COVID-19 Care: Strengthening Your Immune System

What are we doing to prepare for viral outbreaks?

There has been a lot of recent information in the news about a viral outbreak in the United States. In preparation to combat this virus and keep our bodies healthy, we need to add some additional nutritional supplements and maintain good personal hygiene to ensure that our bodies and immune systems are running at their best. The purpose of this post is to lower stress and supply information on steps you can take to help your body during this time.

How our immune system gets suppressed.

Our immune system is the key player in the ways we fight off illness and disease. If there is a problem within the immune system, it may not function at its optimal level. One factor that greatly affects our immune system is stress. If our body is overly stressed, it will place this burden on the immune system, weakening it and making our body more vulnerable to illness and disease. The immune system needs building blocks and a low-stress environment to function at its best. Coming into the office for regular adjustments and continuing your brain exercises are important for maintaining low stress levels.

Ways you can improve the function of your immune system.

One of the first ways to build your immunity is by maintaining good personal hygiene. This includes:

  • Quality sleep
  • Nutritive Exercise
  • Eating healthy (low carb, low sugar)
  • Managing stress levels
  • Keeping up with regular adjustments

Washing your hands is also a vital precaution to take during this time as it prevents the spread of the virus from one person to another. If you cough or sneeze, remember to do it into a tissue, and not into your hands. You should also avoid touching your face because it is easy for viruses to be transferred from person to person through the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Fundamental Nutrition

Now I would like to share with you the additional nutritional supplements that I will be adding to my regimen to boost my own immune system. These supplements have been shown to increase immune function and will assist your body in the prevention of illness as well as fighting off illness. The supplements are listed below. Please note that dosing does vary.

  • Vitamin D
    • Defends the body from foreign organisms
    • Promotes protective immunity
  • NAC
    • “Building blocks” that create glutathione
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid
    • Strong anti-inflammatory
    • Reduces chemical NF-KB (NF kappa B) which creates chemical stress
  • Vitamin C
    • Taken in a flavonoid form
    • Gives body ability to boost the immune system
  • Zinc
    • Boost immune system
    • Fights viruses
      • Assists in stopping viruses from entering cells
      • Decrease how well a virus replicates
  • Glutamine
    • Gives building blocks to make neurotransmitters
    • Assists in healing guts
    • Increases immune system function

If you have any questions about nutrition or supplements and dosing, please review our Viral Nutrition Handout. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a nutritional appointment feel free to contact our office. Thank you, be well.

Here’s To A Better Life,

Dr. Steve Puckette