Your immune system is important in fighting viruses, and may help you launch an effective battle against Covid-19.
So, it’s a good idea to optimize that system, right?
Although it seems like no one knows a lot about Covid-19, we are learning more day-by-day. And some information out there suggests that certain nutrients can be effective in limiting the severity and duration of the disease.
Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed with Covid-19. Her doctor recommended nutritional supplements to the family to help fight the virus.
She shared the information with me and I passed it on to other friends who confirmed that they’d got similar advice from their health care providers.
Here’s the rundown.
Vitamin D
The course my friend’s doctor prescribed:
5000 IU Vitamin D for 5 days
Why only 5 days? Vitamin D is non-soluble and can be toxic in high doses. It helps if you know if you have a history of Vitamin D deficiency.
Whether vitamin D helps with Covid-19 is still being studied, but there is some correlative evidence in its favor.
The most conservative course would be to check with your own doctor before supplementing with Vitamin D.
Vitamin C
The doctor suggested:
1000 mg Vitamin C, three times a day, for at least 14 days
Vitamin C is always suggested to boost immunity as it is a powerful antioxident.
This amount is very high compared to the recommended daily allowance of 90-120 mg.
From personal experience, I can tell you that Covid-19 brought on a craving for intense antioxidents like vitamin C. It was like my body knew what it needed.
Although the body doesn’t store vitamin C like it does vitamin D, high doses can cause upset an stomach.
Again, a conservative approach is to check with your own doctor. You can also read more about Covid-19 and vitamin C here.
Zinc
The doctor suggested:
50 mg zinc per day
Zinc has been shown to help lessen the severity of some viruses. There is no evidence to date that it is effective against Covid-19.
Interestingly, zinc deficiency can reduce the ability to taste food. Sound familiar?
50 mg is a high dose of zinc, so if you decide to supplement in this amount you should seek medical advice.
Zinc gluconate and picolinate are the recommended forms of this mineral. Nasal sprays are not recommended.
Probiotics: Are They Effective Against Covid-19?
The doctor had no specific directions, but let’s assume that you follow the directions on your favorite probiotic supplement. Does it help?
The aim is to enhance your digestive system so that the virus passes through you quickly and efficienctly.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine caution against some people taking unproven probiotic supplements because “People with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems are at greater risk for harmful side effects from probiotics.
Further, the Academies state that there is no evidence that probiotics are effective against Covid-19.
Again, based on my own experience, eating plain yogurt does help with the nausea.
But you know the bottom line: always check with your own doctor before taking dietary supplements.
We’re All Probably Gonna Get It
Until there is a proven vaccine, the fact is that most of the population will be infected with Covid-19 sooner or later.
If you can lessen the severity and course of the illness, of course you want to do that.
If you can avoid the whole thing, so much the better.
But at the very least we can all strive to “flatten the curve” so that the most severe cases and most vulnerable populations can receive proper medical care.
Good health to you.
This article is informational and anecdotal and is not intended as medical advice. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider for your own individualized recommendations.