As we enter flu season and continue seeing COVID-19 cases ebb and flow, now is the perfect time to stock up on vitamins and supplements for the colder months. The immune system relies heavily on access to a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep illnesses at bay. Like vaccines, masks, and social distancing, vitamins are an important tool in the fight against illness. Although vitamins cannot prevent the transmission of COVID-19, they can strengthen the immune system, disrupting the virus’s ability to infect the body. When the body is stressed, tired, or taxed in any way, immunity is compromised, and resistance to disease diminishes.
Because of the complexity of the body’s immune response, understanding precisely how vitamins boost immunity and resist disease is not fully understood, but the research confirms over and over that they play an important role. In a 2020 study by British scientists, roughly 445,000 British and American respondents were asked about their regular use of vitamins and supplements. The results showed that participants who regularly took supplements, including vitamin D, omega-3’s, probiotics, and multivitamins, were found to have a lower chance of becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus.
My favorite immunity-boosting product is the Metagenics Defense Pack, packed with zinc, antioxidants, and vitamins C and D. The Defense Pack is available on our online store at https://www.eohinfo.com/store. Here is a comprehensive list of the best supplements for better immunity:
1. Curcumin
Curcumin naturally occurs in the spice turmeric. In several studies, curcumin was found to minimize inflammation in the body and specifically to reduce the capacity of the COVID-19 virus to operate.
2. ECGC
I can’t say enough good things about ECGC. ECGC is a plant protein found in green tea leaves that significantly boosts antioxidant function and fights abnormal cell growth.
3. N-Acetylecysteine
N-Acetylecysteine, or NAC, is another supplement crucial to proper immune function. It’s found most often in foods high in protein, like meat, dairy products, and legumes. NAC aids in glutathione production, an immunity-boosting antioxidant. In lab studies, NAC was also shown to inhibit flu symptoms.
4. Melatonin
Melatonin is best known for its sleep-enhancing properties, but it’s also great for clearing toxins and fighting inflammation throughout the body.
5. Quercetin
Found in a number of fruits and veggies, Quercetin boasts several health benefits, including shielding cells from free radicals and limiting viral growth.
6. Vitamin A
Vitamin A most notably strengthens respiratory tract lining, which is often one of the most affected areas of the body during COVID infection.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has long been recognized as an essential vitamin for boosting immune health/function, and is currently being used in ICUs to fight COVID-19.
8. Vitamin D
Vitamin D cripples viruses’ ability to multiply and can make symptoms of upper respiratory infections less severe. You get most of your vitamin D from eating dairy products and soaking up sunshine.
9. Zinc
Zinc has been studied in depth by researchers for its ability to fight a variety of viruses. Zinc boosts the immune system, helps heal wounds, and fights infections.
Stay well!
Dr. Jones
For more questions about vitamins and immunity, schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Jones at https://www.eohinfo.com/schedule-appointment.