I’ve always been a great believer in supplements for maintaining optimum health and if ever there was a time to start taking them, surely that time is now. It’s been widely acknowledged that good health is crucial to fighting off and surviving Covid.
The most vulnerable are those with underlying conditions. Many of these conditions (diabetes, obesity) come from our lifestyles and diet.
Losing weight is key as is exercise and a healthy diet
But what of supplements? I have read numerous articles over the last year on the importance of certain supplements and how people who are deficient in these are often the people who get the virus more severely.
So which supplements are we talking about?
Here is a list of the supplements that I believe could help protect you the most:
Vitamin D –
One of the least expensive vitamins on the market and one of the most important. Many people suffering from a severe reaction to Covid were found to be deficient in vitamin D. Taking this could be one of the most beneficial strategies to minimise risk of infection, not just from Covid but other infections as well. It can strengthen your immune system within weeks. I recommend a high dose version of D3 ( I take 5000 iu’s a day) and take it alongside K2 for maximum effect. In the summer if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you can reduce the number of iu’s. Remember, however, that if you are covered in sunblock your skin will NOT be making vitamin D.
Below is a link to an assortment of D vitamins in different strengths and also includes some sprays. I take the Life Extension 5000iu. I will remain on this dosage through the summer as I ALWAYS wear an SPF.
Vitamin C –
Many studies have proven that vitamin C can be very helpful in the treatment of viral illnesses. A recent test I did showed that I was deficient (despite my quite full on supplement regime) and I have now increased my dosage to 3000 mg a day. I recommend this amount in normal circumstances for everyone and would most definitely recommend it in the present situation. Our body does not make vitamin C and will excrete any excess. Best to take a time release version several times a day.
If you get a virus then up the dosage to at least 5000mg. If you start getting a loose stool then you have gone too far and reduce to a comfortable amount.
Quercitin –
This is a powerful immune booster as well a broad-spectrum anti-viral. It was initially used as protection against SARS which is also a coronavirus. Evidence suggests it may help prevent and also treat coronaviruses. In our household we have been taking this daily for the last year.
B Vitamins –
These have been found to influence Covid specific disease processes, including viral replication and cytokine storm induction. It’s also very good for stress which is a bonus in the circumstances.
The link below takes you to one of my favourite versions but while on the site you can check out the rest of the choices which are many. There are some that contain vitamin C as well but usually in small doses so you can go ahead with a separate vitamin C supplement as suggested.
Zinc –
This plays a vital role in helping your immune system to ward off viral infections. It also helps block viral replication in minutes. A zinc deficiency can reduce immune function. Zinc is something I’m never without and have been taking it for years.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) –
This is a precursor to glutathione which appears to play a crucial role in Covid. Some studies have suggested that a deficiency may actually be associated with Covid severity. It may therefore work for both prevention and treatment. I have just added this to my regime for the first time.
I take all of the above and feel I’m being proactive in protecting myself.
If you don’t take any supplements and would like to give it a try, you could start with just a couple and see how you go. I would recommend starting with Vitamins D and C to begin with as these are both so important right now.
I also do my best to keep on top of health issues and exercise very day. If nothing else, this awful pandemic has shown us how truly important it is to take care of our health as best we can. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated and we all struggle on some days. However popping a supplement is probably the easiest part of all.
