There are some very simple things you can do to support your immunity against a virus infection. Of course, the basics such as keeping away from people with a virus; washing your hands thoroughly before preparing food or eating, and after touching anything someone else has touched; using hand sanitiser in those situation where you can't wash your hands; and wearing a face mask to prevent inhaling a virus from the air. Read on to learn what supplements may help prevent a virus infection, or at least minimise it. |
Vitamin D3 has strong evidence to support its ability to enhance immune function. You can have your vitamin D tested via a blood test and while there is a reference range given as a guide, you will have better immune function if your vitamin D is close to 100 nmol/L or a little over. Vitamin D3 is available in capsules, drops, spray and liquid. I personally take 2-3000iu per day in summer and 4000iu per day in winter. Some people have genes that reduce their ability to produce vitamin D when their skin is exposed to sunshine and the use of sun screen prevents the production of vitamin D. I find most of my clients have low vitamin D and need supplements.
Zinc deficiency is more common than you might realise so you might benefit from a supplement containing zinc. Usually around 25mg per day for an adult is helpful, but take more if your zinc levels are low on a blood test. Your naturopath can help you determine if your levels are low. Always have zinc with a meal and avoid taking it at the same time as iron supplements because they can compete for absorption. Some food sources of zinc are: oysters, mussels, red meat, sunflower seeds, See the full list here in my blog.
Vitamin C has long been known to support immune function and is often included in immune support supplements. I find the calcium ascorbate form of vitamin C is much kinder on the tummy so go for one of those. If there is a virus going around, take 1000mg once or twice a day. It's better to split the dose over the day because your body uses vitamin C only as needed.
Echinacea supports innate immunity - picture it helping from the ground roots up so to speak. I take this daily throughout the year to boost my immune function. It's also a terrific herb for skin issues such as acne. Choose a supplement that contains the root of Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea. The root is much richer in beneficial constituents than the aerial parts of the plant.
Andrographis is the go-to herb I take at the very first sign of a virus infection. It may nip the virus in the bud, or at least help minimise the severity of an infection and duration. I keep andrographis on hand all the time.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous membranes and is found in just about every cell of the body. We make vitamin A from the betacarotene in orange vegetables and fruit. Some people have a genetic variant affecting the enzyme that plays a role converting betacarotene to Vitamin A so may be deficient. Cod liver oil is a good supplement for vitamin A and it also contains some vitamin D. There is some terrific information on vitamin A in this link to the Oregon State University. Make sure you eat some orange coloured vegetables or fruit daily.
Sleep is not a supplement as such but really should come under the "essential" banner. Lack of sleep really does lower immune function making you more susceptible to infection. Make it a point to get seven to eight hours sleep per night. You can read my blog about improving sleep.
Zinc deficiency is more common than you might realise so you might benefit from a supplement containing zinc. Usually around 25mg per day for an adult is helpful, but take more if your zinc levels are low on a blood test. Your naturopath can help you determine if your levels are low. Always have zinc with a meal and avoid taking it at the same time as iron supplements because they can compete for absorption. Some food sources of zinc are: oysters, mussels, red meat, sunflower seeds, See the full list here in my blog.
Vitamin C has long been known to support immune function and is often included in immune support supplements. I find the calcium ascorbate form of vitamin C is much kinder on the tummy so go for one of those. If there is a virus going around, take 1000mg once or twice a day. It's better to split the dose over the day because your body uses vitamin C only as needed.
Echinacea supports innate immunity - picture it helping from the ground roots up so to speak. I take this daily throughout the year to boost my immune function. It's also a terrific herb for skin issues such as acne. Choose a supplement that contains the root of Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea. The root is much richer in beneficial constituents than the aerial parts of the plant.
Andrographis is the go-to herb I take at the very first sign of a virus infection. It may nip the virus in the bud, or at least help minimise the severity of an infection and duration. I keep andrographis on hand all the time.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous membranes and is found in just about every cell of the body. We make vitamin A from the betacarotene in orange vegetables and fruit. Some people have a genetic variant affecting the enzyme that plays a role converting betacarotene to Vitamin A so may be deficient. Cod liver oil is a good supplement for vitamin A and it also contains some vitamin D. There is some terrific information on vitamin A in this link to the Oregon State University. Make sure you eat some orange coloured vegetables or fruit daily.
Sleep is not a supplement as such but really should come under the "essential" banner. Lack of sleep really does lower immune function making you more susceptible to infection. Make it a point to get seven to eight hours sleep per night. You can read my blog about improving sleep.