How to Maintain Strong Immune System to Combat Coronavirus

What is virus?

A virus is an extremely small pathogen, which can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms.  

Viruses are made up of an outer shell of protein which carries DNA/RNA, the genetic code with instructions for making new copies of the virus.  

Because they can’t reproduce on their own, they invade our cells, reprogram their DNA and transform them into factories producing millions of copies of the virus. During an infection we may have several million viruses per millilitre of blood. 

What Is Coronavirus 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) began to spread late last year (2019) in Wuhan, China. The virus appears to have passed to humans, from live animals, sold for food in a large market.  

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020. This led to closure of public life in many countries all over the world to prevent widespread infection.  

By March, in over 100 countries, more than 200,000 cases of COVID 19 had been confirmed, with 8,000 deaths. 

Coronavirus Covid-19 Symptoms 

Symptoms of infection include cough, fever and shortness of breath. About 80% of those infected experience mild to moderate symptoms. Sore nose and throat is more common during cold and flu, rather than covid. 

About 20% experience more severe symptoms, which may include pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and can lead to death (about 1-3%). 

Why Only Some Infected People Develop Symptoms 

Even if a virus enters the body, it was demonstrated that a strong immune system can easily handle the invasion. Therefore, the key cause of diseases, triggered by viral infections, is weakness of the immune system. 

The Immune Response 

After recognising a virus, the immune B-cells, the first line of defence, responsible for making antibodies, are activated by another type of immune cells.  

They immediately start to multiply and after receiving necessary data from other immune cells, they start producing antiviral antibodies.  

After 4-7 days, those antibodies are detectable in the blood. Antibodies bind to antigens, weakening viruses and marking them as enemies, so that other white blood cells (such as macrophages) can engulf and destroy them.  

Antibodies have countless shapes to match all types of viruses. Every person has more than 10 billion different kinds of antibodies. 

Key Causes of Weak Immune System 

Deficiency of Vitamin D, C, B12, Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, and antioxidants. Use of antibiotics, insufficient number of good probiotic bacteria in the colon, high levels of toxins, chronic stress, smoking, regular use of alcohol, drugs, caffeine and other stimulants.  

A diet high in refined foods such as sugar or white flour products and excessive consumption of meat products and dairy products all contribute to a weak immune system. 

How to Boost your Immune System 

Supplements

Vitamin D 

Take 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 every day after breakfast until recovery. After that reduce to 2,000 IU a day.

Remember to take also 150-200mg of Magnesium twice daily as without magnesium, vitamin D remains inactive.  

Magnesium 

Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining a strong immune system and ensuring the proper conversion and absorption of vitamin D.  

Zinc 

10-30mg a day, after breakfast.  

Zinc is required for a strong immune system. Without zinc, the body is not able to overcome viral infections. Zinc inhibits influenza, cold viruses and helps minimise the duration and severity of symptoms.  

Selenium 

Selenium (50-200mcg daily) boosts immunity and helps fight off viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases and allergies. Selenium helps prevent viruses from replicating. 

Vitamin B12 

Take 1,000-2,000mcg a day, under the tongue (Methylcobalamin sublingual).  

This vitamin is involved in the production of white blood cells, which deal with viral infections, inflammation, weak immune system and autoimmune diseases. 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps maintain a strong immune system by protecting it from oxidative damage, caused by free radicals. 

Probiotics 

(Lactobacillus gasseri, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus) 

Weakness of our immune system, which is greatly influenced by the ratio between good and bad bacteria in the gut, is one of the key causes of acute and chronic infectious diseases, cancers and autoimmune conditions. 

Black Seed Oil 

Black Seed Oil has antiviral properties, able to kill even HIV, which uses similar pathways as coronavirus. Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) contains thymol (found also in thyme essential oil), which is commonly used as a medical and general-purpose disinfectant to kill various viruses and bacteria, including TB. 

Garlic 

There is currently a lot of discussion concerning garlic’s ability to kill coronavirus.  

Although it is true that there is no scientific proof that certain constituents of garlic can destroy coronavirus, research provides enough data to believe Garlic might be able to kill other viruses and may stimulate the immune system to be more effective in coping with catching a cold. 

Intact garlic bulbs contain high amounts of allicin. After cutting, crushing, or chewing, allicin is known to have potent anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. 

