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Good nutrition is essential for the body’s immune system to function optimally.
However, most diets are deficient in the vitamins and minerals needed for a strong immune defense. In other words, most diets need a little help.
Supplements or nutraceuticals encourage a boost in nutrient status to positively influence immune function.
For those that are at higher risk of infection due to age or an underlying condition, specific supplements may be even more important in providing an additional layer of protection.
Your body knows how to fight a virus. The immune system is a complex system of organs, tissues and cells throughout the body that communicate and work together to protect you from what is not you.
Your immune system includes the skin, mucous membranes, and the digestive system that create barriers to keep pathogens out while allowing nutrients in. It also includes innate immunity, which is your general defense against invaders and acquired immunity where your body creates antibodies to a specific microbe. All of this requires various nutrients, in good supply, so that each part of the system can do its job effectively.
Eating a healthy, nutrient dense diet is a great start, however, most diets are lacking the vitamins and minerals necessary to reach optimal status.
Bottom Line: Most of us need more of many nutrients. Using high quality supplements is a great way to cover your bases and improve the structure and function of systems throughout the body.
Many clinical studies are being done on the roles that these compounds have on preventing or reducing the impact of infection. Based on the research available, here is a list of supplements that may be useful in the prevention as well as potentially inhibiting the replication of this virus.
Zinc
Zinc is a critical nutrient for the immune system, and one that those most at risk for infection, including the elderly, tend to be deficient in.
Zinc functions in both the innate (first line of defense) and adaptive immune systems. It even suppresses viral attachment, playing a role in fighting respiratory infections. For these reasons, zinc is a key player in the protocol used in viral treatment.
As we age, zinc status tends to go down for a variety of factors including not eating enough zinc-rich foods like grass-fed beef, oysters and pumpkin seeds.
In addition, stomach acid tends to decline with age making it harder to digest protein and extract the minerals from these foods.
Did you know that zinc also plays a role in our sense of taste? When we are deficient in zinc we can’t taste our food as well and might go for more salty, sweet or processed options.
Interestingly, a loss of taste and smell is a documented symptom of the coronavirus and in some cases is the first, or only, sign of the disease.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often thought of in terms of bone health, but it is also critically important for the immune system to be able to do its job.
Some preliminary research makes the link between low vitamin D levels and the severity of infection.
Lower vitamin D levels are also linked to an increased susceptibility to infection and higher levels of Vitamin D may protect against those with auto-immune diseases.
The standard vitamin D recommendations (600IU per day) are woefully low for maintaining optimal blood levels between 50 and 80 ng/mL, the recommended levels for prevention of infection and complications.
The best course of action is to have your vitamin D levels checked every year and adjust supplementation accordingly.
In absence of testing, I suggest following the Institute for Functional Medicine recommendations and supplementing with 5000 IU per day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and immune supportive properties. It contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of the immune system.
The coronavirus and other severe acute respiratory illnesses increase oxidative stress in the body which can lead to cellular and tissue damage. High-doses of vitamin C have been shown to be a safe, effective, and valuable therapeutic agent for respiratory infections.
Since this essential vitamin is not synthesized in the body we either need to ingest from food, or take as a supplement.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a variety of foods (including the herbs cilantro and dill as well as onions, kale, cranberries, and capers). It is also a natural zinc ionophore.
Zinc-ionophores transport the zinc in and out of the cell and can increase the effects of zinc in the cell.
It is well recognized that zinc is an essential trace element, influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system, and that severe zinc deficiency depresses immune function.
Omegas
Omega-3 fatty acids are required for a number of body functions, from proper blood flow to brain development.
These long-chain fatty acids are integral components of tissues and organ systems throughout the body, including the heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system.
Recent research suggests that EPA and DHA supplementation is potentially beneficial in managing inflammation associated with infection.
Probiotics
The microbiome is a key factor in building immune resilience and an imbalance in your gut is associated with developing inappropriate immune responses.
Gut issues are often one of the root causes to symptoms and disease, including immune diseases.
