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Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

In the human body, the immune system is how the body remains healthy by fighting off bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses or infections. Like every system in the body, this system is extremely complex and requires a delicate touch and an intimate understanding of exactly how it works to keep it in balance. Trained medical providers are generally the ones who can help to keep your system balanced.

Some individuals have compromised immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to infections and diseases that a normal immune system would fight off. For those individuals who do not have weakened immune systems, it is still important to bolster the system and keep it in tip-top condition so that when an immune response is needed to fight off an infection or illness, your body will not falter. You can give your system a leg up when it comes to fighting off any invading bacteria by adjusting your daily routine just a bit.

Why Your Immune System Needs to be Boosted

Immune systems are very complicated and must be balanced to ensure the right response is provided if the threat of severe disease has been presented. Those who are severely immunocompromised often have trouble with this response. The balance of a healthy immune response is delicate because too weak of a response could lead to serious infection needing the medical assistance of a trained healthcare provider. Too strong of a response could cause allergies or autoimmune diseases to develop.

To help keep your body’s immune system balanced and ready to fight off any virus or infection that could result in a visit to the hospital, there are ways to boost the efficacy of your system naturally. At Five Journeys, our team of holistic doctors in Boston, Newton, MA, can help show you how to boost your immune system naturally and guide you in the pursuit of vitality.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

When we are especially susceptible to illnesses and diseases (like during the cold winter months when cold and flu season has arrived), we must have a boosted immune system that can handle anything nature can throw at us. Prevention of common illnesses is also a benefit of well-balanced and enabled immune systems. Here are some great ways to boost immune systems naturally (and right at home) throughout the whole year:

  • Eat a healthy diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. It is also wise to ensure that the foods you consume are rich in micronutrients such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
  • Drink lots of water. Your body can dehydrate itself very quickly – even while you are sleeping or just breathing – so you must replenish those lost fluids often throughout your day. When your body is dehydrated, that slows down the progress of infection-fighting immune cells called lymph throughout your body. Without the rapid movement of these cells, your system may become immunocompromised.
  • Stay active with regular exercise. Working out is not just for weight control and building muscles. Exercise can help in boosting immune systems because it improves your overall circulation. The better your circulation, the more easily immune cells, and infection-fighting molecules can travel throughout your body.
  • Catch some ZZZs. Sleep is integral to almost everything your body can do, including the creation of infection-fighting cells. If you do not get enough sleep, you will likely be more susceptible to bacteria and viruses that can infect your body.
  • Eliminate stress. Okay, this one is easier said than done, but it is still important for the health of your immune system that you try to get rid of the stressors in your life. A stress response in your body reduces the level of immune response your body can have, leaving you vulnerable to viruses and diseases.

If you follow these ways for natural immune system boosting, we at Five Journeys are confident that you will remain healthy and keep your vitality as strong as possible.

Connect with Us to Learn More about Improving Your Immune System Naturally

At Five Journeys, we are a premier functional medicine and wellness company devoted in Boston, Newton, MA, to helping patients like you achieve their optimal vitality. Our mission is to inspire you to create your best life, and our vision is to empower you to live a vibrant and healthy life. We truly believe that you can achieve extraordinary results – from sex to brain function – at any age.

Our team uses a unique 5-factor approach to create a customized vitality and wellness plan for every patient through our membership-based wellness organization. You have five core aspects of your health – physical, chemical, emotional, social, and spiritual – and Five Journeys incorporate each of them to uncover the true roots of your issues and illnesses. Once the root cause has been discovered, we can then help you solve that problem.

Whether you’re looking to bolster your immune system naturally or explore options like Immunity IV therapy, we’re here to support your journey toward a vibrant and healthy life. Contact our team of functional medicine doctors at Five Journeys today at 817-934-6400 to book a discovery call and determine which of our services is right for you. We can even help you identify more natural ways to boost your immune system throughout your daily activities.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted