As the days turn into weeks, we are learning more and more about how this virus behaves, and what we might do to support our immune system to better protect ourselves. From a Functional/Integrative medicine perspective, thus far we have been focusing on nutrients and herbs that have been well studied, in general, for their ability to support, modify or boost the immune system. We have been talking and writing extensively on helping people to choose the right supplements.
Today, there is new information that we want to share with you. Based on what we have learned about the behavior of this novel coronavirus, and in consultation with our team at Blum Center for Health, we are changing a few of our recommendations.
Here is your update on supplements:
ACE receptors: We have learned that this virus uses the ACE receptor on cells to gain entry. We believe that one of the many actions of Vitamins A and D are to increase the number of ACE receptors on the cells, and therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending not taking extra vitamin A or D during this time. Whatever you are already taking, or whatever you have in your multi is perfectly fine, just don’t take extra supplementation.
Cytokine storm: When the virus gets going in your body, it can create something called a cytokine storm, which is when your immune system reacts vigorously and releases an enormous amount of chemicals (cytokines) and free radicals to destroy the virus. This is a good thing. However, there is concern that in some people, the coronavirus triggers an extreme cytokine storm causing among other things, the lung damage that we hear about. Even without human clinical studies to prove this, we have been studying the possibility that some immune boosting vitamins might make the cytokine storm worse.
The Arizona University Department of Integrative medicine has made the recommendation to stop these vitamins and supplements if you develop symptoms of infection or a positive test. Symptoms would include a cough, shortness of breath with a fever (100 or over), which are the first signs that you might have COVID-19, the illness caused by this coronavirus.
Avoid these vitamins if you get sick:
Elderberry
Echinacea
Larch Arabinogalactan
Extra Vitamin D (as described above)
Considered safe to take these vitamins:
Zinc
Vitamin C
Astragalus
Andrographis
NAC (no mention of concern so it stays on the list)
Mushroom extracts:
We are having a debate about mushroom extracts because in general we recommend them for their support of the immune system and there really is no evidence that they would be harmful if you got the coronavirus.
Out of an abundance of caution, while we still recommend mushroom supplements, choose only those that have the name of the mushrooms themselves on the ingredient list.
PUTTING THIS TOGETHER
Supplements:
Stick with Zinc (30 mg), Vitamin C (3 grams), and a probiotic, which you can continue even if you get sick. There are reports from China about using high dose Vitamin C for treatment, and it seems reasonable to continue to recommend going up to 6 grams daily or more if you get sick (and can tolerate it, can cause loose stools).
Stop the extra Vitamin A and D. And if you are taking Vitamin A and D to correct a deficiency with your doctor then you can continue but consider stopping this if you do have signs of the virus.
If you have any of the other supplements at home on the “avoid if you get sick” list above, you can take them and stop if you get sick.
One more note: if you develop a fever, take Tylenol instead of ibuprofen (Advil). It appears to make things worse. This is another area that is rapidly evolving, and if you can’t find tylenol in the stores, you should speak to your doctor about other options.
Here are the things you should STILL DO for risk reduction:
Good gut health: which means lots of beneficial bacteria. Take a probiotic every day with at least 20 billion cfu of mixed strains of lactobacillus and bifidus species.
Balanced stress hormones: Get a good night’s sleep and don't overwork yourself during flu season. Stress harms your ability to fight viruses. Practice some form of mediation daily. Melissa, Blum Center’s Health Coach, wrote a great blog with tips for managing stress during this time.
Eat foods that are good for your immune system: Avoid processed foods and focus on fruits and veggies that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Support the removal of toxins by eating lots of cruciferous veggies, which boost the detox system in your liver.
Sending prayers and good wishes for you and all of us to stay safe and well during this difficult time. Dr. Blum will be having a weekly LIVE webinar every Friday at 11 am EST to answer questions. Sign up here.