Overview
One of the hottest issues under discussion these days is COVID-19, the virus that has created panic worldwide. Here in this blog, we will provide you with a detailed answer to whether supplements can protect you against COVID-19 or not.
Summary
- Vaccine for COVID-19 is still under evaluation phase, and it is estimated that it will not become widely available soon.
- No diet or lifestyle changes except proper hygiene or social distancing help protect yourself from this deadly coronavirus.
- There is no evidence to support the usage of any supplements can protect you against COVID-19.
- Some dietary supplements, including probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant isolates, can benefit your health and immune system.
- In order to strengthen your immune system, it is necessary to get enough sleep and stay active and hydrated.
- Some micronutrients, including Vitamin D, C, garlic, elderberry, and zinc, boost your immune system and improve your overall health.
During the past year, several studies have been carried out that could help treat this virus. Pharmaceutical companies are also working on producing vaccines for the general public. People are going out to the local pharmacies in search of any supplements that could be helpful for their health. But the question is, can supplements including ginseng or multivitamins be used to help fight COVID-19?
Although other coronaviruses have spread previously, COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is a new type of virus and is not studied in the past. Researchers and scientists worldwide have given countless hours to studying this virus. But, currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs for treating and preventing COVID-19. As the vaccine is still under its evaluation phase, it is estimated that it will not become widely available soon. At this time, you need to boost your immune system and stay healthy.
Can Supplements Help to Cure or Prevent COVID-19?
Supplements are helpful while addressing deficiencies in your diet, but can they protect you in the fight against COVID-19? It is critical to understand that no diet, supplement, or lifestyle changes except proper hygiene or social distancing help you from protecting COVID-19. Currently, there is no evidence in support of any specific supplement to protect against COVID-19.
But, it is assumed that the usage of supplements is an ideal approach for keeping your body and your immune system functioning at optimal levels. Many physicians and other healthcare professionals suggest that taking a simple supplement every day can ensure that your body has all the essential nutrients needed for staying healthy.
According to research, COVID-19 has some traits similar to other viruses like the previous coronavirus such as SARS and influenza, but it does not behave the way they do. However, we can take preventive tips from their guideline and identify the supplements that can help you strengthen your immune system against this virus.
Importance of Supplements in the Fight Against Covid-19
As SARS-CoV-2 spreads as a respiratory infection, numerous studies have suggested that micronutrients, including Vitamin D, C, and zinc, help in boosting your immune system and reduce respiratory infection risk. Right from the start of this pandemic situation, these nutrients are recommended by health care experts. You can also get them from diets and dietary supplements.
According to some other studies, some other dietary supplements can also be beneficial for your health and immune system. These include probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids (“fish oil”), and plant isolates such as garlic. The utilization of particular dietary supplements has been suggested since the start of this current coronavirus pandemic. It is assumed that they can be useful for its prevention and acute treatment.
Tips for Strengthening Your Immune System
To fight against SARS-CoV-2, you need to adopt some daily precautions, including washing your hands regularly and maintaining distance from already infected people. But the most critical factor is to boost your immune system. Here are some of the effective tips that you need to add to your to-do list.
Get Enough Sleep
Every adult and teenager needs to get a sleep of almost eight or more hours. You can understand it by considering your immune system a computer as it requires time to rest to avoid overheating. Similarly, sleep also reboots your system.
Stay Active
Working out is a powerful approach for boosting your immune system. Several studies suggest that exercises help in fighting against the virus. Researchers also highlight that merely the rise of your body temperature may help kill the germs in their tracks. But it is crucial to know that only moderate exercises help boost your immune system while prolonged intensive exercise can suppress the immune system.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration does not keep you safe from viruses and germs, but it can positively affect your overall health. Dehydration can be the reason for headaches, limiting your physical abilities, and adversely affecting your mood, focus, digestion, heart, and kidney functioning. These factors can increase the risk of getting affected by different viruses.
Supplements
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there is no proof supporting the usage of any supplement in preventing and treating COVID-19. However, several supplements may help in strengthening your body’s general immune system.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in improving immune health and is the most popular supplement for protecting against the virus. It also works as a potent antioxidant, protecting against damage caused by stress, which happens with the accumulation of free radicals or reactive molecules.
Supplementing with vitamin C helps reduce upper respiratory tract infections’ duration and severity, including the common cold.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for your overall health and the proper functioning of your immune system. This supplement also helps in decreasing inflammation, which helps in promoting immune response.
Zinc
The deficiency of zinc affects your immune system’s capacity to function correctly. It leads to an increased risk of infection and disease, like pneumonia.
A review of more than 500 people suffering from the common cold shows that taking 75 mg of zinc daily reduces the cold’s duration by 33%.
Elderberry
According to some studies, elderberries can reduce the signs of viral respiratory infections. But more research is required regarding this supplement.
Garlic
Research has found that supplementing with garlic reduces the common cold incidence by about 30%. Supplements help to improve your immune system. But, to keep your immune system healthy and reduce the chances of getting the disease, you need to maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, keep yourself engaged in some physical activity, and avoid smoking.
Before taking any supplement, discuss it with your doctor, as some of them may be inappropriate for some people. Furthermore, keep in mind that no evidence proves that supplements can protect you against COVID-19. Remember that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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