Updtd 2/5/22
While many public health strategies have evolved, there has been little mention of the immune system and how this could be strengthened to help protect against viral infections, and yes, even SARS2.
It has been recognized that a ‘well-fed’ immune system is one way of helping to provide defense against pathogenic organisms. It has been stated that an ideal immune system should be ‘constantly alert and monitoring for signs of danger or invasion. Improve their overall health in order or ward off this virus better, any virus for that matter...
But NOT A PEEP on that topic!!
There is a current evidence base relating to immuno-nutrition, with a particular focus on respiratory viruses. Within the nutrition sector a promising body of evidence studying inter-relationships between certain nutrients and immune competence already exists.
This could potentially be an important player in helping the body to deal with the corona viruses, especially among elders. Evidence for vitamins C, D and zinc and their roles in preventing pneumonia and respiratory infections (vitamins C and D) and reinforcing immunity (zinc) appears to look particularly promising.
The human immune system consists of four central components, which I have discussed on previous occasions — T cells, B cells, the complement system and phagocytes which are vital in defending the organism against foreign intruders. The immune system is the body’s primary defense barrier against infections, and thus any weaknesses could be potentially detrimental to the host.
I won’t even touch on our adaptive immune system and our innate immune system in this write up since I have done it in other write ups.
It has been recognized that a ‘well-fed’ immune system is one way of helping to provide defense against pathogenic organisms. It has been stated that an ideal immune system should be ‘constantly alert and monitoring for signs of danger or invasion.
One of the leading experts in nutritional immunology, Philip Calder, has published widely on this topic. In his article ‘Feeding the Immune System’, he explains that the immune system functions by acting as an exclusion barrier, identifying and eliminating pathogens and involving complex interplay between many different cell types and chemical mediators.
Unfortunately a decline in immune function is usually inevitable with aging, lack of improper lifestyle which includes diet, exercise, among others I will be mentioning.
We are in the information era, which many are seemingly ignoring and/or being ignorant to and with this there are many online nutritional myths about how to bolster the immune system. However, a number of scientific reviews and research publications have been published focusing on the role of diet and specific nutrients in the immune system.
An array of micronutrients are required to meet the complex needs of the immune system, including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6 , B12, folate, copper, iron, zinc and selenium, black seed oil, magnesium, and iodine which is a trace mineral. With many of these having potential synergistic relationships-which means they work together> Of the evidence, however, it was concluded that the largest body of evidence related to immune function existed for vitamin C, D and zinc.
I will do just a baseline on each, you can find more in other write ups and you can take target words (in pink) and start researching for yourself. I am always available to answer your questions and concerns. Just shoot me an email directly on this site.
Side notes: More on colliodal silver, black seed oil, and iodine and then there's manuka honey I just had to throw in...
~Silver Hydrosol, Colloidal Silver, Structured Silver can be used internally, (throat, viruses, mouth issues, in ear for ear infection, directly in the eyes for eye infections, sprayed in nose for sinus infections) and externally (minor cuts and burns, all sorts of rashes, skin issues and acne) It can also be used in a nebulizers to quickly kill off bronchial infections. I incorporate this one into many extracts and salves that I make.
~Iodine works in your body much like chlorine works in a pool, by killing off bad bacteria. Iodine drops can be taken internally, and applied externally. (Diluted in ears for infections, on pelvis for bladder/kidney infection, drop on belly button for stomach viruses....) Iodine is also extremely beneficial for your thyroid, which is nicknamed the "spark plug" in your body! IODINE IS A TRACE MINERAL THAT EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY NEEDS.
You can not make a single hormone without it, yet most people do not get enough of it!
Over 70% of the worlds population is deficient in iodine. Because drug companies cannot patent iodine and make a huge profit, there has not been much of a change in iodine treatment in the last 50 years.
in search bar on the FB Wellness sight just type in Iodine and other posts will come up with much more info.
~Black seed oil- a favorite of mine!!! Black seed oil is high in antioxidants and may have several benefits for health. It is also great for topical use - bruising and on closed wound trauma injury recovery. ...Oh so much more. Oil of oregano is similar to black seed oil and can be used in the same way-but I prefer Black seed oil topically which I speak of on my FB wellness page called Health & Unity Wellness. Black seed oil has most often been used by adults in doses of 1-2.5 grams by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Black seed powder has most often been used in doses of 1-2 grams by mouth daily for 8-12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/
~Manuka Honey on the other hand can be topical for both minor open wounds and bruising. For an open wound, once cleaned well coat with manuka honey and cover. Change covering once a day and you will notice it speeds up the recovery process plus cleans the wound as healing. manuka honey has so many topical (medicinal benefits).
~Historically, vitamin C has been used for immune support and is known to be acquired by neutrophils. (Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. In fact, most white blood cells that lead the immune system’s response are neutrophils.) Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens, cellular functions of the adaptive and innate immune systems, and protects against oxidative stress...
~A number of studies have investigated the interrelationships between vitamin D and its effects on respiratory viruses and conditions such as community-acquired pneumonia. It is well appreciated that vitamin D is a powerful immunoregulator, with vitamin D receptors being expressed by the majority of immune cells (B and T lymphocytes, macrophages and monocytes). It has also been proposed that immune cells themselves can convert…
~Zinc is regarded as a ‘gatekeeper’ of immune function: it is essential for the functioning of the immune system. Zinc ions play a role in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways in adaptive and innate immune cells. Zinc is also involved in inflammation, elevating inflammatory responses and inducing cell-mediated immunity, and is a key component of pathogen eliminating transduction pathways that contribute to neutrophil extracellular traps (networks which bind pathogens) formation...
Given the easy access, low cost and limited side effects of the discussed nutrients, now could be an appropriate time to trial and test their efficacy in relation to prevention, severity and recovery of such infections, IF you already are not using any of them! Start now!
I call it preventative maintenance, others call it a form of prehabilitation.
Two others, I would add, is a good probiotic and quercetin. Sourcing, ingredients and brand make a big difference as I’ve discussed in previous write ups. Not sure, reach out, I’d be happy to guide you. This is a good starting point for everyone.
There’s no reason not to continue as normal, some say a new normal, but either way you say it, we need to focus on building strong immune systems in our family. This means clean, whole foods, real foods, local or organic fruit and veggies, raw milks and cheeses, and all that of which is low in sugar. Choosing the right carbohydrates and proteins, but not too much protein. Supplementation including incorporating the correct omega’s and remembering moderation is key in many instances with some foods and drinks. Key points: water intake, sunlight, fresh air, social interaction, positive mindset, stress reduction, to name just a few....
And I am all for natural immunity, especially when it comes to our little ones. Natural immunity. Let their bodies build up as natural an immunity as possible, Let their bodies heal as they were designed to even when they have a fever that is not endangering them. A fever is the bodies way of trying to heal. A fever is not a disease. It is usually a sign that your body is trying to fight an illness or infection. Infections cause most fevers. You get a fever because your body is trying to kill the virus or bacteria that caused the infection. It is an important part of the healing process.
Give the body what it needs to heal and it will!