This question has been coming up a lot lately, especially since the first diagnosed case of Coronavirus in Carver County. Most of the information out there is about washing your hands, wearing a mask, sneezing/coughing into your elbow instead of your hands, etc. These are, of course, good recommendations that we believe people should follow. But there are certainly more things you can do to protect yourself from not only the Coronavirus, but all viruses!
How Can I Protect Myself and My Family?
We’ve put together a list of ways you can maximize your immune function, and therefore help protect yourself from the Coronavirus and all other viruses that are going around.
FOUR FREE STEPS TO MAXIMIZE IMMUNE FUNCTION
- If you are feeling tired or run down…SLEEP! Sleep is the period of time where our body is recuperating and regenerating. The key to understand this is OXYGEN, which leads me to #2.
- Oxygen. Oxygen is a necessary component of making energy in the body. We need lots of energy to fight infections. When we are sick, we need more oxygen as a fuel source to help make energy. So, when we are tired and we continue to work (computer, reading, exercise, thinking in general) we are utilizing precious oxygen for that activity instead of allowing that oxygen to be diverted to making energy to fight an infection.
- NO SUGAR! Sugar has been shown to suppress the immune system for 6 hours! When fighting any infection, we want to have an optimally functioning immune system.
- If you have a fever, don’t eat. Take a fast from eating if you can. If you absolutely must have something to eat, sip on bone broth or have some chicken noodle soup (without the noodles because they are sugar.) The reason goes back to energy production again. If you eat, your digestive system requires a lot of energy to digest your food. Once again, let your body use it’s energy for fighting the infection.
MAXIMUM IMMUNE SUPPORT
Following the above steps to boost your immune system will give you a ‘leg up’ against viruses. Sometimes, though, our bodies still need extra support – especially when facing some nasty bugs like Coronavirus and the flu. Below are general guidelines for supplements that give your immune system that extra boost. Dosages below are for adults. In general, children’s dosages should be ~1/2 the amount. If a dosage is not listed, follow the instructions on the label. We’ve included in parenthesis our favorite brands for each supplement.
The Basics: What Every Household Should Have
- Vitamin D3* (Apex): Supports T-Regulatory cells of the immune system. 5,000-6,000 IU per day.
- Vitamin A* (Apex): Supports T-Regulatory cells of the immune system. 5,000-10,000 IU per day.
- Congaplex (Standard Process): Supports healthy immune system function, Supports the thymus gland, Contains ribonucleic acid, which the body uses to build new cells. 2-3 capsules 3x/day.
- Optimal Zinc* (Seeking Health): Zinc may help support normal cell growth, a healthy immune system, and healthy wound repair processes. It is an essential mineral that activates more than 70 enzymes within the human body, including those that assist with protein synthesis. One lozenge per day.
- Nucleo Immune™ (Premier Research Labs): Promotes protein synthesis, cellular vitality, beneficial intestinal flora and immune system health. This formula features Nucleo-Pro™, a proprietary nucleotide blend that contains mixed 5’-ribonucleotides. Nucleotides provide the basis for all cellular structure, including RNA and DNA. 2-3 capsules, 3x/day.
Going the Extra Mile: Extra Protection For You and the Family
The following supplements are recommended in addition to all the supplements above in “The Basics.”
- Optimal Liposomal Vitamin C* (Seeking Health): Vitamin C is needed by the body to support the immune system, connective tissue and skin, and to recycle glutathione. In the body, as an antioxidant, Vitamin C may help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Optimal Liposomal Vitamin C uses a unique liposomal delivery method to support optimal absorption through the digestive tract. 1,000-2,000 mg/day.
- Optimal Liposomal Glutathione (Seeking Health): Glutathione is an important antioxidant that is naturally found in every cell in the body, providing protection from free radicals and peroxides. This antioxidant is essential in helping the body’s cellular defenses and immune system function at full capacity. In the body, glutathione acts as a cell protectant. Optimal Liposomal Glutathione uses a unique liposomal delivery method to support optimal absorption through the digestive tract. Adults: 1 teaspoon, kids: a couple of drops. If using Trizomal Glutathione, adults: 5ml 1-2x/day and kids 2mL. (Another glutathione option is Trizomal Glutathione from Apex Energetics.)
Maximum Defense: The Gold Standard of Support
The following supplements are recommended in addition to all the supplements above in “The Basics” and “Going the Extra Mile.”
- PQQ (Premier Research Labs): A powerful anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger that promotes the overall health of mitochondrial DNA. The mitochondria are where energy (ATP) is made to help fight infections. Use as directed on label.
- Melatonin (Premier Research Labs): Mitochondria are the powerhouses of every cell in your body! The stronger your mitochondria, the longer you will live. Melatonin is a great all-around natural anti-inflammatory. One of the major causes of inflammation in the body is NF Kappa Beta (NFkB). Melatonin inhibits production of NFkB. Melatonin is an amazing immune system booster. Adults: 1mL and kids .25mL daily. (UPDATE: The US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health have published an article about Melatonin as a potential adjuvant treatment for COVID-19)
We know that affording all of these supplements isn’t cheap. But we think it’s important for our community to boost their immune systems as much as possible, helping to keep not only themselves and family healthy, but helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other viruses in general, so we’re offering 10% off the ‘the basics’ when purchased as a bundle. Purchasing ‘the basics’ also gets you 10% off any supplements listed in ‘going the extra mile’ and ‘maximum defense’.
Take care of yourselves. Take care of others.
God bless!
*Update as of 9/15/21: We now carry a supplement, Immune Intensive, which is a combination of Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Zinc. This is a great combination that saves you money! Immune Intensive is not included in the 10% off bundle, as it replaces the need to purchase as many separate supplements.