Probiotics support nutrient absorption, help maintain a healthy balance of organisms in the intestinal tract, and support immune function.
Probiotics help to restore gut health and microbial balance, which in turn fosters the foundation for resilient immunity.
Reference:
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutraceutical with antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
Resveratrol has been studied for its therapeutic potential against viruses that are responsible for severe respiratory infections, pneumonia, and viruses.
Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory benefits may be potentially valuable to the severe virus-associated complications that are related to the overactivation of the host-immune response, known as the cytokine storm.
Curcumin
A review of numerous studies confirm how curcumin may inhibit a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation.
Curcumin supports immune function, intestinal health, detoxification, healthy aging, mental health, joint health, cardiovascular health and pain management.
It’s also an important antioxidant compound that fights free radicals throughout the body.
The liposomal form offers greatest absorption and bioavailability.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide (NO) is an antimicrobial molecule with key roles in pulmonary vascular function in the context of viral infections and other pulmonary diseases.
Nitric oxide also plays a key role in regulating inflammation and can help maintain normal blood pressure as well as cardiovascular health.
Low nitric oxide levels occur as we age or with exposures to oxidative stress, which can contribute to lung and respiratory diseases.
Glutathione
Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, important for protecting cells from the damage caused by viruses and other infections.
Glutathione also plays a key role in detoxification and immune health. Glutathione deficiency has been linked to serious illness from infection. Glutathione therapy is a potentially beneficial treatment during the illness and throughout recovery.
Internally, I recommend liposomal glutathione for the best bioavailability. Glutathione can also be nebulized for direct effect on the lungs.
To amplify the effect of glutathione, build your sulfur pool by eating at least 1 serving of cruciferous veggies daily such as broccoli, arugula, cabbage or cauliflower.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a truly magical mineral and helps facilitate over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Magnesium supports cardiovascular health, muscles, nerves, bones, mood, brain health and metabolism.
Based on magnesium’s many functions, it plays an important role in prevention and treatment of many diseases. Low levels of magnesium have been also associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Other Vitamins
Botanical extracts like black elderberry, astragalus, echinacea, and andrographis, have all been used traditionally for their clinically effective immune- modulating properties. Vitamin A is another great vitamin that supports the immune system by stimulating white blood cell function and increasing antibody response.
Maintaining good vitamin B6 or (pantothenic acid) levles also supports immune system energy, thymic function and healthy white blood cell levels.
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When it comes to toxic mold it’s not JUST your environment that you need to get away from–you must discard of the contaminated possessions in the moldy home or office.
Mold persists on personal items in dust and as a toxin. Dust is made up of dormant spores and spore fragments. Toxins are chemicals made by the mold, known as mycotoxins, which are reactive and considered a "poison."
And unfortunately, killing mold doesn`t solve all the issues. The fragments and toxins left behind can cause continuous issues in very sensitive individuals.
Nearly all experts on mold remediation agree that upholstered furniture and electronic items that recirculate air need to be disposed of. And mold can stick to a variety of other items, some difficult to clean which will also inhibit recovery. While there are no studies that discuss transfer of mold particles, many individuals affected by mold toxicity have reported recurrence of symptoms when exposed to personal belongings. I’ve seen it quite often in my practice over the years.
Listening and helping patients on this journey, some felt getting rid of possessions was liberating, for others it was quite emotional to depart with sentimental items, even traumatic. There is also a financial burden to remediate a moldy house, move out, AND replace many expensive possessions.
On top of all this, the symptoms of mold related illness, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, headaches, body aches, and more are often exacerbated because of the added stress, making the issues of losing some possessions even harder.
The good news, and what I remind people of, is that health is the most important thing, and you can get better. 🥰 I encourage you to find a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable and trained in dealing with toxic mold illness.
Here are a few possessions that fare the worst in a moldy environment...upholstery – furniture, drapery, bedding, beds, headboards, clothing, artwork, paper items, and as mentioned, electronic items that recirculate air.
For free mold resources visit my linker.ee.
