It’s hard to believe that we are in 2021 with a pandemic that started in 2019. While the pandemic is still raging across the globe we hold onto hopes that we will once again be able to travel and resume some sense of normalcy. Since the virus, we have changed our habits and increased our hygiene to help stave off the virus but as the world slowly opens back up we still need to be conscious of our health for our own sake and that of others that are more vulnerable. Maintaining and keeping your immune system up to par is essential for warding off the virus and keeping yourself and others healthy. Supplementation may help to assist in maintaining your immune system as well as help fight off the virus. While no supplement can cure COVID-19, research is starting to show that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may be associated with differing severities of the virus. Check out these supplements to help you ward off COVID-19.
Related: The Importance of Wearing Face Masks
Vitamin D
This fat-soluble vitamin is essential for regulating our immune function and it’s a vitamin that many of us are deficient in. Being deficient in vitamin D has long been associated with an increased risk of inflammatory conditions and respiratory viruses. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation can help improve immune response as well as increase the effectiveness of antiviral medications with certain conditions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin c is already well known for its prominent role in supporting our immune system and protecting us from viruses and infection with its antioxidant properties. Vitamin C supplementation has already been associated with reducing the severity of viruses like the common cold as well as its occurrence.
Related: Can Vitamin C Give You Brighter Skin?
Melatonin
While melatonin is generally used to help you sleep and reduce anxiety, which is also important for your immune function, it also helps reduce inflammation in the lungs and can decrease the risk of fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs, which is a prominent complication for those who contract COVID-19.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant flavonoid that is found in a variety of plants and foods, from certain fruits and vegetables to wine and green tea and is a popular supplement for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have found that it binds with protein in the COVID-19 virus, which reduces the viruses ability to spread and affect healthy cells.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps our immune cells develop and plays an important role in our inflammatory response. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that approximately 30% of older adults are deficient in zinc. Zinc supplementation has been associated with helping protect against respiratory infections as well as decreasing the duration of respiratory illnesses.
Elderberry
Generally used to treat infections, black elderberry has been noted to have powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties against respiratory illnesses like the flu. It has also been noted to help reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about any new supplementation as some supplements may interact with certain medications.
Related: Supplements and Medications You Shouldn’t Take Together
