It’s on everyone’s mind right now, how can we protect ourselves from COVID-19 and other upper respiratory tract infections (URTI)? A new review published in the Natural Medicine Journal discusses some great natural ways to help support the immune system and help to fight off URTI’s. The title of this article is Reinforcing the Immune System with Natural Health Supplements in the Era of Covid-19 and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections by Will Cheng, MD, Jean-Yves Dionne, BPharm, and Maxime Barakat, MD, PhD. The link to the article is at the bottom of this page. Here are the highlights:

We know the immune system needs to be in tip-top shape to keep us healthy. We also know that those with weakened immune systems have worse outcomes should they contract COVID-19. Children, typically those under 9 years old, have heightened immune systems from frequently coming into contact with many germs, viruses, and pathogens while older adults, those over 70 years old, and those with other diseases often have the weakest immune systems.

What can we do? Here are 6 natural supplements and lifestyle factors that have shown promising results. More research, including large clinical trials, are needed to show efficacy, however, given these are generally safe and showed no statistically higher adverse reactions than placebo, they seem to be a great place to start. Please work with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or making any lifestyle changes.

North American Ginseng – This herb has been long studied for its powerful effects on the immune system and reducing URTI’s. The specific research that is being referenced in this article dates as far back to 2001, which goes to show that this is not new information. It is simply information that is being ignored by mainstream medicine.

Vitamin D – This hormone is essential for proper immune system function. One commonality between many of negative outcomes from COVID-19 have been deficiencies in vitamin D. Who is most at risk for deficiency? The elderly. It is estimated that at least 70% of the elderly population is deficient. Concidence? I’m not so sure. Also, those living in northern climates where the sun’s rays are not strong enough to penetrate the skin also have a good chance of being vitamin D deficient.

Zinc – Zinc has demonstrated antiviral properties. Although much more research is needed, researchers suggest it may be useful as a prophylactic for URTI’s and COVID-19.  

A Healthy Diet – Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes are both considered lifestyle diseases because they are majorly impacted by the food we consume and activity levels. Working on eating more healthy foods while eliminating processed, calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods will reduce the risk for both these diseases as well as many others. We have seen that those with co-morbidities have a greater chance for negative outcomes with COVID-19 and UTRI’s.

Regular Exercise – Physical activity helps to prevent disease. Those who are active tend to also have other healthy habits as well has have a healthy body mass index (BMI). Aim to get at least an hour of physical activity most days of the week.

Quality Sleep – Adequate sleep helps the adaptive immune response work its best which is important for fighting off infections of all types. Sleep is also the time when the body does some of its best work. Inconsistent sleep throws that off.

Again, please be sure to work with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning a supplement regime. Diagnostic testing is recommended before beginning vitamin D supplementation. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not designed to treat or diagnose any disease or illness.

Check out the full article here:

https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2020-12/reinforcing-immune-system-natural-health-supplements-era-covid-19-and-upper

 Cheers to your immune system! Have a great day!

Peace, love & kale!

Lindsay