Dr. Ann ❤️
#mold #toxicmold #moldillness #moldsickness #moldremediation #blackmold #moldy #rootcause
Does exercise keep you young? Yes, and there is significant research to support this.
We all want to live longer, healthier lives free from chronic disease.
But did you know that although lifespans are now longer, the average American spends the last 17 years of their lives in poor health?
In a study of men and women in their 70s, those who were lifelong exercisers had higher aerobic capacities, better metabolic health and were biologically around 30 years younger than their chronological age, when compared to their non-exercising peers.
Based on this study, and others like it, we also know that exercise throughout the lifespan increases bone density, protects against dementia and other diseases, and delays the shortening of telomeres. And we know that longer telomeres are associated with health and longevity, while shorter lengths are associated with aging, premature aging, and disease.
And athletes typically have longer telomeres than non-athletes of the same age, suggesting that exercise is an antidote to aging. However, most of the people in this study weren’t athletes or competitive in their exercise, they simply engaged in regular physical activity.
I don’t think any of us want to spend our final days in poor health.
If you aren’t exercising, hopefully this inspires you – it’s start never too late to get started. 🤩
I enjoy hiking, skiing, yoga, and Pilates. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
Dr. Ann ❤️
#aginggracefully #exercise #healthylifestyle #stayyoung #holistichealth #overallhealth #healthyliving #healthyme #healthyover50 #healthyover60 #telomeres #telomeresupport #livewell #youngatheart #walkingforhealth #workoutmotivation #running
Have you tried a low-carb paleo diet and experienced unwanted symptoms like poor sleep, gut distress, or metabolism issues?
Research shows that a Paleo style of eating supports a balanced weight, metabolic health and is anti-inflammatory.
But some paleo eaters focus so much on eating proteins that they end up over-restricting carbohydrates.
They may think carbohydrates will cause them to gain weight...but whole carbohydrate foods are incredibly important for the health of the microbiome, hormonal function, reproduction and even metabolic health.
Natural carbohydrate plant foods, such as fruits and starchy vegetables, provide immense benefits from the phytonutrients in these foods. They may even help improve insulin sensitivity in many cases.
It is true that by reducing carbohydrates, you can also reduce your blood sugar (and the symptoms that go along with elevated blood sugar), and in some cases, this is warranted and very helpful, but in other cases, as time goes on, a low carbohydrate diet may have some downsides.
Some people start experiencing unwanted symptoms like poor sleep, decreased metabolism, reduced thyroid hormone (cold hands and feet), cortisol and adrenal health, fertility issues and digestive symptoms.
If you are on a low carb diet and want to learn how more about how it could be impacting your health, read my new blog: Low Carb Paleo, Low Carb Diet Risks and Insulin Resistance - link in bio.
Dr. Ann
#lowcarb #paleo #rootcausemedicine #foodasmedicine #leakygut #integrativemedicine #lowcarb #chronicfatigue #healyourself #lowcarbdiet #healthycarbs #eattolive #chronicillness #diet #insulinresistance #insulinresistancediet #toxinfree #toxinfreeliving #toxinsout #wholefood #eatclean
Thinking about friends and the residents of Florida and the Carolinas and hoping for the best for anyone touched by the devastating hurricane Ian.
It’s a stressful time for anyone living there or for anyone who has loved ones in these areas.
Stress and anxiety are definitely on the rise in general in our society.
As a fun(tional medicine doctor, I always look for the most natural treatments to support the body and the mind to find balance and healing.
Glycine is one of the tools in my fu(tional medicine tool box that can help. It`s one of my favorite amino acid supplements for its calming and relaxing benefits.
When we are unable to manage stress, it can lead to much greater health issues down the road including chronic diseases or even cancer.
The mechanism through which glycine relieves stress is its action as a neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord where it plays a critical role in neurotransmission.
And its very well studied. In fact studies show that elevating glycine concentrations in the brain can be an effective approach for treatment of schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction.
