How to Boost your Immunity against Corona Virus

Coronavirus: Anti-viral foods and Supplements for immunity

The Whole Truth

With three confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (n-COV) in Lebanon, the focus remains the prevention of the deadly virus that is said to have its origin from a seafood market in China’s Wuhan.
What can we do to boost our immunity?

Hygiene routines like washing hands are a necessity, it’s important to include anti-viral foods in our diet:

Anti-viral Supplements:

No Vitamin C does not protect you against the Corona Virus!

Overall, experts have found little to no benefit from vitamin C for preventing or treating the common cold

Vitamin D:

It boosts your immune system. It can modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection

I recommend vitamin D supplements, especially these days where we do not get much sun exposure.

Zinc

This mineral may offer both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that people who are deficient in zinc have severe dysfunction in their immune systems, Taking zinc supplements reduced the duration of cold symptoms (cough, nasal discharge, and muscle aches).

If you are a vegetarian, it is a great idea to start supplementing instantly.

Probiotics

70% of our immune system resides in the gut. That’s why taking probiotics helps boost your immune system. Probiotics are friendly bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, that are naturally found in the intestinal tract as well as in fermented foods. These friendly microbes help protect the body from disease-causing microbes. They also produce substances that keep the lining of the gut healthy, improving immune function.

But not all probiotics are created equal. There are criterias for good bacteria to be considered probiotics:

My go-to is Maxi Flora

Mushrooms: (Reishi and Chaga)

They enhance the immune function through its effects on white blood cells, which help fight infection and cancer.
They have uniquely structured carbohydrates that help the immune cells fight infections, including increasing the production of natural killer cells

Ashwagandha

It has been used for thousands of years to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. It Boosts your immune system. Chronic high stress levels will weaken your immune system and cause chronic illness over time. Ashwagandha can help by modulating your stress response.

Echinacea

Perhaps the most well-known herb for immune support is Echinacea. It helps your immune system combat infections and viruses.
That’s one reason why echinacea is often used to prevent or treat the common cold.
Studies found that taking echinacea may lower the risk of developing colds by more than 50% and shorten the duration of colds by one and a half days

Anti-viral Foods:

Manuka Honey:

A 2016 paper showed exactly why Manuka Honey may be important for your immune system. Not only does it have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, some research has suggested it may also have antiviral effects and might even help protect your body from flu. So keep taking the Manuka Honey

Turmeric

Consuming turmeric improves a person’s immune response. This is due to the qualities of curcumin, a compound in turmeric.
Note: 1500mg daily if taken as supplement, also make sure it is always accompanied with black pepper (Piperine) to ensure its absorption

Garlic

It is a powerful anti-viral. It can be eaten raw, mashed or added to food. Mix chopped raw garlic with a tablespoon of Manuka honey and consume a clove every day after two to three days.

Star anise

Careful!! It has nothing to do with our Anise (Yansoun)
The flower-shaped spice contains shikimic acid that is used as a base material for the production of Tamiflu, which is used for influenza virus. It is super powerful as an anti-viral. Take star anise and boil it in water and add it to your teas like green tea or black tea.

Ginger

Take mashed ginger and star anise, and make a concoction by adding little Manuka honey.

Coconut oil

Lauric acid and caprylic acid present in it are vital for boosting the immune system against viruses.

Resveratrol

Foods rich in resveratrol such as cocoa, dark chocolate, pistachios, peanuts, grapes, red, white wine, blueberries, cranberries and strawberries, are helpful to fight fungal infection, ultraviolet radiation, stress, and injury.

Anti-viral Herbs:

Oregano, Basil and dried thyme are great for immunity, they can be used in teas for respiratory health including mucous problems which becomes eventually a “breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens”.

• Mix ginger, garlic along with a tablespoon of thyme, oregano and make tea.
• Inhale essential oils like thyme, oregano, eucalyptus or star anise. One can also use a diffuser in the room.

Live Well

Mireille Rizk Corbani (Clinic Dietician)

CEO, Le Gabarit