As the spread of the coronavirus continues and its strength increases due to the development of new variants in many areas around the world, experts suggest that it's time to boost our immune systems.
Christina Palacios, an assistant professor of nutrition science at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work at Florida International University, states that individuals with a strong diet can fight disease better than others. She added, "We have many pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and germs, that continuously enter our bodies, and if our immune system is functioning well, we will not get infected."
According to reports, Palacios collaborated with a team of international experts to develop dietary and supplement guidelines for frontline workers to protect their health during the widespread outbreak of coronavirus. She mentioned that the general public can also benefit from these recommendations as people begin to return to daily activities. Here are the main dietary supplements that adults should consider:
1. **Vitamin C**: Palacios states that this vitamin is essential for the immune system as it enhances the health of white blood cells that help fight infections, especially during the pandemic. She recommends consuming up to 1000 milligrams of it daily, with foods rich in Vitamin C including citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, and blueberries.
2. **Vitamin D**: While many of us obtain Vitamin D from sunlight, it is advisable during this critical period to also derive it from dietary supplements. Palacios notes that low levels of this vitamin are associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases due to coronavirus infection. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum mentioned that Vitamin D has always been at the top of his list for fighting viral infections, adding, "I personally recommend taking multivitamins containing 1000 international units of Vitamin D daily." Furthermore, Palacios suggests increasing Vitamin D intake by consuming fish and fortified foods.
3. **Zinc**: Palacios points out that this mineral is very important for the function of our immune cells, and several studies have shown that increased concentrations of zinc can inhibit the replication of many viruses, including the new coronavirus. She advises adults to consume no more than 40 milligrams of it daily. Additionally, she notes that other vitamins can help enhance the immune system overall, which includes: Vitamin A found in milk, dairy products, eggs, and yellow and orange fruits; Vitamin B3, or niacin, which helps reduce inflammation and damage to the lungs, abundant in chicken, meat, fish, grains, beans, and nuts; Vitamin B9 or folic acid, which helps prevent respiratory infections, found in leafy vegetables and fortified foods; and probiotics, as consuming probiotics found in yogurt and fermented milk can help prevent upper respiratory infections.
