Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Vitamin D literally unites your immune system, helping it work in a more balanced way and making it very important during cough and cold season and in the protection of your lungs.
In today’s episode, Jerry Hickey, Ph. focuses on the importance of Vitamin D for the health of your lungs and your overall respiratory health.
Written by Jerry Hickey, Ph.
With so much information available on COVID-19 and immune health in general, it may be difficult to fully understand what is going on around us today. Here is some important information on what is going on inside of our bodies by our immune system and some of my nutritional recommendations to keep yourself safe and healthy.
Immunity 101
The immune system is complex and many cells are used to achieve different functions. Some cells attack infectious organisms or cancer cells, other cells govern the fight, while others calm down the activated immune system cells once an infection is over; otherwise you have persistent and damaging inflammation.
The various immune system cells are always communicating with one-another to achieve this. The messengers they use are called cytokines. Some cytokines strongly activate the immune system; they are called pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dominant ones are TNF-Alpha, IL-6 (interleukin-6) and IL-1. Some cytokines deactivate the immune system; they are anti-inflammatory cytokines. A great example would be IL-10.
Learn more about COVID-19 by listening to our latest podcast episode >>
What is happening in our bodies when a virus attacks?
In SARS, MERS, COVID-19, Ebola Virus and Sepsis the virus attacks the lungs and the inflammation triggered by the virus results in pneumonia and fluid building up in the lining of the lungs. In some patients, there is a ferocious counterattack by the immune system in their lungs. It strongly destroys lung tissue and can attack the heart also. This is called Cytokine Storm and is a major part of sepsis where organs shut down. Lung and heart damage can be permanent.
The cytokine storm form bacteria, which is largely neutrophils varies from that of viruses, so one size does not suit all. The dominant cytokines in this event for COVID-19 include TNF-Alpha, IL-6, and IL-1.
How the Coronavirus is impacting our lungs. Click here for more information >>
Nutritional Recommendations
The good news is, there are some nutrients that can support a healthy immune and respiratory system. These a nutrients that are backed by clinical trials and studies, and I greatly recommend them in this time of need.
Resveratrol to support the strength of the lungs†
I would recommend two Resveratrol Hx 100mg once or twice a day (breakfast and dinner).
Ubiquinol to support heart health and protect the lungs†
I would recommend one Ubiquinol 120mg with NADH two or three times a day with meals, depending on the clients age and overall health.
A superior Multivitamin formula or Macula Formula to further enhance lung and immune protection, especially when the formulations include the activated MTHF, Tocotrienols, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Astaxanthin, Vitamins C, Beta-Carotene and Zinc.†
Respiratory supporting nutrients like Black Seed with Rosemary, Quercetin and Krill oil.
If they have trouble getting fresh fruits and vegetables due to high demand, superfood powders are a great option. They contain formulations of essential vitamins, minerals, herbs, fruits and vegetables to support immunity, energy and overall wellness.
A very important question during this pandemic is, “Can I protect my lungs?” This is where the Coronavirus picks up its tempo and can be really damaging. Here’s what you need to know from Jerry Hickey, Ph.
A variety of vitamins and nutrients are needed as the seasons change. Make sure you are using products that provide a more natural approach towards supporting your respiratory and immunity needs.
No matter the season, your respiratory health should be just as important as your digestive health. Just like many normal functions of your body, your lung function declines with age, with the development stage ending by age 25. A number of factors can accelerate the aging of your lungs and impact your respiratory system, including smoking, exposure to pollution and infection.
The good news is that there are some practices you can follow to keep your respiratory system working at its peak, according to Harvard Health.
Eat more fruit – A 2017 study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that a higher intake of antioxidant- and flavonoid-rich fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes (about four servings of fruit per day) was associated with a slower decline in lung function.
Exercise – Regular weight training has been shown to increase bone strength and can strengthen the chest, shoulders and back muscles, helping you maintain a breathing-friendly posture. Aerobic exercise like walking on a treadmill can help improve your lung capacity.
Numerous studies have shown that unique and specific herbal extracts support a healthy respiratory system.
Vitamin C is commonly touted as a go-to when you start to feel a cold coming on. And this is for good reason! Vitamin is an essential antioxidant flavonoid that our bodies don’t make – it must be consumed from our diet and can be found in high amounts in citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables and tomatoes. Vitamin C has been shown to naturally hinder the histamine pathway, a pathway directly involved with the immune response in the body.†
Mangosteen Fruit is a tropical fruit that has immune-modulating effects to help mediate inflammatory pathways in the body. According to Millie Lytle, ND, MPH, CNS, in an article entitled, The Histamine Connection” Food and Environmental Allergies, “Histamine is a compound produced by the body that mediates immune responses and is directly involved in the inflammatory response. Mangosteen has been shown to have potent inhibitory activities of histamine release.”†
Quercetin is a flavonoil that works in combination with Vitamin C to support healthy circulation to the face and head, immune defense and clear nasal passageways. In a 2010 study published in the journal Pharmacological Research, daily supplementation with Quercetin was associated with fewer sick days related to upper respiratory tract infections and a reduction in a severity of infections after 12 weeks.†
Nettle Leaf promotes detoxification through the kidneys and urinary tract and relieve occasional itch and irritation in the nose, eyes, and skin. In a 2019 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, using nettle extract on immune cells found that it inhibits key haywire immune system reactions that trigger the inflammation and symptoms in allergic reactions in people with pollen allergies.†