A lot has been written in the last 12 months about preventing or avoiding ‘THE VIRUS’ – social distance, hand washing, masking and vaccinations. That’s all very well and good but what’s missing? What about early treatment and avoiding a hospital stay?
I’ve seen very little in mainstream media about how we can self-treat the early stages of CoVid 19 disease. Did you know that if treated 1-5 days after infection with nutraceutical agents (or in more severe cases anti-viral or anti-inflammatory medications), you can dramatically reduce viral replication giving yourself and our loved ones a much higher chance of a full-speed recovery.
Research on specific botanical and nutraceutical agents indicate they may have a role in the pre-exposure and early phase of CoVid 19 based on their ability to improve immune response to and recovery from viral illnesses. We discussed some of the key protective agents in recent posts – vitamins A, C, D, zinc and quercetin. But there are even more foods and supplements you can try at home to help with the early treatment of the disease.
Here are some of my favourites
Enhances immune system and reduces symptoms
The most important use of NAC is its role in the production of glutathione (GSH), a potent antioxidant that supports immune function.
Glutathione is the most abundant intracellular anti-oxidant in the body and has a number of roles to play - detoxifier, cell-signalling molecule and cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions. Glutathione is also critical for the regeneration of other antioxidants including vitamin E and vitamin C.
Glutathione and glutathione associated enzymes are critical to lung health, representing a first-line of defence against external agents in the lower respiratory tract. A deficiency of glutathione is associated with a number of lung diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Enhances immune system, decreases viral growth
Sleep plays an important role in a healthy immune system. In addition to promoting restful sleep, melatonin has been shown to reduce inflammation. It is also a very important anti-oxidant which protects the nucleus and mitochondria from oxidation.
Enhances immune system and reduces symptoms
Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to support the immune system while having antioxidant and antiviral effects.
Mushroom derived beta glucans are recognised by receptors on host immune as non-self molecules by mammalian cells which inducing beneficial innate and adaptive immune responses, which modulate inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tumour activities.
Enhances immune system, decreases viral growth, reduces symptoms
Beta glucans are both anti-inflammatory and enhance immune function while specifically benefitting those with upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses. They are found naturally in wholegrains like oats, barley, mushrooms, some types of fungi, seaweed and algae
The most pronounced effect of beta-glucans is thought to be related to an increase in the process of phagocytosis (engulfing other cells), and the proliferation of protective phagocyte cells - granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Macrophages are thought to play the most important role in the host's defence against bacteria, viruses and multicellular parasites.
Enhances immune system, decreases viral growth, reduces symptoms
Curcumin (turmeric) has been shown to reduce inflammation and decrease viral activity for Covid 19. Dating as far back as 1900 BC, the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-oxidant, anti-septic, analgesic, anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been widely studied for using varying doses and the research has demonstrated the exceptional safety profile of this herb. Extremely high doses of curcuminoids have proven safe in a number of trials, with limited side effects (such as transient gastrointestinal discomfort). Most commonly, studies reporting positive results have employed doses between 500mg and 4g of either curcumin or mixed curcuminoid
Enhances immune system, decreases viral growth, reduces symptoms
In addition to reducing inflammation, green tea enhances the immune system and targets one of the processes involved in viral replication.
- Resveratrol
Enhances immune system, decreases viral growth
Reservatrol, a natural compound found in red grapes has many beneficial health effects and has been shown in the lab to attack a relative of the SarsCov2 virus.
The gut microbiome plays an active part in immune function and health status, and poor gut health can cause inflammation and premature aging. Diet and lifestyle factors, as well as aging itself, cause a reduction in beneficial microbes. Mounting evidence indicates that supporting a healthy microbiome with pre - and probiotics is a promising therapeutic target to enhance immune function and to combat inflammation and its associated clinical symptoms. Pre- and probiotics support healthy gastrointestinal barrier function and gut-related immunity.
Enhances immune system, decreases viral growth
Elderberry is packed with vitamin C, dietary fibre and antioxidants. It has been used extensively in the prevention of flu.