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Nutritional and Immune Support
Part of both short and long-term recovery from C. difficile is supporting and optimizing the function of your immune system. Strengthening your immune system will help protect you against further infection. There are many ways you can go about this, as outlined in Michelle's book C. difficile Treatments and Remedies.
Immune-boosting supplements are an easy and popular way to help support your healing process.
A Few of Michelle's Favorites
The following supplements Michelle Moore currently uses or has used. She researched these products and picked them because of their quality, purity and value and because of their relative benefit to the largest number of people. Every doctor, naturopath and nutritional expert has their own favored products and supplement regimens.
Be aware that this list is by no means complete and there are far too many quality supplements on the market for Michelle to be familiar with all of them.
The supplements below may not be the "best" for your particular needs. You may have unique nutritional deficiencies that are not addressed by any of the supplements below. Nor should you consider that all of these are necessary for you in particular.
Because Michelle has been asked many times what supplements or whole food concentrates she uses, she created the listing below for your convenience. Michelle strongly encourages you to do your own research and make educated choices when selecting and using any nutritional supplement.
Click the links below to go to each product.
Infection and Immune System Support: Vitamin D
Beware Supplement Hype
None of the products below are "cures" or treatments for infection in and of themselves. There are many studies that tout the health benefits of specific supplements. You'll hear many testimonials about amazing results with one supplement or another.
However, everyone's nutritional needs and deficiencies are different. Therefore, a supplement that helps one person may not have the same effect on you. I have seen this time and time again over the years. The supplements below help address some of the most commonly shared nutrient deficiencies and may be a good place to start your supplement search. A natural-minded doctor can help test and evaluate your supplement needs and tailor a supplement regiment to meet your specific needs.
Supplements can also never take the place of (or make up for) a bad diet. Supplements are meant to improve an already good diet and to fill in the gaps in your nutritional needs. See the chapters on supplements and immune support in the book, C. diff. Treatments & Remedies for more details about choosing the right supplement. As always, talk to your doctor before beginning any new supplement or nutritional program.
Infection and Immune System Support: Vitamin D
Did you know that having low levels of vitamin D puts you at a five-fold higher risk of developing a C. difficile infection? And, if you have low vitamin D levels, you are at an increased risk for C. difficile to return?
Many holistic health experts consider vitamin D to be the number one key supplement for immune support and infection prevention. However, the latest studies show that up to 85% of Americans are vitamin D deficient, especially those in northern climates. Sun exposure is the best form of vitamin D. Otherwise, D3 is the best form of this vitamin.
MegaQuinD3™ contains a combination of high-potency vitamins D3 and K2 that represents a new approach to immune support. It combines highly bioactive and effective forms of natural vitamin K2 (as MK-7) and vitamin D (D3 as cholecalciferol) in one convenient and affordable daily capsule. Most people can benefit from vitamin D supplementation, especially anyone with stubborn bacterial challenges.*
To order: Click here to get MegaQuinD3™ from our online remedy store.
Immune System Support: Omega-3 Oils
Carlson cod liver oil is a high purity and potency source of EPA and DHA and has one of the best vitamin D to vitamin A ratios on the market. It's also a good value for the amount of product that you get. The lemon flavored is my favorite because is has no fishy taste. Carlson cod liver oil is available from many sources online and in most health food stores.
To order: Click here to get Carlson Cod Liver oil from Amazon.com
Nordic Naturals makes a quality line of cod liver oil and omega-3 supplements. Nordic Naturals offers several different omega-3 blends that target general health, vitamin D support, blood sugar support, pregnancy and other areas. Nordic Naturals products are also widely available from stores and online.
To order: Click here for Nordic Naturals Cod Liver oil/Omega blends from Amazon.com
Powerful Antioxidant for Immune Support
Astaxanthin is a very potent fat-based antioxidant found in plankton and other marine life. It has 400 times the antioxidant potency of vitamin E.
I like the NSI (Nutraceutical Sciences Institute) brand of astaxanthin and the BioAstin brand from Cyanotech because it is CO2 extracted for the highest potency and purity. Both are available from Amazon.com and other online sources.
To order: Click here for BioAstin Astaxanthin from Amazon.com
Herbal Immune Support: Olivirex
Olivirex is a medicinal grade, high potency olive leaf extract herbal formula that provides natural broad-spectrum support for the immune system and detoxification pathways.
Olivirex is also a potent broad-spectrum antibacterial and creates a robust approach for active infections. It's part of Michelle's herbal protocol for C. diff.
To order: Click here to order through Michelle's health store
Immune System Support: Whole Food Vitamin C
Plant-based vitamin C is an important nutrient for the immune system. HealthForce SuperFoods brand is a whole food form of vitamin C, contains no ascorbic acid, is corn-free and is Non-GMO. Their products can be found in most health food stores and online.
Caution: Vitamin C can loosen stools and may worsen diarrhea symptoms. This vitamin should therefore be avoided during an active C. diff. infection. After the infection has cleared and stools are normal, Vitamin C may be added into your vitamin regimen if tolerated, starting slowly to be conservative.
To order: Click here to order from Amazon.com
