With the rapid spread of Covid-19 around the world, along with the dramatic and scary news stories, it seems everyone is scrambling to grab supplements to boost their immune systems. While nothing takes the place of a healthy diet that lowers inflammation in your body, a good night’s sleep, stress reduction, exercise, and vitamin D production in your skin from sun exposure—some supplements can definitely be helpful as well.

Once the SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus gets inside the human respiratory tract, it infects and multiplies in the cells lining the airways and lungs. This kicks the body’s immune system into action. In most people, the immune system does its work, then recedes and the patient recovers.

Normally, an immune response which causes inflammation is a normal and good thing in the fight against a pathogen or an injury. However, with this coronavirus, the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome that occurs in some people, happens as a result of a dysfunctional immune response to the presence of the virus. The uncontrolled immune response triggers an overproduction of immune cells and their signaling molecules which leads to a ‘cytokine storm’. This cytokine storm is generally what causes the severe and potentially fatal symptoms of severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties with a Covid19 infection.

So it’s more about having a healthy immune system overall and reducing inflammation in the body, because if the body is already overridden with inflammation, leaky gut, Diabetes, obesity, and other health problems, it’s possible this can contribute to the cytokine storm that’s being seen in some patients.

There are several supplements that actually help to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation, without overstimulating the immune system. One of the top nutrients for this is Quercetin.

What is Quercetin?  It is a potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral substance found in certain foods, including red onions and apples. Many people take Quercetin in the fall and spring to help their allergies to tree and weed pollen.  Quercetin has been shown in many studies to have fairly broad anti-viral properties against most viruses.

Quercetin is considered a bioflavonoid. Quercetin is found in the highest concentrations in red onions, berries, red wine, green tea, buckwheat, and apples.

Quercetin is now also undergoing trials in China for its effectiveness against Covid19 (but I am in no way saying Quercetin cures or blocks your ability to get it). In a recent analysis published by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Labs, they used high-powered computer modeling to look at which compounds or supplements might best prevent the coronavirus from binding to our cells.

This is key, because this is how this virus gets into to our bodies and starts reproducing. It enters our bodies through nasal passages, mouth, eyes, or respiratory passages. Once it binds to a cell, it finds its way into the cell, starts reproducing like crazy, and takes over the respiratory system, especially the lungs.

The coronavirus uses the ACE2 or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme receptor in our bodies to enter the cells. This is important too, because ACE2 receptors have to do with regulating our blood pressure—I’ll talk more about that below.

The analysis from Tennessee looked at several different compounds and nutrients to see which ones worked best at interfering with the virus’s ability to attach to a cell and get inside to do its damage. One of the top 5 virus-fighting natural compounds is Quercetin.

Quercetin is a natural supplement that has other big benefits including lessening reactions to allergies, as well as fighting aging and free radicals. Well worth it to start taking since it has multiple benefits for our health. According to most research, the usual dose is 500mg to 1,000 mg a day. Quercetin is often compounded with a digestive enzyme like bromelain, plus Vitamin C, to improve absorption. All good things.

Quercetin is also inexpensive, especially compared to some of the pharmaceutical grade antiviral drugs that are being used now. This broad-spectrum antiviral supplement has already proven successful for treating the Ebola and Zika viruses, according to Dr. Michel Chrétien, a researcher at the Clinical Research Institute of Montreal.

Does it work for sure? It’s too early for standard clinical trials to show positive proof, but the circumstantial evidence is strong in favor of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral capabilities. The best thing about quercetin is, even without clinical trials, we know that quercetin will not harm you, or cause your immune system to overreact. Including quercetin in your immune-boosting weapons seems like a wise idea, along with these other practices as well:

Get good sleep

Poor sleep increases the risk of infectious illness. One study found that getting less than 5 hours of sleep over the course of a week, can increase the chances of catching a cold by 350%. Also, important to note is that lack of sleep can increase inflammatory levels in the body, creating higher risk for a cytokine storm. If you are having trouble sleeping, a small dose of melatonin at night may help you sleep better and keep your immune system strong.

