Optimizing Your Immunity By Diane White McNaughton
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n invisible microscopic enemy has infected everything, from the stock market to unstocked supermarket shelves. As the number of COVID-19 cases spreads like a California wildfire, social distancing central Pennsylvanians are desperately searching for a cure, a shield, a vaccine, a magic vitamin…anything to put us on the path back to normalcy. According to dietitians and doctors, we are not totally helpless in the face of this new viral villain. But the opinion is not unanimous. Recently, two medical experts faced off on Fox News, with one urging Americans to take vitamins to bolster their immunity, while another said vitamins give false hope in the face of an unstoppable force. So which is it? Remedies and recommendations are popping up faster than a game of wack-a-mole. One popular local Facebook site shares a “Puerto Rican remedy” to combating the coronavirus: gargling with a teaspoon of vinegar, lemon and baking soda diluted in hot water at the first sign of a dry or sore throat, and taking a blow-dryer to the nose. What do medical experts and researchers think about home remedies, a fistful of vitamins, and some pricey supplements? It seems Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is now having a moment. In late March, Dr. Tom Frieden, former Chief of the Centers for Disease Control, appearing on “The Dr. Oz Show,” sung the praises of Vitamin D. Years ago, doctors noticed a spike in respiratory infections in the winter months, and concluded that people with lower vitamin D levels are more likely to get respiratory infections. They recommended 15 minutes of sunlight a day. “It can’t hurt and it may help,” he said. Doctors also said taking Vitamin D supplements is good, but not more than 2,000 IUs per day. Dr. Oz on MSN.com agreed, saying supplements can’t beat COVID-19, but general evidence shows that they can slow down the progression of viruses in general. He recommends immune-boosting Vitamin D, along with Vitamin 16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
C, zinc and elderberry supplements, along with naturally occurring Vitamin C found in leafy greens, salmon and berries. If you are already sick, Dr. Oz recommends 80 milligrams of zinc daily, 250 milligrams of vitamin C twice daily, 250 milligrams of beta-glucan daily, and elderberry syrup or lozenges four times a day for five days. His advice even spawned panic-buying of Vitamin C, D, elderberry and zinc in March, according to the website bulksupplements.com. Sunshine and supplements are not the only way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Eggs, cheese, tofu and mushrooms are natural sources of Vitamin D, which regulates the production of a protein that kills bacteria and virus, said Boston University’s Dr. Michael Holick, who has published more than 500 papers and 18 books on Vitamin D. Rich sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish, including canned fish like salmon and sardines; eggs, fortified milk and plant milk products; cheese, fortified juice, tofu and mushrooms. Vitamin D also alters the activity and number of white blood cells, which can reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, Dr. Holick added. Winter-associated vitamin D deficiency—from a lack of sun-induced vitamin D production—can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of developing viral infections that cause upper respiratory tract infections, said Dr. Holick. Research also suggests that vitamin D supplements may help to protect against acute respiratory tract infections. Local physician, Chris DeFlitch, MD, FACEP, from Penn State Health said on March 25 on “WHTM-27,” “Vitamins are good in moderation.” He advises that it is better is to be overall well. “Eat well, sleep well, get outside, practice mindfulness.” “There are no specific supplements that will help protect against coronavirus and anyone claiming that is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration,” said dietitian Melissa Majumdar, of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, on CNN.
