Health en Pointe
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Contact
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

3/26/2020 3 Comments

Diet and Infectious Disease - Does what we eat affect our risk of contracting illness?

In order to stay healthy, it is crucial that we avoid exposure to disease and practice preventive hygiene like handwashing. Additionally, maintaining a strong immune system is crucial for defending against infection, and nutrition certainly helps support immunity. Amidst the current coronavirus pandemic, many of us may wonder what specific nutrients play a role in fighting a disease like COVID-19. Research is limited on natural remedies specifically for coronavirus, but there is information indicating positive effects of various vitamins and minerals on preventing or treating infectious illnesses.

​
Vitamin D is found in dairy products, egg yolks, and fatty fish, like salmon. However, the best source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight - just 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine on the arms and legs each week can generate enough vitamin D to meet most adults’ needs. For individuals living in Northern parts of the world, sun exposure may not be adequate to synthesize enough vitamin D, so a vitamin D supplement may be appropriate to maintain optimal health. Research demonstrates that in people who are vitamin D deficient, adding a moderate vitamin D supplement may reduce the risk of respiratory infection (1). 

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is the supplemental form of cysteine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods like pork. NAC is needed to regenerate glutathione, an important antioxidant that serves to prevent cellular damage. A clinical study demonstrated that twice daily supplementation with NAC reduced symptoms in people with the flu (2).

Polyphenol compounds are found in a variety of plant foods and are especially rich in deeply pigmented fruits, such as elderberries. Black elder has been used for centuries as a treatment for viruses and is one of the most popular medicinal plants worldwide. Some preliminary research suggests that elderberry extract may reduce the duration of the flu.

Vitamin C is necessary for white blood cell function and enhances iron absorption. Iron deficiency is common among women and dancers, and inadequate levels can increase susceptibility to infections. While adequate vitamin C intake is important for immune function, mega-doses can lead to adverse side effects, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and interference with medications. Rather than supplementing vitamin C, consider a food-first approach by including several servings per day of fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin C include kiwi, citrus, bell peppers, berries, strawberries and Brussel’s sprouts. 

Zinc has anti-viral properties and certain zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the severity and duration of colds (3). Laboratory studies suggest increasing intracellular zinc concentration can impair the replication of a variety of viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV. Zinc may not prevent infection entirely, but adequate intake certainly supports immune function. Keep in mind that excessive supplementation with zinc may interfere with copper absorption, so limit use of zinc lozenges to once a week. Natural sources of zinc include legumes, nuts, whole grains, seeds, meat and shellfish.

For more information about COVID-19, check out the Centers for Disease Control and  the World Health Organization’s Myth Busters.
  1. Carlos A. Camargo, Davaasambuu Ganmaa, A. Lindsay Frazier, Franca F. Kirchberg, Jennifer J. Stuart, Ken Kleinman, Nyamjav Sumberzul and Janet W. Rich-Edwards. Randomized Trial of Vitamin D Supplementation and Risk of Acute Respiratory Infection in Mongolia. Pediatrics September 2012,  130 (3) e561-e567; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-3029
  2. De Flora S1, Grassi C, Carati L. Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment.  Eur Respir J. 1997 Jul;10(7):1535-41. 
  3. Hemilä, H., Chalker, E. The effectiveness of high dose zinc acetate lozenges on various common cold symptoms: a meta-analysis. BMC Fam Pract 16, 24 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-015-0237-6.
3 Comments
rushessay link
4/20/2020 09:58:59 pm

There are lots of illnesses that you can get right now. In my opinion, it is the absolute best time for us to just stay at our houses. I know that it is not best for most of us, but for those who do, you need to do it. I hope that we can learn about how we can help society without actions. I think that this is the only thing that we can do right now, my man

Reply
Ryza bayquin link
8/17/2020 09:16:25 pm

Thank you for sharing this article, Have a great and informative blog content. Keep sharing.

Reply
GHO-AHK CORPORATION link
4/5/2021 08:32:09 pm

Great content!! So, much informative content you produce high quality of content which is good for those people can possibly visit your site. It same as Haarlem Oil and Haarlem Oil for Human (www.horses-haarlem-oil.com/product-category/shop) made by French people in France. I love the journey of my research from this website. Hope you do more blog post here about health. Thank you and God bless.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All Cross Training Injury Prevention Nutrition Recipes Wellness

    Archives

    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018

      Follow Our Blog

    Submit
Proudly powered by Weebly