Winter Immunity Is Built, Not Boosted ⚒️
by Dr. Christopher Lepisto
a 2-min read
With winter in full stride and cold weather again on the way, it’s tempting to look for shortcuts to carry the immune system through the remainder of the season—a supplement, a protocol, a quick fix to keep illness at bay. There is a place for these therapies, but immune resilience isn’t something we switch on when hit by a virus. Recurrent illness, however mild or severe, is a signal that something more foundational needs attention.
The Greek poet Archilochus captured this well: “We don’t rise to the occasion; we fall back on our training.” Immune strength is built in this way—persistently and cumulatively—through how we feed, protect and support our bodies’ recovery mechanisms over time.
Sleep is one of the most powerful immune regulators we have, yet it’s often the first thing sacrificed to stress, travel, or long days. Without adequate downtime, the nervous system remains in a state of high alert, leaving the immune system overworked and underperforming.
Digestion also determines immune efficacy. Compromised digestion = compromised absorption of micronutrients like zinc, vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins necessary to help immune cells communicate and respond appropriately.
This is why people who feel they’re “doing everything right” still get sick. For some, the weak link is chronic gut irritation. For others, prolonged stress quietly taxes adrenal reserves, leading to vulnerability. Unknown nutrient depletions over years only become obvious when the body is under sustained pressure.
In my work as a naturopathic doctor, I focus on rebuilding your foundation through thoughtful assessment, targeted testing, and effective individualized therapies. The goal isn’t simply fewer colds, but a more resilient system that not only gets sick less, but rebounds faster and requires less effort to maintain through the seasons ahead.
