Written By: RANDI BERGMAN

Raise your hand if you’ve had a sore throat lately. Runny nose? Check. A cough that lasts forever? That too. Whether intensifying seasonal allergies or seriously spreadable flulike diseases, sickness is on the rise. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve Googled ‘Why do I keep getting sick?’ too many times to count. To dig into the mystery, we enlisted Lesley Rubinoff, a certified holistic practitioner and nutritionist NNCP CNP who helped us find some solutions ahead of cold and allergy season (hello, spring!).

What is contributing to everyone getting so sick lately?

Many factors are making us more vulnerable to frequent and severe illnesses. Weakened immune systems—thanks to chronic stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition—leave us open to infections and slow recovery. On top of that, daily toxin exposure from pollution and chemicals in food and products can overwhelm our detox systems. Post-pandemic immune dysregulation is also a concern, as less exposure to pathogens during lockdowns and the impact of vaccines may have weakened immunity. Viruses continue to evolve, spreading faster due to global travel and dense living. Our gut health plays a big role too, and poor diets and overuse of antibiotics can throw off our microbiome. Chronic stress and burnout further deplete immune function, making illness hit harder. Even “clean” diets can fall short on essential nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium, which are vital for immune health. Plus, while medications can be necessary, overreliance on them can disrupt the body’s natural healing abilities. All of this creates a perfect storm—but building resilience is possible through clean nutrition, managing stress, detoxing, supplementing smartly, and embracing immune-boosting habits.

Is this the new normal?

It does seem like increased frequency and severity of illness may be part of a larger trend rather than just a short-term phase. The pandemic likely reshaped immune responses, but long-term factors—like environmental toxicity, chronic stress, and weakened metabolic health—are making people more vulnerable. Viruses and bacteria are always evolving, and as human lifestyles shift toward more processed foods, sedentary behavior, chemical exposure, and higher stress, immune systems are under greater strain. Combined with climate shifts that affect disease patterns, illnesses may become more persistent and harder to shake.

What should we know about boosting immunity as we age?

Aging weakens the immune system, but smart lifestyle choices can slow that decline. Strength training and anaerobic exercise like HIIT and sprints boost immune function, support metabolic health, regulate blood sugar, and promote hormone balance—all key for immunity. A nutrient-dense diet is essential: prioritize whole foods rich in protein, omega-3 fats (from wild fish and sea algae), and micronutrients like zinc, vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin D. Gut-friendly foods with fiber and probiotics also play a big role in immune strength. Avoid overuse of medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs, which can harm gut health and immunity—work with a practitioner to use them wisely. Quality sleep is when the immune system repairs itself, so poor sleep directly increases vulnerability to illness. Reducing toxic exposure from pollution, pesticides, processed foods, and synthetic chemicals lightens the load on your liver and immune system. Sauna therapy can further support immune resilience. Finally, managing stress is vital—chronic stress weakens immunity, but tools like meditation, nature time, deep breathing, and strong social connections help restore balance. Together, these habits can strengthen your body’s natural defenses and promote long-term immune health.

What are some ways to boost your immunity ahead of cold season?

Hydration and detoxification: Hydration is essential, and clean, structured or hydrogen-rich water supports cellular function. Multi-stage filtration removes toxins while preserving minerals. Starting your day with warm lemon water supports liver function, and herbal teas like ginger, echinacea, and elderberry boost immunity. Castor oil packs and dry brushing aid detoxification and circulation.

Nutrition and gut health: Whole foods and clean animal proteins—like grass-fed, farm-sourced, hormone-free options—support immune cell development. Processed sugar suppresses immunity, so use natural sweeteners like raw honey in moderation. Gut health is key; include fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and prebiotics like garlic, onions, and green bananas to nourish good bacteria.

Immune-boosting supplements: Magnesium Chloride is the best-absorbed form of magnesium and supports over 300 functions including immune balance. Zinc is key for immune strength; quercetin drives it into cells. Chondrus Crispus (Sea Moss) is mineral-rich, supports mucous membranes, antiviral, antibacterial, and packed with natural prebiotics. Structured Silver Solution is a natural antimicrobial for respiratory and gut health – a must-have in every medicine cabinet. Our “Rescue Remedy” cold and flu tincture works within 48 hours and includes elderberry, echinacea, propolis, oregano oil and astragalus. Nasal sprays also clear pathogens and mucus before they settle in.

Movement and Circulation: Rebounding & Vibration Therapy aids lymphatic health by moving stagnant fluid. Strength Training & Mobility Work boost immune hormones and regulate blood sugar. Daily Walking & Sun Exposure, even in cold weather, enhance mood and immune resilience through fresh air, movement, and natural light.

Recovery and nervous system regulation: Infrared sauna boosts immunity by activating heat shock proteins and improving circulation. Seven to nine hours of deep, quality sleep is essential for immune recovery. Chronic stress weakens immunity, so deep breathing, meditation, and nervous system regulation techniques help manage stress and support immune function.

When it comes to oral health, what are some wellness hacks you would connect to immunity?

Oral health is closely linked to immunity because the mouth is the gateway to the body. A healthy oral microbiome prevents systemic inflammation, while poor oral hygiene can contribute to chronic illness, heart disease, and weakened immunity. Wellness hacks that support oral health and immune function include:

1. Oil Pulling: Swishing coconut, sesame, or MCT oil for 10-20 minutes removes bacteria, toxins, and plaque. Castor oil can be used for a quicker 2-3 minute session. It strengthens the oral microbiome, improves gum health, reduces bad breath, and supports sinus and lymphatic drainage.
2. Water Flossing: More effective than traditional flossing, it removes bacteria and food particles, reduces plaque buildup, and prevents gum inflammation, which is linked to immune system stress. Healthy gums are vital for preventing bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
3. Tongue Scraping: It removes bacteria and food debris, helping with digestion by stimulating saliva and gut enzymes. It also reduces bad breath and improves taste perception.
4. Using a Stimmie: A stimmie (or gum stimulator) is a tool designed to massage the gums and promote circulation. Regular use helps improve gum health, reduces inflammation, and encourages detoxification by stimulating lymphatic drainage, supporting overall immunity.

Follow Lesley on Instagram @theholisticgenius for more tips all season long!

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