Garlic’s active ingredients are also able to stimulate certain immune cells to be more effective in fighting viruses. 

Astragalus 

Astragalus extract is regarded as an excellent energy and immune system booster. It is also an adaptogen herb known to lower excessive stress hormone levels and reduce the bad effects of chronic stress. 

It is thought that astragalus extract gives macrophages and natural killer cells the ability to fight intruders, including viruses.

Propolis 

Due to its proven anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties Propolis can help prevent and shorten the duration of common respiratory diseases such as flu or cold. 

Ginger 

According to numerous cellular studies, it can kill viruses, bacteria, and yeasts. It not only soothes a sore throat but can kill rhinoviruses (the cause of most colds) and stimulates the immune system by increasing body temperature.  

Ginger also prevents the accumulation of toxins that make you susceptible to viral, fungal and bacterial infections. 

Ginger root promotes sweating and is commonly used as a natural remedy for fever. 

Herbs 

To help lower a high body temperature: elderflower, lime blossom, yarrow, catnip, chamomile flower, white willow bark, and lemon balm leaf are helpful.  

All the above herbs help to reduce fever. You can use them separately or mix them together and make a herbal tea. 

Nutritional and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Limit the use of stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol 
• Try to control stress levels and minimise activities or situations that increase your stress (meditation is useful in relieving stress) 
• Exercise in the morning, outside 
• Expose your body to sunlight  
• Go to sleep as early as possible. Try to sleep for at least 7-8 hours/day 
• Avoid foods with refined sugar and white flour products.  

Instead of sugar and other harmful sweeteners you can use xylitol, erythritol, stevia or organic raw honey in moderation 

• Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables to support your immune system 
• Avoid refined oils and margarines. Use raw organic coconut oil as it has antiviral properties 
• Avoid/significantly reduce the consumption of dairy products, meat and bad fats 
• Wash your hands regularly after being in a public space and before handling food 

Related Articles

• Lifestyle, Diet, & Nutritional Supplements to Support Weak Immune System
• Common Cold

Sources

1.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659258/ 
2.  Linus Pauling, Vitamin C and the Common Cold, p. 38, 84 
3.  Susan, S. (2016). Aged Garlic Extract Modifies Human Immunity. The Journal of Nutrition. 16 (4), 54-60. 
4.  Wang, D., Feng, Y. et al. (2010). Black Garlic (Allium sativum) extract enhances the immune system. Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Science and Biotechnology. 4 (1), 
5.  Yejin Kim, Hyemin Kim, Seyeon Bae, et al (2013) Immune Netw. 2013 Apr; 13(2): 70–74 
6.  The Telegraph, G. Michael Allan, MD and Bruce Arroll, MB ChB PhD (2014) Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. 28 Jan 2014 CMAJ. 2014 Feb 18 
7.  Singh M1, Das RR (2013) Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jun 18;(6) 
8.  V Vetvicka, J Vetvickova (2014) Immune-enhancing effects of Maitake. 
9.  www.alive.com/health/astragalus-the-immune-warrior/ 
10.  Propolis: Otolaryngologia Polska 1989;43(3):180-4. 
11.  Propolis: Isr Med Assoc J 2002 Nov;4(11 Suppl):923-7. 
12.  Propolis: Int Immunopharmacol. 2004 Jul;4(7):975-82. 
13.  Propolis: Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2007 Mar 15;116(1-2):79-84. 
14.  Echinacea: Daily Mail 10/10/2012 
15.  Melchart D, Linde K, Fischer P (2000) Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD000530. 
16.  Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ 2017; 356 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i6583 (Published 15 February 2017): http://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i658 
17.  NHS: The new guidelines on vitamin D – what you need to know, Thursday July 21, 2016: https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/the-new-guidelines-on-vitamin-d-what-you-need-to-know/ 
18.  Nantz MP1, Rowe CA, Muller CE, Creasy RA, Stanilka JM, Percival SS. (2016). Supplementation with aged garlic extract improves both NK and γδ-T cell function and reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled nutrition intervention. Clin Nutr. 2012 Jun;31(3):337-44. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2011.11.019. Epub 2012 Jan 24. 
19.  Josling P1. (2001). Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2001 Jul-Aug;18(4):189-93. 
20.  Astragalus: https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/the-cold-remedy-that-actually-works-20160316 

Images: Covid shield vector created by starline - www.freepik.com 

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.