Manage your stress

It’s no secret that stress definitely disrupts our immune function and increases our levels of inflammation, making us far more susceptible to getting seriously ill. Stop reading the news, follow precautions and find something relaxing to do—meditation, breathing exercises and exercising outdoors all go a long way to manage stress, reduce anxiety and strengthen your immune system.

Take Zinc

Zinc has been proven to reduce the activity of coronavirus and may prevent its entry into our cells while reducing its power. Zinc has proven powerful in fighting off regular influenza and the common cold as well. The suggested dosage for zinc is about 15mg – 30mg daily.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has shown great promise in inhibiting inflammatory reactions and is thought to be very effective against viruses as well.  Several clinical trials have found that vitamin C shortens the frequency, duration and severity of the virus that causes the common cold (a type of corona virus) and the incidence of pneumonia. Vitamin C can be taken in reasonably high doses as any excess is washed out of the body.

Eat Other Immune-Boosting Nutrients:

Other foods to consider including in your diet are garlic, fresh ginger, berries, green tea, and even grass fed butter and organ meat–full of vitamin A and other immune-boosting natural compounds.

Stay well, be healthy, and remember, a healthy body is the best defense against any disease.

We put one of the worst modern health crisis in our rear view mirror, but is it really over?

2026 – ER doc has urgent immunity warning for what’s coming

According to one ER doctor, there are 3 terrifying warning signs right now…

The media is hiding them (the politicians needed votes this fall).

Click here to see what’s coming next, and how to protect yourself

Immunity has been the perfect “back door” for taking away our freedoms..

And, what comes next could make the last few years look like a cakewalk.

Here’s this MD’s suggestions for supporting your immune system right now.

References
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-feb-28-2020-1.5479561/as-coronavirus-spread-speeds-up-montreal-researchers-will-trial-an-anti-viral-treatment-for-covid-19-in-china-1.5480134
https://regenexx.com/blog/coronavirus-episode-9-can-Quercetin-help-covid-19/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-294/Quercetin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/
https://jvi.asm.org/content/78/20/11334
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/quercetin
https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv.11871402.v3

The post Quercetin vs Viruses (Powerful anti-viral properties of this unique nutrient) appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Chances are, if you’ve gotten a cold or the flu the past couple of years, you may have run across Elderberry as an aid to help with the symptoms. If not, it is worth checking out as it is very effective.  Elderberry is known to have anti-viral properties, so it actually fights against viruses while boosting your immune system.

Elderberry has had a following for being a powerful weapon against colds and the flu for many years. There’s even some evidence to show that prehistoric man used elderberry, most likely as a medicinal plant. Elderberry can also trace its use back to ancient Egypt, and Hippocrates is known to have used elderberry for a variety of health treatments.

Elderberry has been used to improve sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, fatigue, allergic reactions and more. Elderberry can not only fortify the immune system, but there is scientific evidence to show that it may actually have genuine antiviral properties. Elderberry has also been shown to have a “significant effect on cold duration and cold associated symptoms…”

Elderberry is a shrub that grows dark colored berries. It’s official name is sambucus nigra and it generally grows wild in Europe and North America. Both the flowers and the berries have been used to make jams, jellies and drinks. It is important, though that only the ripe berries are used, as the uncooked, unripe elderberries have been shown to be toxic and contain a type of cyanide—which is a poison.

The ripe elderberries contain high powered antioxidants, including quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, and phenolic acids. They also contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that can help prevent cell damage, and anthocyanidins, which are natural chemical compounds with immune-boosting, and anti-aging benefits.

Elderberry is best known for its powerful immune boosting properties, especially when it comes to viruses like colds and the flu. The anthocyanidins in the elderberry are the most active when it comes to fighting colds and flu. Not only does it tend to shorten the duration of a cold or the flu, but it also helps to reduce some of the miserable symptoms. This 2009 study of patients with the flu showed significant improvement in their flu symptoms with four doses of 175 mg. elderberry extract a day.

Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research shows elderberry extract being highly effective when used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu. It can actually shorten the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.

Along with colds and flu often come sinus infections. These can be miserable and last for weeks sometimes. Sinus infections happen when the nasal cavities become inflamed, swollen and filled with nasal discharge.

