A Focus on Oxidative Stress
The world is going nuts over the spread of a strain of coronavirus known as SARS-COV-2 that causes a disease called COVID-19. The rapidly spreading virus, which is thought to have originated in a food market in Wuhan China in late December, can be fatal to a small percentage of the people it affects. It is thought to be airborne, meaning it spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets can remain on surfaces like countertops, your hands, or a doorknob, and can be spread if you come in contact with a contaminated surface. Most of the danger is related to pneumonia, a severe inflammation of the lungs accompanied by massive fluid retention and an inability to breathe. Sufferers essentially drown. The effects of the coronavirus can be very serious.
The Coronavirus can remain latent for 2 – 14 days, which means that people who are infected may not show any symptoms.
Symptoms to look for are:
>> fever
>> cough
>> shortness of breath
>> headache
>> loss of appetite
>> muscle stiffness and pain
>> nausea/diarrhea/upset stomach
>> night sweats
Oxidative stress is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to tissue and cellular damage. Viruses like corona are microorganisms that hijack host cells so they can reproduce more of themselves. Viral infections have been associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is said to be caused by the activation of antiviral and anti-inflammatory pathways. ROS and free radicals can cause severe damage to normal cells in the body. Since there is an increase in reactive oxygen species, there may not be enough antioxidants to neutralize them. This leads to a state of oxidative stress, which could cause damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins. This damage forms the basis of a wide variety of diseases ranging from heart disease to cancer. Many studies prove that since these diseases are mediated by oxidative stress and an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant factors, antioxidants may play a critical role in preventing or slowing the progression of these conditions.
The association between oxidative stress and viral infections gives researchers a reason to believe that antioxidants can support the body’s natural immune response. The following are some of the most researched antioxidants that should be considered for boosting the immune system during this scary period when we are dealing with the very little understood but potentially lethal coronavirus. All of these nutrients can be taken separately or in combination.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is also called the ‘anti-infective’ vitamin, and many of the body’s defenses against infection depend on an adequate supply. There are 3 active forms of Vitamin A in the body: retinol, retinal, and retinoid acid. Vitamin A offers some protection against complications from lung diseases.
Vitamin B6, B12, and folate: All of these vitamins boost natural killer cells that help fight pathogenic invaders.
Vitamin C: This water-soluble vitamin, also called ascorbic acid, can help prevent and treat coronavirus by stopping the excessive inflammatory response in the lungs, by suppressing the reproduction and spread of the virus within the body, and by boosting the function of the immune system.
Vitamin D3: D3 is a nutrient and a hormone. It stimulates the maturation of many cells, including immune cells. It acts as an immune modulator, regulating the immune system and enhancing your innate immunity.
Vitamin E: This lipid-soluble vitamin plays an important role in reducing oxidative stress through binding to free radicals as an antioxidant.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): This is needed for making antioxidants like glutathione, and it has been shown to increase immune function significantly.
Liposomal Glutathione: This is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
Probiotics: Many immune cells reside in your gut, so maintaining the right balance of gut flora is imperative for proper immune function. Be cautious of yogurts and gummies — most are filled with sugar, which can disrupt your gut flora, thus providing you with little or no immune benefit.
Zinc: Zinc is an important mineral that fights viruses by inhibiting viral replication.
Given that we are still learning about this virus and there are still many unknowns, it is crucial that we each strive to keep our immune systems in the best shape possible. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your immune system running at top speed.
Reduce Stress
Emotional, mental, and physical stress all wreak havoc on our immune system by increasing inflammation. Inflammation decreases your immune response. Take steps to minimize stress and find healthy ways to decompress through meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc. You can do all of these activities by yourself at home.
Eat Healthy
Your gut health and your immune system are intricately connected, so a happy digestive tract will keep your immune system running at top speed. Avoid processed foods and choose fresh produce. Choose organic meats whenever possible.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Your immune system requires large amounts of energy, and it depends on adequate sleep to function optimally. Set your sleep goal for a minimum of 7 – 8 hours of quality, restful sleep each night with at least 90 minutes of both deep sleep and REM.
Boost Your Antioxidant Levels
This will protect your cells from oxidative damage which in turn will boost your immunity.
The best thing to do during this pandemic is to keep calm. Surges in cortisol, our stress hormone, can do more damage to our health than the coronavirus itself. We have to help our bodies build up our natural protective shield against pathogenic invaders by keeping the peace on the outside and, more importantly, on the inside. Antioxidants are the building blocks for our protective shield. We all have different antioxidant needs. Testing your antioxidant status can help you gauge your lifestyle, diet, and immune vulnerability. Pandemic or not, it is vital to keep your immune system in the best shape possible. Position yourself to fight all health threats, not just COVID-19.
Due to the current need for social distancing, we encourage you to send your questions to us at TLCMedicalCentre@gmail.com. Ask about our customizable immune trifecta! Our drive-through remains open for this and for your prescription needs. We will provide anti-oxidant testing once this threat of the virus is over.
Stay safe, be vigilant, and help one another!
