Many clients have been asking about nutrients for immune support during the colder and stormy months of the year. Before we dive into my top tree for surfing out the waves, I would like to touch on the subject of bioavailability. Bioavailability from a nutrient perspective is how well a non-food nutrient will be absorbed and utilized in your body. Not all supplements are created equally, and it is essential to do your homework before choosing a specific brand. A food-first approach almost always outweighs the bioavailability of synthetic nutrients. It is also important to know that people who suffer from deficiencies will benefit most from supplementation. More is not better or equals more protection.
"We want to prevent illness and infection, but we also want to support the natural fighting response."
Vitamin D prevention is better than cure!
Vitamin D is produced from cholesterol when the sun makes contact with your skin. And although we call it a Vitamin, it acts as a hormone that helps to regulate more than 200 genes. It has also become one of the most prescribed vitamins since the covid 19 pandemics. Many studies have linked poor Vitamin D status to long-term symptoms and higher mortality. Dr. M Holick from Boston University School of medicine said in a press release in 2020 that a good Vitamin D status was linked to reduced symptoms and mortality. Taking vitamin D when deficient can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Vitamin C an immune-boosting powerhouse
New research suggests that Vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections. Although Vitamin C does not seem to prevent you from getting infected, it will reduce inflammation and increase virus-fighting white blood cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C may reduce the severity of the body's response to infections that cause a runaway response in the lungs known as a cytokine storm. Currently, there are several studies underway to determine if high dosage Vit C should be included as a standard treatment protocol. High oral doses of vitamin C are not recommended for chronic use. It may cause diarrhea and even lead to kidney stone formation. It is recommended not to exceed 2000mg daily for an adult.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and can not be stored or produced in the body. It is therefore essential to ingest foods containing Vitamin C daily. Great sources include citrus fruit and sweet peppers. Keep in mind that Vitamin C is heat-sensitive, and high-temperature cooking will diminish the nutrient.
Zinc, the best defense.
Zinc is my favourite preventative supplement for the flu season. Zinc plays a vital role in sustaining protective epithelial cells. When these cells are intact, they provide a barrier to pathogens to enter the bloodstream. Zinc is the second most abundant trace mineral in your body and is present in every cell. An interesting fact about zinc is that it plays a role in sensing smell and taste. Too much zinc may also be harmful. When consuming daily for more than 10 days, do not exceed 40mg per day.
Zinc is my favourite preventative supplement for the flu season!
Zinc is found in many plant and animal sources, and severe deficiency is unlikely. With the recent pandemic, critically ill patients with low zinc levels had more severe symptoms, slower recovery, and poorer prognosis. Zinc is also known for inhibiting the replication of SARS-cove RNA, in other words, stopping the virus in its tracks.
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