Sinus infections can be either a result of a bacterial infection or a viral infection. This study done in the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland examined the use of an elderberry product on bacterial sinusitis. Treatment consisted of the elderberry, along with an antibiotic (doxycycline or vibramycin) and a decongestant. Those who took the combination medication improved faster than those who did not take the elderberry product.

What makes elderberry so effective for colds, flu and sinus infections?

Considering that colds and flu are the most common viral infections that spread quickly among people, it’s important to find just what makes elderberry so effective against these viruses.

When a virus enters our bodies, it begins to enter our cells and replicate—overwhelming our immune system. It’s the swift replication of the virus that helps it gain a foothold and when that happens, we become ill and feel the symptoms of the cold or flu virus. Elderberry actually inhibits that viral replication.

Elderberries’ powerful antioxidants actually block a key viral protein that allows the flu virus to attach to our cells and gain entry. It’s a bit like locking the front door of your house to prevent burglars from entering and taking over.

The interesting thing, however, about elderberries is that once a cell has been infected with a virus, the same powerful natural chemicals in the elderberry are also effective at stopping the virus from replicating or reproducing. Meaning that elderberry is effective at blocking the virus at several different stages of infection.

Elderberries also stimulate the body’s cells to release immune system substances like cytokines, that fight the invaders as well.

In addition to using elderberry syrup for colds and the flu, the flowers of the elder plant are also known to be helpful for allergies. Allergies result from an overreaction of the immune system combined with inflammation, and this berry improves immune function and helps to modulate overreactions, as well as calming inflammation.

Elderberry Effective Against Other Diseases

Elderberry’s antioxidants, polyphenols and other phytochemicals also help to fight diabetes, lower blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity.

Elderberry, along with other berries, rich in anthocyanins. These plant chemicals have cancer-fighting properties as well, and can inhibit, delay or reverse cancer cell formation.

According to this study in the Journal of Medicinal Food, extracts of elderberries showed significant protection against cancer cells. And the American variety of elderberry actually is also effective against an enzyme related to promoting cancer cell growth.

Since elderberries have such powerful antioxidants and other phytochemicals, it stands to reason that elderberries should be protective against heart disease—and they are. In fact, in one study, mice with high cholesterol and low HDL (protective cholesterol) had lower cholesterol, as well as better liver function. These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities protect the heart against heart diseases and clogged arteries, which result from inflammation.

Another study shows elderberry extract being beneficial to help lower high blood pressure. One of the prevalent theories of high blood pressure is that it is an inflammatory reaction. So, it makes sense that elderberry’s strong anti-inflammatory benefits extend to hypertension as well. Polyphenols that help to lower blood pressure may also even help to reduce side effects of blood pressure-lowering medications.

Elderberry helps to promote urine production, helping improve the health of the kidneys, reducing excess fluid, and helping the body detox. In addition to helping with urinary function, it also improves constipation and helps regular bowel movements.

While elderberry is effective against a wide variety of physical diseases, it is also amazing to fight aging. Antioxidants protect against us against oxidation—a major factor in aging–along with protection against sun damage and excessive wrinkling.

Anthocyanins are a natural plant pigment found in elderberries and other berries, as well as red grapes. These fruits have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some researchers also feel that this plant compound may improve skin’s structure and condition to enhance overall skin health.

Risks and Side Effects

Elderberry has massive health benefits, but it’s important to realize there are some health considerations as well. Remember that only ripe, cooked berries from the sambucas species are edible. Raw berries or other parts of the elderberry plant can be poisonous and contain a chemical similar to cyanide. Consuming raw berries can result in diarrhea and vomiting.

Elderberry syrup is not recommended for kids unless you have consulted first with their pediatrician.

If you have an autoimmune disease, exercise precaution and check with your doctor before taking, as it may stimulate an immune reaction.

Elderberry can interact with some medications, so check with your doctor if you are already taking prescription medications including diabetes medications, diuretics, cancer and chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, laxatives or theophylline.

References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325055.php#3
https://draxe.com/nutrition/elderberry/

The post How Elderberries Fight Against Viruses, Colds, and the Flu appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.