Written by Dr Sandra Miranda, ND
I would like to continue the conversation on natural
approaches that you can consider in order to improve your health and immune
system for the prevention of a COVID-19 infection and associated
pneumonia. Of course, these are only
supplemental recommendations to the current emphasis on hand washing, social
distancing, stopping non-essential travel and getting tested if you develop
symptoms.
A collegue, Dr Lise Alschuler, ND (A Naturopathic Physician
from Arizona) wrote a great review on Integrative Considerations during
COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to share
the main highlights and recommendations with you.
Unfortunately there is no integrative measures that have
been validated in human trials but there are many available in-vitro evidence
and with the understanding of the virulence of COVID-19 there are a number of
strategies to consider in order to be proactive in boosting your immune system.
- Adequate
sleep – Shorter sleep duration increases the risk of infectious illness.
One study found that less than 5 hours of sleep (monitored over 7 consecutive
days) increased the risk of developing a viral associated cold by 350% when
compared to individuals who slept at least 7 hours per night. Adequate sleep also ensures the secretion of
melatonin, a molecule which may play a role in reducing coronavirus virulence
(See Melatonin below).
- Stress
Management – Psychological stress (including panic!!) disrupts immune
regulation and is specifically associated with the increase of inflammatory
cytokines which will lead to a higher likelihood of getting sick with COVID-19.
Please don’t panic! I can’t emphasize this more. Various mindfulness techniques
such as meditation, breathing exercises, guided imagery – can reduce stress and
balance out these inflammatory cytokines.
- Vegetables
and Fruits – have many flavonoids which have been found to reduce
inflammatory signaling activated by corona viruses. This can decrease risk of developing or
worsening of an acute respiratory distress syndrome. Curcumin (found in turmeric) is a specific
flavonoid that has been shown to have this effect.
- Zinc –
COVID-19 appears to be susceptible to the viral inhibitory action of zinc. Zinc
may prevent the coronavirus entry into the cells and appears to reduce the
aggressiveness of the virus. A typical daily dose of Zinc picolinate is 10-15
mg or Zinc citrate or gluconate – 20 to 30 mg.
Zinc Lozenges also provide direct protective effects in the upper
respiratory tract.
- Vitamin C
– just like flavonoids, can inhibit inflammatory signaling activated by corona
viruses. Clinical trial have found that vitamin C shortens the frequency,
duration and severity of viral infections and the incidence of pneumonia. Typical daily dosing of vitamin C ranges from
500 mg to 3,000 mg with even higher doses during times of acute infection.
- Vitamin D
– Vitamin D has been found to decrease inflammatory cytokine activation in
addition to boosting up your immune system.
It is a great vitamin to take preventatively however, take with caution
or discontinue if you have symptoms of infection because one report found that
vitamin D can increase IL-1B (inflammatory cytokine) during an acute infection.
- Melatonin
– Melatonin has been shown to inhibit inflammatory signalling as well. In fact, the age-related decline in melatonin
production is one proposed mechanism to explain why children do not appear to
have severe symptoms and older adults do.
Melatonin also reduces oxidative lung injury during viral infections. Typical dosing of melatonin varies from 0.3
mg to 5mg per day (best taken at night).
- Sambucus
nigra (Elderberry): There is a preclinical evidence that elderberry
inhibits replication and viral attachment of certain corona viruses. Sambucus appears to be most effective in the
prevention of the early stage of a corona virus infection. But please note that Sambucus significantly
increases inflammatory signalling so should be discontinued with symptoms of
infection (or positive test). Typical
dosing of 2:1 elderberry extract is 10mls to 60 mls daily for adults and 5 mls
to 30 mls daily for children.
If you are not sure what supplements are best suited in you
specific health condition. Please call
us at 905-239-3900 for a phone consultation.
I am happy to assess your current health status and decide which approach
or treatment plan you should follow preventatively.
Please stay tuned to my next blog on natural tips to consider during symptoms of infection or positive test for COVID-19.