Building Immunity When You Need it the Most

by Dr. Hayley Nick

There are so many different ways to support your immune system and help your body fight against infections (and a specific virus that we refuse to call by name!). You might be wondering what, other than the CDC’s recommendations of social distancing and hand washing, else can you and your family do? Through the foods we eat and the supplements we take, our immune systems become equipped to fight all different kinds of invaders. I’m making it easy for you today by outlining some of the foods and supplements that are the most important for you right now.

Making things even easier, if you need to stock up on any supplements while we’re currently closed for all but emergency chiropractic and/or regular physical therapy visits, call or text the office to order! We can mail them directly to you, or we can find a super safe pick-up time for you to grab what you need. PLUS, we want to thank YOU for supporting US while we aren’t open. So … if you choose to purchase any supplements from us while we’re closed, we’ll give you $10 off of your next in-person chiropractic, acupuncture, or massage treatment once we’ve re-opened. 

Here are the supplements we recommend most right now if you:

Want help fighting viruses: ZINC

Zinc supplementation has been proven to shorten the duration of the common cold. Many common colds are caused by coronaviruses. Researchers say it’s too early to know zinc benefits specifically against COVID-19 but oral zinc supplement has shown to decrease viral replication throughout the body. Too much zinc isn’t always better though … 150 milligrams per day is best for adults.

Source: Neff, T. (2020, March 25). Coronavirus: To zinc or not to zinc? UC Health.

Want help fighting respiratory symptoms: VITAMIN C

Vitamin C supports your innate (protection you’re born with) and adaptive (protection you acquire over time) immune systems by supporting epithelial layer cells. Epithelial layer cells make up the membranes of your respiratory system. For COVID-19 and many other infections, respiratory symptoms are common and sometimes the most debilitating, and increasing vitamin C intake can help support these immune systems. In addition to supplementation, you can up your vitamin C intake by eating more foods like bell peppers, broccoli, oranges, and strawberries. 

Source: Carr, A. (2017, November 3). Vitamin C and Immune Function.

Want help supporting your immune system: VITAMIN D

Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiencies are very common (even in sunny Colorado!). Vitamin D supports our innate and adaptive immune systems like vitamin C. It is important to supplement with vitamin D because it is often the case that being outside in direct sunlight is not enough. Also, individuals who have autoimmune diseases usually need more vitamin D than individuals who do not. Make sure to talk to your provider about what dose of vitamin D is beneficial for you … you don’t want to overdo it on your vitamin D supplementation. 

Source: Aranow, C. (2011, August 5). Vitamin D and the Immune System.

Want help recovering after an illness: GLUTATHIONE

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that fight against viruses and the production of these cells is supported by an antioxidant called glutathione. After an illness, your body has sometimes spent days or weeks under great stress, which produces free radicals throughout the body. Glutathione supports the lymphatic system and the liver to remove these free radicals from the body. Free radicals are linked to aging and damage to other cells in the body. Glutathione can be found in avocado, raw garlic, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.

Source: V, Lobo. (2010, July).  Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health.

If you’re still wondering what you might need or how much you should take of something, you can schedule a telehealth visit. Call or text the office at 720.739.0745 to get a Zoom appointment with one of our providers! We’re happy to help you choose supplements and proper dosages. Or, we could always talk about Tiger King instead … it’s up to you!

Or, if you know what and how much you want of something and you’re just looking to purchase your supplements from our favorite, trusted brands that only medical providers can sell, here are our online portals for purchasing from Xymogen and Metagenics.

Thanks always for supporting us during these ever-changing times. We can’t wait to see you again in the office soon!