All are prevalent at this time and all may benefit from proper nutrition. Don’t get me wrong. I am not claiming any one of these are completely preventable by nutritional support, but nutritional and lifestyle changes are the things that can reduce our risks without side effects along with proper hand washing and social distancing.
From a nutritional standpoint Gut Brain Axis is key. There is significant research that shows that the immune system starts in the gut and how we think significantly affects our gut health and vice versa, the health of our gut effects how we think. This could be a 12 hour lecture on the impact of GI/Brain health, but I think the Cliff notes version may be more beneficial for now. So here are few key concepts and nutrients to concentrate on at this time. Rather than taking my word on it here are a few research articles to quench your thirst for facts in uncertain times. Below I am providing several studies that support key nutritional and lifestyle decisions that can affect your immune health.
Exercise-
“Contemporary evidence from epidemiological studies shows that leading a physically active lifestyle reduces the incidence of communicable (e.g., bacterial and viral infections) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., cancer), implying that immune competency is enhanced by regular exercise bouts.”1
“There is strong evidence from animal studies that exercise and regular activity positively impacts the pathophysiological processes of anxiety. Numerous studies and meta-analyses show that exercise is also associated with reduced anxiety in clinical settings.”2
Probiotics-
“Since viruses evolve constantly and produce a serologically diverse viral population, it is challenging to establish an effective means of protecting humans from viral infections. There have been several clinical reports regarding the use of probiotics or paraprobiotics for the prophylaxis or treatment of infectious diseases. Here, we reviewed the literature regarding several probiotic or paraprobiotic agents based on the papers which described single paraprobiotics / probiotics in clinical trial to avoid the cross-talk or mutual interference between probiotics. Such agents are considered to be safe, affordable and easy to consume because of their long history of use in foods.”3
“Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be prescribed rationally and was not recommended except for patients with long course of disease, repeated fever and elevated Procalcitonin (PCT), meanwhile secondary fungal infection should be concerned. Some patients with COVID-19 showed intestinal microbial dysbiosis with decreased probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Nutritional and gastrointestinal function should be assessed for all patients. Nutritional support and application of prebiotics or probiotics were suggested to regulate the balance of intestinal microbiota and reduce the risk of secondary infection due to bacterial translocation.”4
“Probiotics may have an important role in the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis. The clinical benefit of probiotic therapy depends on numerous factors, such as type of bacterium, route of administration, dosing, regimen, and other underlying host factors.”7
Magnesium, B6, EFA’s–
“The current review suggests that EFAs may be effective in reducing prenatal stress and salivary cortisol and may reduce anxiety during premenstrual syndrome and during menopause in the absence of depression. Magnesium and vitamin B6 may be effective in combination in reducing premenstrual stress, and vitamin B6 alone may reduce anxiety effectively in older women. High-dose sustained-release vitamin C may reduce anxiety and mitigate increased blood pressure in response to stress.”5
While this study is specific to prenatal health it highlights the combined effects of certain nutrients and there are several more studies that support what we see clinically.
Vitamin D-
“The studies clearly show that vitamin D is, undoubtedly, part of the complex factors which affect the immune response. So, assessing vitamin D status and maintaining optimal serum levels should be considered in all ageing adults and children, and micro-nutrients should be regarded as one of the essential factors which improve our health condition overall and also supports our fight against diseases.”6
Sleep-
“Prolonged sleep curtailment and the accompanying stress response invoke a persistent unspecific production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, best described as chronic low-grade inflammation, and also produce immunodeficiency, which both have detrimental effects on health.”8
Quality sleep is significant in immune and brain function. Let’s be honest, this current health issue has been stressful on us all. Follow our Facebook page for more information on supplemental support and lifestyle support.
We are here to help with any concerns you have. We can schedule nutritional consults by phone and even ship or locally drop off vitamins.
1 Campbell JP, Turner JE. Debunking the Myth of Exercise-Induced Immune Suppression: Redefining the Impact of Exercise on Immunological Health Across the Lifespan. Front Immunol. 2018; 9:648. Published 2018 Apr 16. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00648
2 Anderson E, Shivakumar G. Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Front Psychiatry. 2013; 4:27. Published 2013 Apr 23. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027
3 Kanauchi O, Andoh A, AbuBakar S, Yamamoto N. Probiotics and Paraprobiotics in Viral Infection: Clinical Application and Effects on the Innate and Acquired Immune Systems. Curr Pharm Des. 2018; 24(6):710–717. Doi: 10.2174/1381612824666180116163411
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32096367
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28178022
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6121423/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784923/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256323/