First take a deep breath, then consider your overall stress level and relative health… ask yourself “Am I a healthy person?” Be honest. Know that there are preventative measures for all levels of health. There is something for everyone… at all levels of health.

In the April 7, 2020 newsletter, The Institute of Functional Medicine states: “At this time, there are no specific vaccines or uniformly successful treatments for COVID-19. In this context of insufficient evidence, the scope of this document will be to assess the scientific possibility of promising prevention approaches and therapeutic (nutraceutical and botanical) interventions and then to offer clinical recommendations.” 

In addition to the recommended lifestyle habits to keep you safe during our current pandemic, such as washing your hands for 20 seconds, based on recent research, Calmglow and the Institute of Functional Medicine recommends considering some of the following supplements to help to boost your immune system and which may reduce the severity and duration of acute symptoms and complications of COVID-19.

While all of these supplements would be helpful, please call Calmglow at 209-247-9170 and talk to Tammy or Yadi for an appointment with Dianne to discuss your unique needs.

Quercetin

Quercetin is found in many plants and foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, berries, Ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, American elder, and others. The reason it is being recommended is because quercetin has been shown to have antiviral effects and the inhibition of viral replication. Suggested dosage is 500 mg twice a day. Sinuplex, offering healthy respiratory support, contains quercetin.

Curcumin

Curcumin, found in turmeric,  has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Early research indicates that it can target the COVID-19 main protease to reduce viral replication. Suggested dosage is 500-1000 mg twice a day (of absorption-enhancedcurcumin).

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (green tea)

EGCG provides numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, weight loss, and improved heart and brain health. Recent research indicates EGCG potentially targeting the COVID-19 main protease to reduce viral replication, and has also been shown to prevent influenza in healthcare workers. The suggested dosage is 4 cups or 225 mg daily.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

 N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication that is used to loosen thick mucus, among other uses. It is on theWorld Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines. As noted by the Institute for Functional Medicine, In a little-noticed six-month controlled clinical study enrolling 262 primarily elderly subjects, those receiving 600 mgNACtwice daily, as opposed to those receiving placebo, experienced significantly fewer influenza-like episodes and days of bed confinement. The suggested dosage is 600-900 mg twice daily.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. As a supplement, it is often used for the short-term treatment of trouble sleeping such as from jet lag or shift work. As noted by the Institute of Functional Medicine, melatonin has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the NLRP3 inflammasome.[94] This has not gone unnoticed by the COVID-19 research community, with two recent published papers proposing the use of melatoninas a therapeutic agent in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. The suggested dosage is 5-20 mg daily, at bedtime.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has many roles in the body from promoting healthy bones and teeth to supporting lung function and nervous system health. Evidence suggestsvitamin Dsupplementation may prevent upper respiratory infections. The suggested dosage is 5,000 IU daily.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is in the skin of red grapes and found in peanuts and berries. According to the Institute of Functional Medicine, it shows many beneficial health effects; has been shown to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome; and was shown to have in vitro activity against MERS-CoV. The suggested dosage is 100-150 mg daily. This can be found in our Phytomulti (high ORAC value multivitamin with a greens mixture).

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is found in foods such as carrots, beef liver, spinach, sweet potatoes and broccoli. It has a vital role in healthy vision, growth and development, and immune function. Vitamin A has demonstrated a therapeutic effect in the treatment of various infectious diseases. The suggested dosage is 10,000-25,000 IU daily. This can be found in our Phytomulti (high ORAC value multivitamin with a greens mixture).

Elderberry

Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world and has widespread historical use as an anti-viral herb. The suggested dosage is 500 mg daily.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

According to the Institute of Functional Medicine, PEA is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory palmitic acid derivative that interfaces with the endocannabinoid system. There was a significantly favorable outcome in five of six double blind placebo-controlled trials looking at acute respiratory disease due to influenza. The suggested dosage is 300 mg twice a day to prevent infection, and 600 mg three times a day for two weeks to treat infection.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C contributes to immune defense. Supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. Vitamin C has been used in hospital ICUs to treat COVID-19 infection. The suggested dosage is 1-3 grams daily.

Zinc

According to the Institute of Functional Medicine, zinc contributes to immune defense. There is also evidence that it suppresses viral attachment and replication. Supplementation with zinc is supported by evidence that it both prevents viral infections and reduces their severity and duration. Moreover, zinc has been shown to reduce the risk of lower respiratory infection, which may be of particular significance in the context of COVID-19. The suggested dosage is a total of 30–60 mg daily, taken throughout the day.

If you are pregnant, have an autoimmune disease, or take prescription medication, please talk with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

The above supplements help to boost your immune system. In addition, some also reduce viral growth and reduce symptoms. 

To your health.

Dianne Hinton NP, PA, IFM-C