Daily Vitamins to Lower the Risk of COVID-19
COVID-19 or the Novel Coronavirus is the virus that just won’t go away. Characterized by dry cough, fever, fatigue, and breathing difficulties, the Coronavirus weakens the body and can be fatal.
Presently, the whole world is struggling to find a vaccine. Unfortunately, there is no cure yet. However, not all hope is lost.
While scientists continue to research the vaccine, medical experts are developing guidelines that can help people strengthen their immunity and combat the virus in the case of contagion.
Doctors and health nutritionists advise healthy eating habits and the intake of certain vitamins and minerals to boost immunity.
We have compiled a list of doctor-recommended essential vitamins that can boost your immune system to lower the risks of this persistent virus:
1. Vitamin D
Doctors state that we can reduce our chances of getting a respiratory infection by 12-75% if we take the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D.
With a daily intake of more than 1000IU, you can significantly reduce the risk of catching a respiratory infection, whether caused by the seasonal flu or the Novel Coronavirus.
You can meet your daily Vit D requirement through a few methods, these are:
- Vitamin D from Diet
Here is a list of few foods that can provide you some amount of Vitamin D:
- Fish
- Margarine
- Egg
- Liver oil
- Mushrooms
- Fortified cereal
- Meat
- Vitamin D from Sunlight
Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D, how easy is that? Just go out in the sun and let your body soak all the Vitamin D present in the sunlight.
Your neck is the best place for the job, so just lie on your stomach and let the sun work its magic. Remember to put on some screen, though!
- Vitamin D from Supplements
Soaking sunlight becomes a challenge in winters. In the absence of the sun, you can opt for oral supplements to meet your daily dose of vitamin D.
If you are living in a country where sun exposure is not possible, ask your doctor to prescribe you a suitable supplement. Do not take any supplements without consulting your doctor.
Some natural Vit-D boosters are also used to help the body soak up D3. There is no scientific proof that these herbs work; however, many people have reported positive results. You may use them after consulting your GP. These are:
- Astragalas
- Andrographis
- Selenium
- Licorice Root
- Curcumin
- Propolis
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is one of the most essential nutrients required by our body. It is found naturally in many food items, especially citrus fruits.
Unfortunately, the human body cannot synthesize Vit C because we do not have the required enzymes. Therefore, food and supplements are our only source of getting Vitamin C.
Vitamin C has an impressive list of benefits to its name, these are:
- Helps maintain healthy blood pressure
- May reduce the risk of heart disease
- May help maintain healthy uric acid levels
- Prevents Iron deficiency
- Reduces the risk of chronic disease
- Boosts Immunity
The most valuable benefit of Vitamin C is that it strengthens our body’s immune system in several ways.
Firstly it encourages the production of our white blood cells (WBCs), which are the defenders of the body. The WBCs fight infections and prevent the body from falling sick. A healthy WBC count means that your body is more capable of thwarting diseases.
Vit C not only encourages the production of WBCs, but it also protects them from harm, making them stronger and more efficient. Thirdly, Vit C has antioxidant properties; when absorbed in the skin, it makes it more resistant to bacteria and viruses.
Many empirical studies have proven that Vit C sufficiency is connected with faster recovery and better health outcomes.
Lung inflammation is common in COVID patients. It can also cause respiratory distress, which is a more critical condition.
Given the immunity-boosting benefits of Vit C, we can deduce that taking Vit C can help people avoid infection by NCov-2019.
Even if they do get infected, Vit C can help them fight the virus and recover quickly.
The most common sources of Vit C are:
- Vitamin C from Diet
You can get Vitamin C from the following foods:
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Guava
- Grapefruit
- Kiwis
- Broccolis
Any citrus fruit has Vit C.
- Vitamin C from Supplements
You can also get Vit C from supplements. Some popular options are:
- Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C 500
- NOW FOODS C-1000
- A Doctor’s Best Vitamin C
- A Spring Valley Vitamin C
Note that heavy doses of Vitamin C may result in diarrhea. Thus, consulting a doctor is mandatory.
Though no evidence suggests a treatment of Coronavirus through Vitamin C, it can certainly strengthen the immune system to fight off the deadly virus.
Research on Vitamin C
China has tried using IV Vitamin C on COVID patients to treat the lung infection. However, supplements have not been tested yet.
A research team of China is still having clinical trials to check the effectiveness of Vitamin C on COVID patients.
Stats from 2019 reported about the fighting power of this vitamin against diseases. The research further suggested that high doses may shorten the stay time of ICU by 8% and that of a ventilator by 18.2%.
Vitamin C and antibodies
You can grow your lymphocytes with an adequate amount of Vitamin C. These are the immune cells that help in building and circulating antibodies.
Since antibodies fight against diseases, we are less likely to be attacked by viral illnesses.
3. Vitamin B Complex
Just like Vitamin C and D, B6 also contributes to boosting your immunity.
For keeping your immune system at a top-tier level, be sure to get the recommended dose of this vitamin. Following foods can provide you with vitamin B6:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Pork
- Vegetables
- Bread
- Wheat
- Cereals
- Brown rice
Wrapping it up
Worried about how you will consume so many Vitamins in a day? A balanced diet is key. You can still enjoy your meals while getting the required vitamins and nutrients.
And if you want to include Vit D and B6 in your diet, you can order a Sushi Delivery to get a nutrient-rich and delicious meal.
Looking to get Vit C naturally? Drink fresh orange juice daily. There are a hundred more meals that are delicious, satisfying, and filled with nutrients that will make you strong and healthy.
Though no one can guarantee you complete protection from this fatal virus, a diet full of nutrients, fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, and freshly squeezed fruit juices will boost your immune system and arm you accordingly to fight against the virus.
Stay healthy and stay safe!