Washing your hands with soap, wearing a mask, getting vaccinated, moving more, eating healthy, are simple rules to help take care of your immune system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. But what do we know about supplements for COVID-19 immunity boost?
The immune system protects us from diseases, including coronavirus, and if infection cannot be avoided, it is responsible for the course of the disease, the speed of recovery and the recovery period.
What you need to know about the immune function of the body
Immunity is a system that is constantly “learning”, from birth it develops algorithms for responding to certain viruses, bacteria, stimuli or changes in the body.
Immune function reflects our overall health – the healthier a person is, the stronger the immune system in fighting infections.
The human body is constantly in a state of immune response to certain threats – this is the norm. The main thing is that the immune system responds adequately to these stimuli. Chronic diseases, stress, excessive physical and emotional stress suppress the immune response.
Why the body needs vitamins
If we talk about strengthening the immune system, the opinions of doctors are quite ambiguous – you will not be able to “raise” the immunity, but to create conditions for the normal functioning of the immune system – it is quite possible.
In the case of COVID-19, vaccination is the most effective method of prevention. Lifestyle, including diet, affects the body’s ability to resist infection.
WHO Representative Jarno Habicht noted that vitamins D and C and zinc are crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system and play a vital role in improving health and healthy eating.
A healthy diet is the basis of strong immunity
Despite the fact that there is no direct evidence of a positive effect of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, it is undeniable that a good supply of vitamins and trace elements is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system.
Sometimes it is difficult to choose a diet that will take into account the vitamins and minerals in sufficient quantities. In this case, you can fill the gaps with additional vitamin-mineral complexes.
Supplements for COVID-19 Immunity
Thus, one of the most discussed vitamins associated with the prevention of COVID-19 is vitamin D.
Vitamin D is an important vitamin that is involved in immune processes, the formation of immune cells and many other metabolic processes. This is an important vitamin both in the absence of COVID-19 and in its presence.
In our latitude, we need to get vitamin D supplements. However, the dosage is individual, in case of deficiency treatment is possible.
According to the WHO, if the level of vitamin D in humans is already limited, “it is recommended to take vitamin D in doses of 200-600 IU, depending on age, or in accordance with national guidelines.”
What scientists say about taking vitamin D with COVID-19
Recent clinical trials have confirmed that vitamin D supplementation may be appropriate in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, as it reduces the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract, thus reducing infectivity and preventing severe symptoms. Another study showed that 84.6% of patients with severe COVID-19 who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit had vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng / ml).
When ordering vitamin D or other dietary supplements, remember – before taking them you need to consult a doctor.
Zinc is the next important trace element for our immunity. When zinc levels are low, the immune system is significantly weakened due to a sharp drop in the level of white blood cells that fight viruses. If zinc is not enough, the entire immune system is compromised.
Zinc deficiency can provoke alarming symptoms: hair loss, diarrhea, impotence, impaired immune function.
According to the recommendations of the US National Institutes of Health, the rate of zinc per day: for adults – 8 mg, for men – 11 mg.
There are studies that indicate the antiviral properties of zinc. Thus, a prophylactic dose of this trace element can reduce the duration of the common cold.
Vitamin C – vital for the immune system, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that damage and destroy healthy cells.
Vitamin C supplementation can be useful for people who endure very intense physical activity, during periods of increased stress and, if necessary, the immune system.
It has also been suggested that regular intake of vitamin C may reduce the duration of colds in 8% of adults and 14% of children.
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Omega-3 and Vitamin D. Omega-3 is the collective name for fatty acids. Omega-3s are needed by the body to form membranes around neurons, the synthesis of molecules through which the cells of the immune system communicate with each other.
Omega-3 also regulates fat metabolism, blood pressure, cardiovascular system, supports the brain and nervous system.
To maintain a sufficient level of omega-3 fatty acids in the body, you need to eat fatty sea fish twice a week: herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines. If this is not possible – taking supplements – a good alternative.
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Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to the class of flavonoids (water-soluble plant substances). Quercetin is able to remove free radicals and suppress the oxidation of various molecules. Therefore, this antioxidant protects the body from the effects of the negative effects of free radicals, in particular, damage to cell membranes, changes in DNA.
There are studies that have confirmed the positive effects of quercetin on immune function and the ability to increase intracellular levels of zinc ion, a form of zinc that inhibits replicase, an enzyme used by viruses to replicate in human cells.
Zinc and other Supplements for COVID-19 Immunity – Bottomline
You need to consider Supplements for COVID-19 Immunity as additional support for your body after checking with your doctor.
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