Advice from John MacGillivray of Total Health, Mt Eden:
As you are all probably aware by now, the novel Coronavirus named CoVid19, has been taking the world by storm with its highly contagious nature.
Symptoms for healthy individuals are fairly mild by all accounts. The people most at risk are those in the aged category, immune compromised, have bronchial weaknesses, smokers, high blood pressure and diabetics.
From a complementary healthcare perspective, our focus is on how to support and work with the body’s various systems. We have a powerful immune system generally, but when faced with new/novel viruses, our bodies need to develop natural immunity to them.
There are many naturally occurring compounds that aid immunity but in my experience, it comes down to a few basic, high quality, well researched ingredients. As this virus appears to target bronchial tissue, we have to aim our focus not only at the immune system in general, but rather more specifically at the lungs.
A healthy diet will go long way towards helping provide our systems with the broad spectrum of micronutrients required to help keep us functioning at our best. The single best way I have found to do this, is to ensure you have a rainbow of colours on your plate which ensure you consume a complete range of nutrients.
Of most significance, are the dark berry fruits.
Supplements vary significantly in terms of sourcing – country of origin, and quality is paramount. The following dietary supplements may be of some benefit in terms of both prevention and restoration;
Vitamin C – Vitamin C shows in vivo anti-viral immune responses at the early time of infection, especially against influenza virus, through increased production of IFN-α/β. Immune Netw. 2013 Apr; 13(2): 70–74.
Published online 2013 Apr 30. Vitamin C doesn’t have to be in Lipospheric format, just needs to be high quality and regular dosing.
Vitamin A – vital for healthy performance of respiratory tissue and deficiency of this vitamin leads to increased bronchial illnesses. Aust. Paediatr. J. 22 (1986) 95; Lancet 338 (1991) 67].
Vitamin D – though not strictly a vitamin – more a hormone, has been proven instrumental in the support of multiple aspects of the immune system. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Aug; 19(8): 2419..
Published online 2018 Aug 16.
Zinc – in lozenge format seems to have the best evidence for viral sore throats. Zinc does have anti-viral properties and was shown in a laboratory study to inhibit the replication of coronaviruses in cells (te Velthuis, PLoS Pathog 2010).
Olive Leaf extract – exhibits generalised anti viral properties but has been clinically proven toreduce the number of sick days experienced by high school athletes. Nutrients. 2019 Feb; 11(2): 358.
Published online 2019 Feb 9. doi: 10.3390/nu11020358
Elderberry extract – multiple studies have shown reduced corona viral activity. Sambucus nigra ( Black Elderberry ) extracts inhibit infectious bronchitis virus at an early point during replication.BMC Vet Res. 2014; 10: 24.
Published online 2014 Jan 16.Christie Chen, David M Zuckerman, […], and Amanda R Pendleton
These are the more significantly tested products, but I am seeing the emergence of even more ways to be able to support immunity.
Please feel free to make contact with me if you would like help sourcing these high quality extracts.
John MacGillivray Total Health Limited 236 Dominion Road Mt Eden
096387941
0211902212
These statements are not intended to replace qualified medical advice. If you are exhibiting any signs of viral infection, cough, sore throat, runny nose, lethargy or fever, please see your health professional.