*Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Being chronically sleep deprived can wreak havoc on your immune system. Melatonin, the body’s “sleep hormone,” is a powerful immune booster that can help combat viral infection. 10:30 PM is the recommended bedtime.
*Keep stress levels under control.
*Get moderate but regular physical exercise.
*Get 20 minutes of sun on your face and arms in the morning from 8-12. Best Vitamin D this way!
*Eat nutritious food and keep sugar, refined flours, and processed food to a minimum.
*About 70% of the cells that make up your immune system are found in your gut. Eat fermented foods such as natural yogurt, raw sauerkraut, and kombucha. Consider a quality probiotic and prebiotic supplement that contains the Myoviridae family of bacteriophages that can actually kill bad bugs in your gut.
*Drink 2-3 liters water per day.
*Supplements to Boost Your Immunity
In addition to quality sleep and eating a healthy diet, certain supplements can strengthen your immune system and may help fight off viral infections including coronavirus.
*Vitamin C is widely recommended for its immune-boosting properties and ability to help the body fight viral infections. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is my preferred form.
*Probiotics with Prebiotics. As noted above, much of the immune system resides in the gut. A probiotic and prebiotic supplment that contains the Myoviridae family of bacteriophages that can actually help kill bad bugs in your gut.
*Lactoferrin is an immune modulator found in saliva, tears and breast milk. It has been studied for its ability to prevent viruses from binding to cell receptor sites.
*Vitamin D supplementation is particularly important during the winter when your body’s natural vitamin D production is lowered due to decreased sun exposure. During acute challenges, it may help for adults to take a supplement containing at least 5,000 units of vitamin D every day, with up to 10,000 IU being considered safe for short-term use.
*Selenium and Zinc are naturally occurring essential minerals with potent immune-boosting properties.
*Astragalus is known to boost white blood cell production. It is an adaptogen, meaning it helps regulate the body’s stress responses, which closely ties in with immunity.
*Mushrooms contain beta glucans and triterpenes, plus other natural substances known to aid immune function.
*Enzymatically modified rice bran. The NK Cell Activator is a lesser-known supplement which has been shown to significantly boost natural killer (NK) cell activity.
*Fulvic Acid with Trace Minerals. In addition to well-known minerals like calcium and zinc, there are many trace minerals thought to be beneficial to overall health and immune function. (Hint: Take this with juice to mask the concentrated flavor.)
*Supplements to Fight Coronavirus Once You’re Infected
*Garlic. Allicin, the active component in garlic, has potent germ-fighting properties.
*Vitamin C. While this should be taken prior to exposure, it is also very important once you’ve been exposed. Due to the amount needed for fighting an active infection, I recommend using a powdered vitamin C supplement and taking bioflavonoids along with C for maximum benefit. It is recommended to take vitamin C on an hourly basis to bowel tolerance during acute infections.
*Elderberry. High in immune boosting flavonoids, elderberries are known to be one of the best anti-viral botanicals. One study found that elderberry can inhibit coronavirus activity.
*Oil of oregano. Well known as a popular culinary herb, oil of oregano also has demonstrated anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity.
*Kudzu Root. One of the more popular herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, kudzu root has antiviral properties and may also help reduce cytokine storm.
*Andrographis. One of the best herbs for acute viral infections, Andrographis is thought to have broad antiviral activity.
*Olive leaf extract. Made from the leaves of (what else?) olive trees, olive leaf extract has powerful immune support with antiviral activity.
*Echinacea. Long known as a favorite traditional herb of Native Americans, Echinacea has been studied for its germ-fighting abilities. There are two main types of Echinacea (purpurea and angustifolia). I recommend an Echinacea supplement that contains both forms for maximum antiviral benefit.
*Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray. Colloidal silver has known antibacterial properties, and there is some evidence for antiviral activity. A colloidal silver nasal spray could be used to irrigate nasal passages irritated by viruses.
*Monolaurin. Derived from coconut oil, monolaurin has antiviral and antibiotic action.
*Magnesium. Most people are deficient in this essential mineral that has many important functions in the body. Magnesium chloride is the recommended form of magnesium for combating infections
*NAC: helps inhibit viral replication and pro-inflammatory cytokine molecules and is also known for its lung supporting properties.
*Turmeric is another powerful anti-inflammatory herb that may decrease cytokine storm reactions.
*Chaparral. Used to treat infections and inflammation, chaparral contains terameprocol (TMP), a natural substance that may help provide lymph support and reduce inflammatory cytokines.
(A cytokine storm is an overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds (cytokines), which, in a flu infection, is often associated with a surge of activated immune cells into the lungs. The resulting lung inflammation and fluid buildup can lead to respiratory distress and can be contaminated by a secondary bacterial pneumonia — often enhancing the mortality in patients. ~~~Science Daily)
The above link from my friend Dr. Schapira is an excellent assessment of the whole Corona virus situation. He correctly points out the importance of taking it seriously and of listening to the advice and instructions of health authorities.
I can direct you to professional quality supplements you will not find on iHerb. PM me on WhatsApp or SMS. Or reply to [email protected]
Chiropractor & Clinical Nutritionist
