I wanted to share some information about how to boost your immune system during this COVID pandemic. There is so much conflicting information about the vaccines and the PCR tests. But, the one thing we can guarantee is the healthier you and your immune system are the less your chances of contracting COVID and the less severe your symptoms.
Things that will lower your immune system:
1) Eating a lot of processed foods (fast foods, boxed foods, refined carbohydrates, etc)
2) Lack of sleep (Calcium and Magnesium are good supplements for those not sleeping enough. Melatonin is good but dosing is tricky)
3) High emotional, chemical, physical stress
4) Lack of Exercise
Activities that will boost your immune system:
1) 8-10 hours of sleep
2) Light to moderate exercise (just don’t overstress your body)
3) Eating mostly plant-based diet (animal proteins are acidic to the body and rob your body of minerals to balance the pH)
4) Meditation, yoga, walking, anything to unplug from the world and relax
Supplements to boost your immune system from the Institute of Functional Medicine:
1) Beta-glucan is Baker’s yeast without the yeast. It has been shown in clinical studies to have a potent effect on immune responsiveness and to defend the system from the effects of recurring stress. Numerous studies have shown beta-glucan also promotes production of antioxidant enzymes and supports immune function against microbes. It has also been found to provide post-exercise protection, to maintain white cell concentrations/monocytes, improve mucosal immunity, enhance immune responses to a perceived challenge, and improved salivary IgA post-exercise.
2) Zinc contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. There is also evidence that it suppresses viral attachment and replication. Zinc deficiency is common, especially in those populations most at risk for severe COVID-19 infections, and is challenging to accurately diagnosis with laboratory measures. Supplementation with zinc is supported by evidence that it both prevents viral infections and reduces their severity and duration. Moreover, it has been shown to reduce the risk of lower respiratory infection, which may be of particular significance in the context of COVID-19.
3) Vitamin D also stimulates the expression of potent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which exist in neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and epithelial cells of the respiratory tract.31 Vitamin D increases anti-pathogen peptides through defensins and has a dual effect due to suppressing superinfection.
4) Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, and can enhance chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, and ultimately microbial killing. Supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections.78 Vitamin C has been used in hospital ICUs to treat COVID-19 infection.
5) N-acetylcysteine promotes glutathione production, which has been shown to be protective in rodents infected with influenza. In a little-noticed six-month controlled clinical study enrolling 262 primarily elderly subjects, those receiving 600 mg NAC twice daily, as opposed to those receiving placebo, experienced significantly fewer influenza-like episodes and days of bed confinement.
6) Curcumin has been shown to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome, and a preprint suggests that curcumin can target the SARS-CoV-2 main protease to reduce viral replication.
At Taylor Made Integrative Therapy we carry pharmaceutical-grade supplements from Ortho Molecular. Each formula is evidence-based and backed by research. If you want to take advantage of all these nutrients you don’t need to buy them all separate. They are available in two supplements, WholeMune and OrthoMune. Please contact Jamie if you are interested in pricing and dosing.
Jamie@tmitherapy.com
817-523-9590