Coronavirus is spreading without any sign of a slowdown. While there are new growths in diagnosis and vaccines, people around the globe are also looking for ways to improve their health. To optimize and enrich their immune system to fight the novel coronavirus.
Recently people have started talking and recommending the use of supplements to fight coronavirus or COVID-19. But, can supplement fight the novel coronavirus? The answer is no; supplements cannot fight novel coronavirus.
So, what can it do? Although they cannot fight the virus, they may help in improving the body’s condition. A healthy functioning body has better chances to survive and also recover without suffering from significant complications.
And here, people or some experts may recommend supplements because these can help in regulating healthy body functions. But, a healthy person may also fall equally sick due to coronavirus as of those with any other health conditions.
Firstly, there are no approved remedies or treatments that can treat COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus. The only available methods are to control the symptoms and alleviate the condition. It can equally affect, complicate the health condition, or even be fatal irrespective of age, health, and region.
A person neglecting the preventive measures or protocols, thinking that they can’t be affected because of their age or health is entirely wrong.
Besides, fueling the body with excess supplements or any remedies than the recommended dosage can complicate the health and reverse the benefits.
There is no such remedy other than the preventive measures that can protect one from COVID-19. Plus, there are no scientific pieces of evidence approved by either WHO or CDC that states the supplements can cure or even mitigate the conditions of COVID-19.
Our body and the immune system consists of various cells that help in keeping us healthy and fighting various pathogens(1) or infections that may harm us.
Healthy & conscious lifestyle choices that include consuming nutritious food, regular exercise, good sleep, and mindful exercises such as meditation are some of the best ways to let the body function at optimum levels.
[Read: How Much Do You Know About the Coronavirus (Covid-19)?]
However, due to physiological, psychological, or environmental conditions, our body may fail to function at its best. In such cases, it becomes essential for us to take extra measures such as supplements, medications, or natural remedies to fill the gaps or poor working conditions of the body.
Coming back to supplements, they can fill the nutritious gaps we may have from food or deprivation of them caused due to some environmental conditions.
Supplements to enrich the immune system
Vitamin C
It acts as an antioxidant that may help in fighting free radicals. Some people also suggest that it may help in boosting the immune system in people who are stressed.
Vitamin C foods: Kiwi fruits, red & green peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and citrus fruits.
Vitamin D
Other than regulating calcium and bone homeostasis, vitamin D is also known to play a role in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses (3). It is also known to exhibit effective immune response in people suffering from COPD, tuberculosis, asthma, cold & flu, and few other bacterial and viral infections.Â
Vitamin D foods: Salmon, herring & sardines, egg yolks, mushrooms, and cod liver oil.
One of the best and highly suggested ways to get vitamin D is through sunlight. People can get so by soaking themselves in the morning or even sunshine. Another way to do so is by exercising or jogging in the sun, which can also augment the benefits.
Vitamin E
It is known to be a potent antioxidant (2) and can help in maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin E is considered to be an essential component in supporting the immune system in older people.
Vitamin E foods: Green leafy vegetables, almonds, peanuts, avocados, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
May help in suppressing chronic inflammation, prevent autoimmune disorders, and also keep the immune system in check.
Omega-3 fatty acid foods: Oily fish (tuna, salmon, and sardines), walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
Foods that can boost the immune system:
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Yogurt
- Turmeric
- Green tea
Check the below article for a brief to check some of the natural or home remedies that can boost the immune system.
8 Best Energy-Boosting Foods You Should Be Eating
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If you are under any medications or treatments, make sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements or remedies.
Conclusion:
The current situation of COVID-19 is stressful, and we may dwell into some myths which say that so and so remedy can cure the infection. But, we have to be mindful and filter the information before processing anything. Do not trust everything and always try and lookup for scientific evidence.
The supplements may help in enriching your body and fill the nutritious gaps and make you healthy. That is it.
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