Support Your Immune System Against Coronavirus, Cold and Flu Part 5 "Soak Up Some Sunshine (or Supplement with Vitamin D)
By Dr. Stephen Sinatra 03/30/2020
Soak Up Some Sunshine (or Supplement with Vitamin D)
Your bare skin has the natural ability to convert sunlight into vitamin D, a critical hormone-like substance that, among many other benefits, exerts a fundamental role in maintaining immune system effectiveness and protection against upper respiratory infections, including the common cold, flu, and pneumonia.
Fall and winter, however, mean less available sunlight, particularly in the northeast where I live. But many people, even if they live in the Sunbelt, don’t get out into the sunshine enough. So, no matter where you live, make an effort to get out in the midday sun (10 AM to 2 PM) for 20 minutes or so to stoke your vitamin D supply, and as “insurance” supplement with 2,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. Experts increasingly regard vitamin D as “a new anti-infective agent” that can impact a broad array of pathogens, and, as I have already reported, helps reduce infections and antibiotic use, even among the more susceptible elderly population.
Take Targeted Nutritional Supplements
In addition to vitamin D3, many potent nutritional supplements can power up your immune system and help keep it running optimally. Here’s a rundown on some of my favorites:
Multivitamin and mineral–Everyone stands to benefit from a high-quality formula loaded with basic vitamins and minerals, some of which may be in short supply in a typical Western diet.
Garlic–As an Italian, I have great respect, not just for the flavor boost of garlic in food but also for the powerful boost it provides to the immune system. As a supplement, look for high allicin content. Allicin is the potent sulfur compound in garlic with the knockout punch. I recommend 1,000 mg a day of garlic. You may develop a garlic breath, but if that is a problem, look for odorless products.
Vitamin C–Decades ago, Linus Pauling popularized the cold-and-flu-protecting properties of vitamin C. Nothing has changed my mind on the value of this supremely important vitamin. For prevention, take at least 1,000 mg a day.
Licorice Root Tincture–Take 20 or so drops under the tongue twice a day. Licorice root has long been used as a folk or traditional remedy for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis. Just a cautionary note on licorice root: don’t take it longer than 10 days and check with your doctor when considering using it if you have high blood pressure (it has the potential to raise blood pressure because of an altering effect on potassium in the body).
Resveratrol–Naturally found in the skin of red grapes, this compound helps prevent virus replication. Recommendation dosage: 50-200 mg a day.
Curcumin–This celebrated extract from the curry spice turmeric has been repeatedly shown to have a wide and powerful inhibiting effect on many types of microbes, including influenza viruses and herpes simplex virus. Take 250 mg routinely, increasing to 1,000 mg if you are coming down with something. It is interesting to note that the combination of resveratrol and curcumin has been featured in a number of studies showing a synergistic (heightened) effect together against cancer cells.
N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC)–This most important amino acid serves as a building block for glutathione, your body’s most natural immune-supporting antioxidant. Research has shown that 1,000 mg a day can significantly decrease the frequency of influenza-like episodes, as well as severity and length of time confined to bed.
Astragalus–An incredible adaptogenic root herb, astragalus helps protect the body against physical, environmental, and even emotional stressors. It has a long history of medicinal use in China to strengthen the immune system. As an antioxidant and expectorant, it supports lung and bronchial function. I have been taking it for the last 10 to 15 years. I learned about astragalus from my son, Dr. Drew Sinatra, a naturopathic physician with a keen interest in lung health (he struggled with asthma throughout childhood).
Note: If you take licorice root tincture, and high-dose resveratrol, curcumin, and NAC, it is advisable to use them for four weeks and then skip 3 days during the viral epidemic cycle to give your immune system a rest.
Additionally, I like:
Beta-glucans–Biologically active compounds from yeast, fungi, and seaweed, beta-glucans boost the immune system’s ability to destroy pathogens in the small intestine. Studies have shown synergistic potency when using beta-glucans in combination with vitamin C and resveratrol. Take 10 mg daily as a preventative, and 10-20 mg daily at the onset of symptoms.
Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC)–a powerful and diverse mushroom formula with acetylated alpha-glucan, AHCC can increase natural killer cell activity. Take 1.5-3 grams daily.
Black Elderberry–Used for centuries to help fight colds and flu, black elderberries are rich in polyphenolic compounds called anthocyanins–powerful antioxidant flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties. Available in syrup and gummy form, elderberry is a convenient immune booster for children and pill-averse adults. Take at first sign of symptoms to reduce the duration.
Oil of Oregano–An anti-viral agent, I like a liquid extract and would dose 2 drops under tongue, or mixed with 4 oz (or more) of juice or water 1-2 times daily. If you take capsules, it is best to take it with food to avoid stomach irritation.
Posted By: Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Saturday, April 18th 2020 at 9:17PM
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