virus busters by Jenna

Considering the current viral outbreak, I thought it would be good to refresh ourselves on the myriad remedies that can help boost our immunity. The novel Coronavius or Covid-19 is of course far too new for us to have any evidence of substances that can specifically target the strain.
We do however know what nutrients can help increase our immunity and have general anti-viral activities. Like all infectious disease, the health of the individual’s biological terrain will play a big role in how we can fight off the invaders.
  The physicians of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service and the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine urge a nutrient-based method to prevent or minimize symptoms for future viral infection. The following supplemental levels are recommended for adults – Vitamin C: 3,000 milligrams (or more) daily, in divided doses; Vitamin D3: 2,000IU daily. (Start with 5,000IU for two weeks, then reduce to 2,000IU); Magnesium: 400mg daily (in citrate, malate, chelate or chloride form); Zinc: 20mg daily; Selenium: 100mcg daily.

Vitamin C - At the first sign of feeling low, I Vitamin C load. You know the tell-tale tickle in the throat or that feeling in your chest when a bug is brewing? I take 1g of Vitamin C every couple of hours for as many doses as I feel is doing the trick. This has saved me more times than I can remember. You’ll know if you have too much as you’ll reach what's called bowel tolerance -i.e. Diarrhoea! I’ve found when I’m fighting off the beginning of a cold I can tolerate many more grams than is usual, showing how the body’s needs increase during infection. I also like to mix a cheap high strength tablet with the top of the range liquid liposomal C. This interesting form of Vitamin C is thought to have a greater effect in the body tissues and be as close to taking large doses of intravenous C as you can get from a supplement.

  Vitamin D - Make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamin D. Our levels can plummet during the Winter and there’s good research to suggest that even the sun worshippers among us don't make enough D to store through the cold months. Although most famous for bone health, Vitamin D helps modulate the immune system, helping prevent infection. Evidence also suggests Vitamin D may help reduce asthma attacks.  

Magnesium – There is evidence that low magnesium levels may impair immune function. Magnesium is also involved with relaxation of bronchial spasm and has been studied in relation to asthma.  
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Zinc – An essential mineral for the immune system, Zinc may be helpful in preventing common viral infections. A popular way to take the supplement is in the form of a lozenge or suckable tablet to coat the throat.

Selenium –  Helps support antioxidant activity and may reduce oxidative stress and viral load.  

Beta Glucans - Specifically Beta 1,3 1,6 Glucans. Found in mushrooms and the cell walls of yeasts this family of Beta Glucans has a very interesting effect on our immune systems. When ingested the 1,3 1,6 Glucans make their way through the stomach and on to our small intestines where special areas of lymphatic tissue known as Peyer’s patches take them in. Cells such as macrophages that are part of our immune system can be found in these tissues.
Macrophages sweep about the body, ‘eating’  invaders, making them a very useful part of our defences. Macrophages actually have receptors or ports on them that allow these Glucans to attach.
​Once present 1,3 1,6 Glucans seems to have a strong immune priming effect, switching our macrophages onto a higher level of alert and making them more effective enemy scavengers A Beta Glucans supplement is one of my staples throughout the winter months or when lurgies are doing the rounds. Look for a tablet that also contains immune helpers such as the Vitamins C&D and Zinc. 

Colloidal Silver - I always have Colloidal Silver on hand too. In a spray bottle, this antimicrobial makes a useful remedy for sore throats, ear infections and sinus conditions. A small dose can be used daily as prevention. Silver has shown some promise when studied in relation to a similar coronavirus.

Echinacea – An immune staple, hugely popular through the winter months. Echinacea is best when used as an ongoing prevention and ‘primer’ for the immune system when bugs are doing the rounds.

Elderberry - A veritable medicine chest all by itself - the leaves, flowers, berries and bark have all been used as medicines. The elderberries are anti-viral, anti-catarrhal, anti-allergic and immune boosting. I keep a bottle of Lamberts Imuno-strength to hand all through the Winter. I find this blend of Elderberry, Rosehip & Blackcurrant is really helpful for preventing infections, makes a feel-good healing tea when mixed with hot water and a pinch of cinnamon, and tastes pretty good to boot.

Liquorice – Glycyrrhizin, an active constituent of liquorice roots, has been shown to exhibit potent inhibitory activity against viral replication. Liquorice is also wonderfully soothing for the respiratory tract and I will certainly be starting to include regular liquorice teas in my immunity toolbox. Make sure you use the herb though and not the sweet which is mostly sugar!

Olive Leaf – Has demonstrated antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects.  

There are many other herbs of note including Andrographis, garlic and oregano so this list is by no means exhaustive. Be sensible, stay safe and if you have any underlying health conditions always consult with a health professional before taking supplements.  
​ I do hope you are all staying healthy and that however this plays out we can come together, look after each other and express only the best parts of our human nature.