immune cells in order to promote a healthy immune response.

Suggested dosage - 5000 IU per day. Children can take 2000 IU. Most multivitamins don't have enough D in them to be effective. Most of us in the Northeast are deficient in D3.

Smart Silver

A sophisticated silver nanoparticle proven to target pathogens. Liquid Smart Silver can be given as an oral tonic or inhaled as a mist. Silver’s anti-microbial properties have been recognized for ages, but only recently has a truly safe silver solution been developed. According to a study published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, “silver nanoparticles are capable of reducing viral infectivity, probably by blocking interaction of the virus within the cell.” Smart Silver has many benefits: Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Wound Care/Skin Health, Pink Eye/Ear Infections, Sinusitis, Cold/Flu, and Pneumonia. I recently had shingles, I was taking it orally and putting it directly on my skin. I healed fully in less than 3 weeks. This is my go to when I start feeling a cold or sore throat coming on. I am now using it daily for immune support. Suggested dosage - varies depending on the person's situation. Immune support 1 tsp 2 times per day, more if having current symptoms.  

Green Teas Extract

Green tea is noted for it's anti-viral and anti-bacterial capabilities. Studies have been conducted regarding Green Tea's effect on multiple types of influenza by inhibiting flu replication, and potentially acting on the virus itself. It works as an anti-fungal and antivirus agent and may be helpful for immuno-compromised people. It suppresses the gene and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines. Green Tea Extract does contain caffeine, for those of you that might be sensitive to caffeine. 

Suggested dose - 2 capsules per day. 

Mushroom Blend Power 

IMMUNE MUSHROOMS – CORDYCEPS, REISHI, HIMEMATUTAKE, SHIITAKE, MAITAKE, TURKEY TAILS. I was recently on a webcast and the doctor hosting it said, if she had to pick the most effective food to promote a healthy immune system, it would be these mushrooms. The immune-promoting properties of mushrooms have been revered by ancient Eastern health systems for thousands of years. Current research demonstrates that the human immune system can benefit from the excellent support provided by the polysaccharides naturally present in several proven immunomodulating mushrooms.

Suggested dose - 1 scoop of powder per day. I add it to my smoothie.

Castor Oil Packs

If you have an issue with your lungs. Please contact me directly, so I can explain how to do this. It is super cheap and easy.

N- Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is an upper-respiratory powerhouse with solid scientific research behind it indicating that it is one of the best nutritional support agents to help maintain healthy lung function during times of stress. Many studies have demonstrated NAC’s immune-promoting properties that can be specific to modulating a healthy inflammatory response to oxidative stress that can potentially affect the lungs. 

Suggested dosage - ranges from 600-1,800 mg per day 

Probiotic

Leaky gut is a major cause of food sensitivities, autoimmune disease and immune imbalance or a weakened immune system, it’s important to consume probiotic foods and supplements. Try to eat foods that are fermented or take a probiotic to ensure healthy gut flora.

Nucleo Immune

During times of immune stress, when a supplemental source of nucleotides is available, billions of sturdy, fresh nucleotides can be absorbed by the cell to help promote a healthy immune response. Nucleotides are tiny building blocks of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) which are the blueprints for every cell in your body. Nucleotides function as cellular signaling agents and enzymatic co-factors that help keep your immune defenses robust.

Suggested dosage - 1 Capsule 2 times per day. If you feel you're getting sick you can take 3 capsules 3 times per day.

Most items are in stock at Pure & Simple Health located at 128 North Long Beach Road in Rockville Centre. Call 516-203-7442 or email at support@purensimplehealth.com.

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