I feel compelled to write about something I’m passionate about. This is knowledge I have gained over the years based on my own research as well as information from doctors I consult with due to my health conditions. In light of the Coronavirus now being slated as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, I thought maybe my experience may help those that are scratching their head wondering if they should do more to guard their immune system.
I should state that I am not a doctor and you should always consult with a doctor before taking supplements to make sure there are not any interactions or contraindications with your health or current medications.
What can we do to increase our immune system to arm our bodies against viruses? I started using supplements to arm my immune system years ago. As a person with Celiac, I require a restricted diet and while it is better to get your vitamins from food, I want to make sure I get my vitamins and minerals through supplements and then, if I get additional nutrition through food, it is a groovy bonus. If you aren’t taking supplements regularly, I would suggest adding them into your routine slowly as your body may not respond kindly to an overabundance of vitamins initially as it can cause some abdominal discomfort.
Here’s what I take to boost my immune system. These supplements also have many other wonderful health benefits, but for the sake of this article, I’m focusing on how they might guard against viruses and infection.
Vitamin C: This supports immune function and fights infections. After returning from a six-hour date at the Tattoo convention this past weekend, I took 2000 mg. of Vitamin C after watching people sneeze and cough everywhere. I’ve read numerous articles that state that Vitamin C in high doses can kill a virus in its tracks.
Olive Leaf Extract: Has antiviral properties and is used to treat viruses. According to the Olive Wellness Institute, studies show that there is some potential to guard against the flu virus.
Oregano Oil: This has been used for thousands of years. It has antioxidant properties that contain compounds that may help decrease the duration of a virus.
Selenium: This is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. It guards the immune system while fighting off potential threats including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It lowers the body’s oxidative stress which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity. It also may reduce asthma symptoms as well.
Grapefruit Seed Oil Extract: This contains antimicrobials that allege to be able to kill more than 60 types of bacteria and yeasts. It’s packed with antioxidants that protect your body from illnesses.
Vitamin D: This plays a huge role in regulating the immune system including immune responses to viral infections.
Pre & Probiotics: Much of our immune system lies in our gut. If it is in disarray, then our body tends to follow. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that keeps the lining of the gut healthy while improving immune function.
Zinc: This has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the duration of cold symptoms.
I take these daily and remained healthy through two illnesses that came through my house in the past six months (knock on wood). Aside from practicing good hygiene and taking the above-mentioned supplements as well as resisting hugging or even touching the family member who was sick, I attribute my healthy immune system to my supplement friends. As a side note, I have a doctor that I meet with regularly that entertains both Western and Eastern Medicine who is helping me. Finding an Integrative doctor or a Naturopath may be helpful in figuring out which supplements will work best for your body.
Beard, Jeremy A, et al. “Vitamin D and the Anti-Viral State.” Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3308600/.
“Home.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/.
Hoffmann, P. R., & Berry, M. J. (2008, November). The influence of selenium on immune responses. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723386/Robinsondrug. “The Secret Cure to The Coronavirus.” Robinson Drug and Compounding Center, 24 Feb. 2020, robinsondrugshop.com/2020/02/24/the-secret-cure-to-the-coronavirus/.
Wong, Cathy. “The Health Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract.” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 11 Jan. 2020, www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-olive-leaf-extract-89489.
Schelden, P., & MedicineNet Health News. (2020, March 5). Can Zinc Lozenges Ward Off Coronavirus? – MedicineNet Health News. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=228691
Wells, Katie. “How To Use Oregano & Oregano Oil For Improved Health | Wellness Mama”. Wellness Mama®, 2020, https://wellnessmama.com/8409/oregano/.
“Probiotics 101: A Simple Beginner’s Guide”. Healthline, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-101#gut-microbiome.
“Grapefruit Seed Extract: Benefits, Myths And Dangers”. Healthline, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grapefruit-seed-extract.
Olive Leaf Extract. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2020, from https://olivewellnessinstitute.org/olive-leaf/olive-leaf-extract/
