There are a number of measures we can all take now to improve our innate immunity, as well as reduce transmission to the vulnerable. A general principle of medicine is that the status of one’s immune system and overall health determines morbidity and mortality, and likely our susceptibility to infection in the first place. Briefly, these nutritional recommendations to improve immune system function include:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has long been recognized as a nutrient used both preventively and to reduce symptoms of infectious diseases. The preferred type of vitamin C recommended by health practitioners is either ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, or Liposomal Vitamin C. [1]
Dr. Kendrick’s Advice: Take at least 2g of Vitamin daily C to ‘prevent’ infection, probably more like 5g. Increase the dose to at least 10g if you are suffering symptoms.
Vitamin A & D
Vitamin A & D have important effects on the immune system. A low vitamin D level in the winter is almost certainly why flu epidemics occur in the winter months. Vitamin D is synthesized in the sun by the action of sunlight. Vitamin A and D work in synergy. If Vit D is taken without Vit A, the body’s crucial Vit A stores can be depleted.
The safest and most effective way to get adequate levels of both Vitamin A and D is through real foods that are known to carry both vitamins in the amounts and types that nature has so elegantly designed. This relationship between Vitamins A and D is explained in the video interview of Sally Fallon Morell that is linked below.
Eat a Nutrient Dense Diet
Eating the right foods that support a strong and resilient immune system is key to building and maintaining good health. The Weston A Price Foundation is an important resource that focuses on improving health through a nutrient dense diet. This is a link to a conversation with Sally Fallon Morell, head of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
In brief, the recipe for protecting us from infection is an old-fashioned, home-prepared diet that is rich in butter, eggs, cheese and nutrient-dense animal foods like liver and red meat. Fruits and vegetables can serve as vehicles for butter and cream. The addition of real milk (where available), fermented foods, bone broths and cod liver oil all support a healthy immune system.
Avoid Sugar
There is ample research that sugar negatively impacts your immune system for up to five hours. During times of infection it is recommended to limit your intake of sugar including sweeteners as glucose, fructose and sucrose.
Stay Positive
Negative emotions such as fear, worry, and anxiety can negatively affect our immune response and create increased vulnerability to infection. In the same way, positive emotions as joy, gratitude, even laughter can strengthen our immune response. Kelly Brogan MD has just released this video message to help “dispel fear.”
Melatonin
Numerous studies have revealed that melatonin, known for its effects on sleep, also exerts beneficial effects on our health. Melatonin is able to modulate the immune system, especially the critical function of suppressing cytokine storms to prevent progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure in infected patients. Innovative ways to encourage the body’s own production of melatonin are discussed in this article.
The Importance of Fever
Fever is an indication that your immune system is working to fight an infection. Your immune system naturally raises the temperature of your body as a means to kill off viruses and bacteria. It’s important to allow a fever to do its work. Taking fever reducing drugs can negatively affect your body’s ability to fight infection, possibly making the infection worse. Dr. John Campbell explains why over the counter drugs may increase the risk of complication when there is an infection.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a 200 year old practice of naturally stimulating the body’s innate healing capacity. Sonya McLeod has written an extensive review on the use of homeopathic remedies for prevention and treatment of COVID -19 symptoms.
Impact of the Influenza Vaccine
Research reveals that the influenza vaccine can increase the risk of infection by other non-influenza respiratory viruses. Studies have shown a dose dependent relationship between the number of influenza vaccines received and susceptibility to a pandemic virus.
To better understand the importance of each of these strategies and the research underpinning and verifying their ability to improve health, please refer to the rich resources compiled by Edda West in: Pandemic Times – Resources and Helpful Information to Consider.
Be calm. Be kind. Be well.
[1] Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases & Toxins by Dr. Thomas Levy, page 444