By Daniella the Dietitian

I have always been a strong believer that food is medicine. Balanced nutrition with abundance of fruits and vegetables should always be the forefront of any diet. However supplements can also play an important role in not only enhancing your bone, heart and immune health but reversing conditions such as elevated triglycerides, anemia, hypertension, diarrhea, bariatric deficiencies and vegan B-12 deficiency.

People are always asking me about what supplements I recommend (prenatal, immunity, heart health, energy etc.). Since the FDA does NOT regulate supplements, like they do medicine, it is very important to find a company that does purity testing and that’s proven safe. After extensive research I have discovered Shaklee. This Californian company has been around over 60 years, more importantly they have surpassed US pharmacopeia screening standards for contaminants, pesticides and impurities. Scientist, peer reviews and the famous Landmark Study have shown that their supplements have increased biomarkers of heart, brain, and cognitive health in their users. Shaklee follows a non-GMO policy and produces over 100,000 quality control tests yearly! Plus the majority of the nutritional line is Kosher Star-K. They also stand behind their products with a 100% money back guarantee. For these reasons, I feel confident as a dietitian recommending this product line.

As a dietitian part of my job is to educate people on food choices and proper supplementation. Most health professionals will agree that Vit C, Vit D, zinc and elderberry are beneficial during cold season and for optimal immune health. In light of the current COVID pandemic, I have created a list of the top immune boosters that strengthen our immune system. Whichever brand you choose make sure it is pure, clinically proven and 3rd party tested. Look for the GMP or USP logo. Remember, just because something is labeled “natural ” does mean it’s necessarily pure.
Daniella the Dietitian Rx for Immune Health:
*The following list is intended to help guide you in making informed decisions. Always check with your doctor or pediatrician before adding a new supplement to your routine.

KIDS:
•Incredivites Kids chewable Multi w/ Lactoferrin- component found in breast milk with anti-viral properties (Star-D) – daily
•Ocean Wonder Kids chewable Multivitamins (Star-K) – daily
•Chewable Vita C 100 mg – daily or for boost
•Optiflora DI: Immunity Strain Probiotics – daily or 3x/week. Open capsule and add to milk/juice/applesauce.
•Vitalized Immunity- Antioxidant Effervescent -1/2 tab 3x/week
•Omega-3 Chewable- ultra pure DHA for brain and eyes
•POWER PACK – Trio of Incredivites, Chewable C & Omega-3

ADULTS:
•Vita C 500 mg SUSTAINED RELEASE (1000,1500 mg/day)
Clinically proven to absorb into body over 12-hr time period. Vitamin C helps keep your immune system healthy by enabling your body to make white blood cells. These blood cells fight infections. Chewable form available.
•Vita D3 (2,000-5,000 IU/day)
Vitamin D3 helps our immune systems stay balanced during the cold and flu season. There are Vitamin D receptors and activating enzymes on the surfaces of all White Blood Cells. Low levels of vitamin D have also been associated with frequent infections. In 2009, the National Institute of Health warned that low vitamin D levels are associated with frequent colds and influenza.
•Zinc (no more than 50 mg/day)
Zinc has been shown to help decrease the duration of a person’s cold. And in general, it can help boost your immune response, which helps people fight off colds in the first place. Consider taking with Quercetin to help zinc enter and kill viruses.
•Optiflora DI: Immunity Strain Probiotics (daily)
70% of immunity resides in your gut. When taken regularly probiotics can lower your chances of getting a cold. And, if you do catch a cold, probiotics may help reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten how long they last.
•Vitalized Immunity: Antioxidant Effervescent (3x/week)
Super-boost 1,000 mg vita C, AOX plus zinc, Echinacea.
Vitalized Immunity is ideal immune support when facing additional stress, colds, poor nutrition, pollution or a busy schedule. Dissolve in hot or cold water.
•Nutriferon (daily)
Made from interferon-boosting plant extracts. Interferons are key components of the immune system. They call the natural “killer cells” to action to fight invaders and helps increase resistance to infections. Recommend for those with repeat colds or as immune booster.
•Immunity Challenge Pack (daily)
Foundational nutritional protein Life Shakes plus comprehensive vitamin strips and Nutriferon.
•Defend & Resist (at onset of cold)
Bolsters immune system with extracts from echinacea, elderberry, and larch tree for extra defense at the 1st signs of a cold. Chew, swallow or dissolve in tea.
•Quercetin in Flavomax (daily or at onset with zinc)
Quercetin is a flavonoid that acts the same way as Choloroquine to open the cellular membranes to permit zinc to enter and kill virus. PLUS helps support lungs by opening air sacs, the most vulnerable organ affected by COVID-19.
•Bovine Colostrum LD by Soveriegn Labratories
Colostrum is nature 1st food, and the ultimate superfood rich in antibodies for immunity, probiotics to balance the gut microbiome, and gut healing growth factors to repair cellular lining and tissues.
100% safe and proven to benefit newborns through adulthood. Highest quality & bioavailable colostrum can be found in powder and capsule form
To learn more about any of these products visit: pws.shaklee.com/daniellathedietitian or Contact Daniella directly at danielladray@gmail.com

Daniella is a registered dietitian and food & nutrition expert.