Stronger Through the Season: How to Support Immunity Naturally
You can feel it – the chill in the air, the shorter days, and the steady rise in sniffles everywhere you go.
Fall and winter bring cozy sweaters and comfort foods… but also new demands on your immune system.
Whether it’s the first sign of a sore throat, that familiar post-holiday fatigue, or simply trying to stay well while everyone around you is getting sick, your immune system is working overtime this time of year.
The good news? You don’t have to wait until you get sick to support it.
Simple, natural steps – from acupuncture and herbal medicine to nutrient-rich foods and rest – can help your body stay strong, balanced, and resilient all season long.
Immunity Begins in the Gut
Around 70% of your immune system lives in your digestive tract. When digestion slows or becomes inflamed from heavy meals, alcohol, or sugar, immune cells can’t function as effectively.
You might notice it as bloating, fatigue, or that “run-down” feeling that often hits after big weekends or stressful weeks.
How to support it:
- Focus on warm, cooked foods that are easier to digest – soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and bone broth.
- Add fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi for natural probiotics.
- Stay hydrated – even mild dehydration can slow lymphatic flow and immunity.
At CNMA, we often recommend Digestzymes by Designs for Health to help your body process meals more efficiently and reduce inflammation that can stress the immune system.
Acupuncture for Immune and Nervous System Balance
Stress doesn’t just live in your mind – it shows up in your immune system, too. Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, which can suppress immune response over time.
Acupuncture helps by calming the nervous system, improving circulation, and supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Many patients notice fewer seasonal colds, steadier energy, and deeper sleep with regular treatments – all of which are key for immune strength.
Herbal and Nutritional Support
Certain herbs and nutrients provide targeted immune support during high-stress, high-exposure months.
Two of our clinic favorites are Immuni-T and Immuni-LT from Mountain Peak Nutritionals – both designed to strengthen respiratory and immune function while promoting healthy inflammation response.
- Immuni-T: Daily formula to maintain immune readiness and cellular function.
- Immuni-LT: Focuses on long-term respiratory resilience, ideal for those prone to seasonal congestion or chronic sinus issues.
Dr. G’s Favorite Flu Remedy: Hyperthermia Baths
One of the oldest naturopathic tools for fighting colds and flu is also one of the simplest: heat.
“I get into a warm Epsom salt bath and make it as hot as I can stand, and stay in as long as I can until I feel a good fever,” says Dr. Graves. “Then I get out slowly, wrap in a robe, put towels under blankets, and sweat it out for 20–30 minutes. And yes – it’s hard and miserable. But it’s an old natural cure remedy to actually help a fever rather than fight it, and I get over colds and flu in a jiff.”
This practice, known as hyperthermia therapy, helps your immune system by:
- Raising core body temperature to weaken viruses
- Increasing circulation and lymphatic flow
- Supporting your body’s natural fever response (instead of suppressing it)
Dr. G recommends:
- Adding Epsom salts to help relax muscles and support detoxification
- Hydrating well afterward
- Repeating daily or every other day until symptoms resolve
Want detailed step-by-step instructions?
We’ve created a printable guide with everything you need to safely try a hyperthermia bath at home.
Call us at 303-688-6698 or stop by the clinic, and we’ll be happy to share a copy with you.
⚠️ Important: Hyperthermia baths are not appropriate for small children, individuals who are pregnant, or anyone with cardiovascular conditions, heat intolerance, or difficulty safely tolerating high temperatures.
Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning this therapy. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Movement, Rest, and Gratitude
Your immune system thrives on balance. Over-exercising, under-sleeping, or pushing through exhaustion can all weaken it.
This season, consider softer movement – walks, stretching, gentle yoga – paired with deeper rest.
And don’t underestimate gratitude: research shows that consistent gratitude practices can lower inflammation and strengthen immune response by calming the stress pathways that disrupt balance.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Supporting your immune system isn’t about perfection – it’s about awareness.
Eat mindfully. Rest intentionally. Stay hydrated. Support your body’s natural rhythms instead of fighting them.
When you work with your body instead of against it, your immune system becomes your greatest ally – not just for fighting colds, but for maintaining energy, mood, and vitality all winter long.
Ready to Strengthen Your Immune System Naturally?
At Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture in Castle Rock, CO, Dr. Adam Graves, ND, LAc, helps patients build true immune resilience through personalized care – combining acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine, and functional testing to uncover what your body needs most.
Call (303) 688-6698 or schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation online to create a plan for lasting wellness this season.
Leave a Reply