As we continue to see the pandemic of COVID-19 spread, many people feel a little helpless as they wait for scientists to develop a vaccine. A lot of educational focus has been on actionable steps people can take to minimize the spread of the virus, however, we also need to be discussing the steps that can be taken to strengthen each individual’s immune system so that if they are exposed to the virus, the outcome is much more favorable.
As a healthcare worker, I’m going to share the things I am doing to keep myself healthy, and if you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact me for a consultation, either in-person or via telemedicine.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in immune function. Daily doses range from 5 mg to 50 mg, with 10-20 mg/day being average. I have personally been taking 20 mg/day of zinc each morning.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone. It plays essential roles in immune function, brain health mood, thyroid function, and hormonal balance to name a few. One recently published study looked at the vitamin D levels of people admitted to the ICU with COVID-19, and found that people with the lowest Vitamin D levels had the worst outcomes, people with mild Vitamin D deficiencies has slightly less severe outcomes, and people with the highest levels of vitamin D (which, in this study, were still on the low end of normal at 31) had the best outcomes. More research is needed, however, this clear trend provides a window into the importance of Vitamin D.
Monitoring Vit D levels and supplementing with Vitamin D accordingly is more important than ever before. You can order your own Vitamin D test online, and do the test from the safety and comfort of your own home with EverlyWell for just $49. https://www.everlywell.com/products/vitamin-d-test/
EverlyWell provides a combination test that looks at Vit D and CRP, which is an indication of inflammation levels in the body. I recommend doing this combo test if you are overweight or obese, have chronic pain, respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is so much more than ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is simply one compound in the Vitamin C family. I take a Vitamin C complex sourced from whole foods for a complete family of immune supporting nutrients.
Chinese Herbal MedicineChinese medicine has a long history of treating bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Many compounds in Chinese herbs have been isolated, tested, and turned into pharmaceuticals due to their powerful healing effects. We stock our clinic with both time-tested herbal formulas as well as single herbs, in order to create custom formulas for each individual. For example, a dry cough is treated with different herbs than a phlegmy cough. A cold, in its initial stage with a sore throat and fever is treated with different herbs than a late-stage cold with sinus congestion and fatigue. Chinese herbs are powerful when applied at the right time, and in the right combinations.
We consult with people through telemedicine, and ship herbs that same day, so if you are not feeling well, you can get care without needing to leave your home. You can reach us at 651-323-0005, or schedule a telemedicine appointment through our website https://www.healingresponseneuro.com/appointments.
Stay safe, be well, and supercharge your immune system.