In these current times, we must use every weapon in our arsenal against invasive viruses, including often-overlooked natural remedies with antiviral properties. As is also the case with pharmaceutical agents, natural approaches have not been shown to stop an aggressive virus in its tracks, but they may ameliorate symptoms. Nutrition and supplementation can greatly help prevent the infection from becoming symptomatic or severe.
Eating healthy foods, sleeping seven to nine hours a night and exercising at least 150 minutes a week are also key in fortifying our natural defenses against viruses.
Baseline Protectors
Scientists report that some vitamin and mineral deficiencies appear to be linked to poor COVID-19 outcomes, while adequate levels help combat other viruses.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D stimulates your immune system to produce factors called defensins and cathelicidins that kill viruses. People with levels below 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) were 45 percent more likely to test positive for the coronavirus and 95 percent more likely to be hospitalized, Israeli researchers found. Getting three 30-minute sessions of sun exposure a week and eating D-fortified foods raise levels, and supplementing with up to 2,000 international units daily is generally considered safe.
Zinc: Zinc helps to inhibit viral replication and helps fight infections by boosting the production of antibodies. The recommended dosage is 15 to 30 milligrams (mg) a day for up to two weeks.
Vitamin C: A cup of orange juice, tomato juice or a kiwi supplies most of the minimum recommended intake of vitamin C, a vital supplement for white blood cells that fight viral infections. However, we recommend supplementing with more than the minimum amount. Talk to your Health Practitioner about levels.
Licorice Root Extract: This herb contains a substance called glycyrrhizin that makes it hard for a virus to attach to and invade a cell and hinders its ability to replicate, slowing the spread from one cell to another. Chinese doctors used it with other traditional herbs to combat COVID-19, and studies have shown it effective against an earlier coronavirus, as well as against HIV, herpes, viral hepatitis and respiratory infections. For dosage, follow package directions. People with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease or low potassium levels are advised against its use. As always, talk to your Health Practitioner before self-prescribing doses.
Astragalus: Known as huang qi, astragalus is one of the most powerful herbs used in Chinese medicine for people with weakened immune systems. It’s best taken as a hot or cold tea using the root itself.
Andrographis: This herb has long been used for colds and throat infections in China and India, and may prevent flu viruses from binding to cells. In a Swedish study, flu patients that took an andrographis extract along with Siberian ginseng recovered more quickly with fewer complications than those given a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved flu medication. Because of its potency, it’s best to consult a Health Practitioner to avoid interactions.
Fightin’ Foods
To lower the inflammation linked to poor viral outcomes, we also recommend a predominantly whole foods diet with at least five to seven servings of vegetables and two to three servings of fruit a day.
Garlic has potent antiviral and antibacterial properties, and can be cooked into food, eaten raw in salads and dressings or obtained from capsules of allicin, the active component.