Supplements & Vitamins During COVID-19

Supplements & Vitamins During COVID-19

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • There are numerous vitamins and food supplements that can play a key role in boosting our immunity. However it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist on the amounts suitable for your body and diet as this differs from person to person.
  • IV vitamin therapy can help prevent infection, boost immunity, reduce stress, rehabilitate the body, and leave the skin looking revitalized. One session takes a mere 30-40 minutes to complete.
  • In addition to vitamins and certain foods, taking care of our immune system should also involve lifestyle changes, such as reducing exposure to stress, getting plenty of quality sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.

Nobody could have anticipated that a seemingly insignificant virus called ‘Coronavirus’ would turn into the devastating Covid-19 pandemic that has had an impact on most countries throughout the world. Covid-19 can affect anybody at any age of their lives, and it has had a massive effect on all of us, with most people now more aware of the importance of maintaining good health than ever before.

This ‘new normal’ is reflected in our use of face masks to prevent the spread of infection whenever we leave home, as well as in the alcohol-based hand gels we carry around with us to enable the regular washing of hands. However, even the most vigilant hand washing and mask wearing may not be sufficient to offer full protection from this virus, which is why taking care of our bodies from the inside out has become a hot topic of conversation. Indeed, in addition to vaccines, the following techniques can be highly effective in boosting our immunity agaagainstinst disease.

How can we boost our immunity to disease?

1. Reducing stress

Engaging in enjoyable hobbies or meditating can help reduce stress, which is crucial because accumulated stress releases hormones that inhibit the body’s response to viruses and disease.

2. Getting sufficient rest each night

High quality sleep aids the body’s production of cytokines that help to reduce inflammation, fight off infection, and boost immunity.

3.Exercising or increasing movement 

Exercising can increase circulation, ensuring cells are oxygenated, while strengthening and increasing the number of white blood cells available. Additionally, exercise stimulates growth hormone production in the brain, with these hormones responsible for producing some types of white blood cell that fight off viruses and invalid pathogens.

4. Eating a balanced diet and increasing consumption of foods containing antioxidants.

Details of how to do this are as follows:

  • Try to eat a diet consisting of the 5 main food groups in moderation
  • Select slow-release energy foods and those that are high in fiber, such as brown rice, grains, and fruits like guavas and apples, as these aid digestion and prevent snacking in between meals
  • Eat a diverse range of fruits and vegetables because each type has its own unique health benefits.
  • Avoid processed foods, including ham, bacon, and sausages, as well as chargrilled dishes
  • Steer clear of sugary foods, such as sweets, fizzy drinks, and sweetened juices
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages

5.Taking Vitamin supplements to boost immunity

The following are recommended for those who feel they are not getting sufficient vitamins and minerals from their diets or who wish to boost their immunity using supplements.

  • Vitamin C in doses of 500–2,000mg a day can aid white blood cell function and help the body in its fight against disease. Consulting with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended before taking any supplements because they will be able to calculate the correct dosage, which differs from person to person. For instance, children aged 1–8 years should only consume 25–40mg a day, while 9–18-year-olds should take on 60–100mg per day. For adults, this number goes up to 95–100mg each day, although individuals of all ages should supplement this with a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C, including guavas, oranges, cherries, berries, kiwis, tamarinds, bell pepper, broccoli, kale and spinach.
  • Vitamin D is not only responsible for helping the body absorb calcium, but it also plays a key role in stimulating cellular immune system response by improving monocyte and macrophage white blood cell function. These types of white blood cell are vital to reducing inflammation and fighting off disease and other contaminants. Vitamin D can be found in the following foods: fish, milk, egg yolks, cheese, fish liver, red meat liver and mushroom. Anyone considering using vitamin D supplements should first consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding appropriate dosage for their unique needs.
  • Zinc is good for the skin, hair, nails, and reproductive system, but it is also crucial to white blood cell function. Foods containing high levels of zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, pumpkin seeds and grains. It is recommended that healthy people consume between 15–45mg of zinc per day, with greater amounts only advisable after a consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids aid the production of cells found in the brain and retina, while they also improve the functioning capabilities of other cells throughout the body, reduce inflammation caused by stress, and play a key role in white blood cell function. Omega 3 fatty acids are usually sourced from fish and seafood, fish oils, nuts and grain oils. Those wishing to take omega 3 supplements are advised to consume between 500–1,500mg per day.

6. Using tailored supplement programs

People should be undergoing health screening to help them find out which vitamin and mineral supplements are lacking. The doctor in charge of this screening will then be able to design the supplement program that best caters to their needs.

7. IV vitamin therapy

This is the fastest way to introduce vitamins into the body and can help to prevent infection as this therapy can boost immunity. Moreover, IV vitamin therapy can help to reduce stress, rehabilitate the body and revitalize the skin. One session takes only approximately 30–40 minutes to complete.

Current techniques used to screen a person’s immunity levels

  • A complete blood count test can detect any irregularities in the make-up of the person’s blood, such as those affecting white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This information will provide medical staff with an overview of that person’s level of immunity.
  • Vitamin D screening may be necessary because this vitamin is directly associated with immune system strength.

What to do if results indicate low immunity

Medical staff will provide a tailored program aimed at strengthening immunity, which will involve lifestyle modifications, nutrition advice, and an exercise regime. Abiding by the advice provided by the medical staff will help one steer clear of illness and disease.

Reference

Rating

Already have an account?