Covid Precautions-Your Immunity

Covid Precautions-Your Immunity

Your immunity. We know anyone with preexisting conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune, asthma, obesity, poor diet, high stress are at higher risk for contraction and higher severity of symptoms. All these conditions are associated with inflammation which weakens the immune system. There are many things you can do to boost your immune system. While this may not prevent you from getting the virus, it can greatly lesson your symptoms should you acquire it. (Potentially making you an unknown carrier). 

Diet: Processed, fast foods are high in sodium and preservatives causing high blood pressure heart disease, obesity and diabetes.  Try to eliminate at least one processed food from your daily meal plan and exchange it for a fresh ingredient, fresh vegetable from the farmers market, water in place of soda or juice. 

Essential Nutrients: There are a few key antiviral nutrients. Keeping optimal levels helps to maintain your immune system and fight of viral infections. 

Zinc: zinc has over 150 different functions in the body, it is an essential part of the

                     viral fighting part of the immune system, taste and smell.                                                Low zinc levels are not uncommon. 

                     The controversial drug hydroxychloroquin pushes zinc into the cell to help fight 

                     viruses.  Having optimal levels is enough. Zinc is found in Very high amounts in

                     oysters, 10x’s more than any other food! Beef, chicken and pumpkin seeds are 

                      other decent sources.   

                     I recommend 15mg of zinc daily for the next 2-3 months to boost levels. 

                     Take with food as it can upset the stomach. Do not take does higher than 20 mg

                     for longer than a couple months without testing. 

Vitamin D: another essential vitamin for immune and mental health. Vitamin D is actually

               a steroid and not a vitamin at all. Studies have shown that optimal levels of 

                       Vitamin D can ward off viruses, most notable the influenza virus. Living in Mt, 

                        we receive Vitamin D from the sun for only 4-5 months of the year. Supplementing is essential, Kids and adults alike. I make Vitamin D testing 

                        a regular part of annual exams.  Daily dose for adult age 15 and up 5,000IU 

Vitamin C: this vitamin has long been known as an immune fighter. It also decreases

             systemic inflammation. 1,000mg daily will help support your health over the 

                        next couple months. 

Vitamin A:also a potent immune support nutrient. Vitamin A is a fat soluble 

                        vitamin, so extra supplementation is recommended with caution. 

                         Excellent food sources of Vitamin A are all the yellow and orange foods- 

                         Sweet potatoes, carrots, yellow peppers. squash, Beef liver highest of all

At Glacier Women’s Health we offer nutrient testing to ensure the right dose for individuals. Medicare covers a full nutrient panel which I offer to Medicare patients.