By Dr. David Martin, D.O.M.
Got the Shot or Not:
What Really Matters!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you know there’s a virus going around. Within the past few months, a vaccine has been developed that millions are getting based on the expectation that it will help them fight the symptoms of the disease. Whether you plan to get a Covid shot or not, your fight against germs and viruses isn’t over. One thing the past year has taught us is just how many everyday activities put us into close contact with contagions. Thankfully, you have an amazing immune system that’s ready to work hard for you!
Long before there were vaccines developed in a lab, humans had disease. As new illnesses, germs, bacteria, and viruses cropped up, our ancestors naturally developed a way to fight them off. We have an amazing and very intricate immune system which has co-evolved with the rest of Nature. For example, we create our own antioxidants to protect our cells. Much of this is thanks to the plant world growing around us.
There are thousands of pathogens out there. No matter if you get a recently-developed COVID-19 injection or not, you need to continuously nourish (and admire!) your immune system. Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong. If you’re looking for ways to prevent colds, the flu, and other infections, here are two steps you can take to begin to build your natural immunity to protect against a multitude of pathogens and diseases:
Step #1: Check Your Blood.
We suggest you do this at least annually, through an MD so insurance will cover. You can absolutely ask us what we are interested in seeing on your blood tests so you can ask your MD for that, and if you’d like further help, we can walk through your results in more detail and offer lifestyle changes/ideas to help improve the numbers of aspects which may be out of balance.
For example, there are certain compounds in your blood which indicate the strength of your innate immunity. One of these is your Vitamin D level. It is widely known in most medical circles now that a blood level below 40 is not great, and at 30 the person is at risk for developing various diseases as well as being more susceptible to attack by pathogenic viruses. We like to see levels in the 50’s – 60’s…and even 70’s!
Step #2: Examine Your Diet.
Did you know Vitamin C helps build up your immune system? Vitamin C is proven to increase the production of your white blood cell army, cells which are key to fighting infections. Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, including grapefruits, oranges, limes, lemons, tangerines, and more. With such a variety to choose from, it’s easy to find one you like. Living in South Florida makes it incredibly convenient to find local, organic options! That being said, if you think citrus fruits have the most vitamin C of any fruit or vegetable, think again. Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain almost three times as much vitamin C (127 mg) as a Florida orange (45 mg). They’re also a rich source of beta carotene- a nutrient which your body readily converts into Vitamin A. This is only the beginning! Broccoli, garlic, and ginger are not just a delicious addition to your dinner plate; they decrease inflammation and possess other immune-boosting properties. Nature has provided us with a plethora of delicious, healthy vegetables and fruits that naturally aid our ability to fight off disease.
How can you possibly know everything you’re supposed to be eating in order to build the best immunity possible? You don’t have to handle this alone! At Lotus Blossom Clinic, we have services designed specifically to aid in immunity. We encourage you to look into all of our available services, including Food as Medicine. We are passionate about the power of food! Whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that give you an upper hand against harmful pathogens. Under our acupuncture physician’s supervision, we offer education regarding the medicinal uses of foods and the phytochemicals in plant foods which have been proven to target specific health conditions. We also have a powerful arsenal of helpful herbs and supplements which have proven to be effective in prevention and early treatment stages of viral infections.
Working together with Dr. David, our team is able to target the best plan for each person’s lifestyle and personal preferences. Nature’s powerful phytochemicals are able to improve the quality of lives. Isn’t it time that yours is one of them?
Beyond this, we practice Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine several ways. We offer acupuncture which can help to boost and regulate the immune system. We also give Live Blood Education, a service where we look at your blood under a microscope and discuss what you can do to improve your blood and health. We can order tests such as micro-nutrient, cardiovascular, genetic, and hormone tests. We use SpectraCell Laboratories for this testing. This Nutritional Blood Test Analysis is free for those on Medicare! Ask us for details.
Remember, your body has evolved over millions of years to be really good at one thing- healing! It’s why we sleep, crave certain foods, spend time in sunlight, and feel better with a healthy exercise routine. Your body knows exactly how to heal; all you need to do is give it the right tools to do so. For some people, this may include the new Coronavirus shot. For others, it won’t. Whichever group you find yourself in, know that you’ll need to focus on keeping your immune system strong. This can be done through nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and visiting Lotus Blossom Clinic for a bit of guidance! Reach out to us and book a consultation with Dr. David Martín and either Vickie Gelardi or Deb Martin, both of whom are Reiki Masters and certified in the food healing program “Conquering Any Disease”, to design a customized Immunity Kit. This means focusing on Prevention, Early Treatment, and/or Recovery.
To Your Immunity,
Dr. David & Deb Martin
…and all the Practitioners at Lotus Blossom Clinic
239-277-1399
Serving the Greater Fort Myers area with Natural and Holistic Medicine, including Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Massage, Science-backed Food as Medicine, Energy & Transformational Sessions…and Community Classes & Events both Virtual and (carefully) In-Person!