More recently, research indicates that increasing levels of glycine may also provide neuroprotection, assist in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, and alleviate symptoms associated with pain, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
I also like glycine because it is used by the body to make glutathione, the body’s chief antioxidant and a critical component of detoxification processes in the liver.
Patients also seem to notice benefits right away, and they don`t have the side effects that they have when they try medication.
If you would like to learn more click the link in my bio to watch video on the Benefits of Glycine.
Dr. Ann ❤️
#toxins #detox #glycine #anxiety #naturopathicmedicine #holistichealth #detoxify #selfcare #healing #mentalhealth #stressrelief #naturalhealing #naturalrelief #anxity #aminoacids #naturalhealthcare #mentalwellness #toxicburden #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #naturalsupplements #naturalsupport #naturalsupplementsthatwork
Telomeres are structures that help protect the DNA within each chromosome. Think of them as the plastic caps on the ends of your shoelaces that prevent the fabric from unraveling.
Telomeres are long when we are born and play an important role in DNA replication that allows us to grow and develop.
Telomeres get shorter with each DNA replication and, therefore, shorter as we age.
When telomeres get too short, they can no longer create the protective cap for the DNA.
While there isn’t an anti-aging magic pill that turns back the hands of time, telomeres may be an important biomarker of premature aging that reflects how our environment and lifestyle promotes, or slows, the aging process.
Shorter telomere lengths are associated with:
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Chronic pain
• Poor Stress response
• Hypertension
Longer telomeres are associated with health and longevity.
What can you do to help preserve telomeres?
Research indicates that telomere lengths are largely influenced by the same lifestyle factors that correlate with chronic disease.
See the carousel above for tips on how to help preserve and lengthen telomers.
Or for a deeper dive, read my latest 2 blogs on telomeres - see articles in my linktr.ee.
Dr. Ann
#telomeres #agingbackwards #aginggracefully #epigenetics #healthylifestyle #heathlylife #antiaging #toxinfreeliving #toxinfree #chronicillness #integrativemedicine #foodasmedicine #eattolive #livelonger #agewell #naturopathicmedicine #healing #livewellbewell #meditationforhealth #eatclean #healthylife #telomeresupport #telomere
Why it’s so important to eat the right kinds of fats.
We need a balance between the unsaturated fats and the saturated fats for cell integrity and communication.
Both omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats are PUFAs or polyunsaturated fats. Omega-6 fats are used to make communication messengers, that can send more inflammatory signals. Poultry, meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are sources of Omega-6 fats.
Omega-3 fats are also used in communication and send more anti-inflammatory signals. Fish, other seafood, seeds, and fish oils are sources of Omega-3 fats. Too much omega-6 may cause a more inflammatory state in the body and consequently predispose to or exacerbate many inflammatory diseases.
A normal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is somewhere between 4:1 or 2:1, however, since the rapid increase of industrial foods, like high omega-6 vegetable oils, this ratio has increased to 16:1 or even higher in many people. Excessive consumption of high omega 6 PUFAs causes oxidative stress and damages cell membranes which can lead to mitochondria and DNA damage, diabetes, and heart disease.
You may see nutrition recommendations that suggest avoiding the high omega-6 vegetable oils such as corn, soy and safflower oils, but also and other PUFA sources in the diet. Proponents claim that wildly reducing PUFAs will improve diabetes and blood sugar balance, risk for heart disease and even boost thyroid health, leading to improved metabolic health. But is this true, or even necessary?
With personalized medicine we look at each individual and make health recommendations that consider food allergies, sensitivities and other factors. But generally, when it comes to PUFAs, I recommend consuming natural food sources, like fish oils, fish, nuts, and seeds – so that we get PUFAs the way nature intended, and we avoid the unnatural processed industrial oils like GMO industrial oils (corn, soy, canola, etc.).
To learn more read my blog What is Polyunsaturated Fat – PUFA Foods and Personalized Medicine - link in bio.
Dr. Ann ❤️
#goodfats #healthylifestyle #toxinsout #eatclean #integrativemedicine #chronicillness #toxicfood #naturopathicmedicine #foodasmedicine #heal
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