COVID-19 and Immunity
During this time, protecting our immune system is the one of the most important things we can do. Normally we hear about vitamin C and how important it is in helping our immune system, but did you know that probiotics, multivitamins, omega three fatty acids, and Vitamin D all help reduce the risk of COVID-19? Read on to see what we can take and do to help our body be ready to fight and protect us against anything.
Vitamin D
The immune system defends the body from foreign invaders and pathogens so having it function optimally is extremely important to our health. Vitamin D deficiency can have a big effect on the immune system making it easier for us to get an infection. Normally vitamin D is associated with calcium homeostasis and promoting good bone health. Now we have learned that in addition to those effects mentioned before, we have also learned that vitamin D receptors are expressed on immune cells as well. It has a critical role in promoting an immune response from our body and helps activate our immune system when necessary. On top of that, we have immune cells in our body and vitamin D can help enhance the function of those cells and help aid them in protecting your body. More so, vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to decreased lung function and can lower your body’s ability to fight respiratory infections. If you have any questions about your Vitamin D level and would like to know where you stand, you can talk to your doctor or call us today for a free consultation.
Probiotics
In our gut we have hundred of millions of bacteria living in there. While the word bacteria might scare us at first, in this instance the bacteria that our gut naturally hosts are goods ones that can help our body in carrying day to day functions and keeping us healthy. The bacteria in our gut helps us digest food, synthesize vitamins, and support our immune system. Taking probiotics essentially fills your gut with healthy bacteria that will help fight invaders and pathogens that enter our system. Bacteria found in probiotics has been found to lessen the duration of respiratory infections in adults and children. Like usual, make sure you talk to your doctor about what probiotic might be best for you!
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been studied in their effects on the immune system. This family of unsaturated fatty acids have a big effect on activating cells of the immune system. These fatty acids have been shown to enhance the activity of our white blood cells, which are some of the cells in our body that fight off pathogens and bacteria.
All in all, it’s not only important to take care of our immune system because of COVID-19, but in general. We need to take preventative measures at all time to protect our bodies against foreign invaders. Building a strong immune system is the first step. Please call us for a free consultation if you have any questions! We will be happy to give you some answers.
