Can we reduce the risk of infection with the virus through diet?

For now, no one knows whether flu/cold scientific research also applies to coronavirus. The new coronavirus is too new and is not structurally the same as flu or viruses causing colds. Nevertheless, the current pandemic is caused by a VIRUS.  And the fact that diet and supplements affect the development of viruses is scientifically proven. So I think it’s worth trying to naturally strengthen your immunity against viruses and reduce the risk of infection.

Personally, I believe that the following information is certainly useful to anyone, given that most people who are currently sick have a cold or flu, not COVID-19.  Also in the worst case scenario (in which scientific research on the relationship between diet/ supplements and viruses will not apply to coronavirus), you will protect yourself from flu and colds.

For the record:
- to prevent coronavirus infection, focus on the frequent hand washing.
- if you feel sick, contact your doctor and follow their recommendations.

Microelements that matter

1. Vitamin C effectively reduces the duration of viral disease symptoms as long as we start increased vitamin C intake BEFORE getting sick. Conclusion? Start now!

Best sources of vitamin C: acerola fruit, rosehip, guava, yellow and red peppers, currant, kiwi, orange juice, lemons.

The relationship between vitamin C and the duration of symptoms is particularly strong amongst athletes and older people.

2. Vitamin D has a preventive role in viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Remember that by staying a lot of time indoors, through vitamin D deficiency, you increase your susceptibility to viral infections… So take a walk through the park on a sunny day!

Best sources of vitamin D in the diet: salmon, brown mushroom, maitake mushroom, mackerel, smoked sowing, swordfish, trout, herring, sardines, milk, tilapia.

Also think about additional vitamin D supplementation:
600 - 1000 IU/ day for children up to 10 years,
800 - 2000 IU/ day for young people (11 - 18 years),
800 - 2000 IU/ adult day,
2000 - 4000 IU/ day for seniors over 75
(note: double dose in case of obesity)

3. Zinc – zinc lozenges can reduce the severity of symptoms by inhibiting virus replication in the back of the throat (swallowed tablets do not show this effect, nasal spray can cause permanent side effects).

For curious the best sources of zinc in the diet: oysters, beef steak, royal crab, lamb, oatmeal, lobster, red beans, mozzarella.

Foods, herbs and supplements that matter

• garlic – in the first place, of course. Proven antiviral effect in very many scientific studies.
• purple urchin – this plant with pink-purple flowers has an antiviral effect in relation to m.in. influenza viruses.
• wild black elderflower is also called a medical elderflower – for good reason. You can drink elderberry juice, syrup or infusion.
• cape pelargon root is effective in respiratory infections, but also in bronchitis, sinuses, tonsils and throat.
• honey effectively helps in the fight against coughing and prevention of flu.

Also, don't forget about the right amount of sleep
and as little processed food as possible.
This is also extremely important!

 

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2. Ran L, et al. Extra Dose of Vitamin C Based on a Daily Supplementation Shortens the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 9 Randomized Controlled Trials. Biomed Res Int. (2018)
3. Martineau AR, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: individual participant data meta-analysis. Health Technol Assess. (2019)
4. Acharya B, Thapa K. Indoor Staying During Winter Season Makes People More Susceptible to Flu. J Nepal Health Res Counc. (2016)
5. Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open. (2017)
6. Lissiman E, Bhasale AL, Cohen M. Garlic for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (2014)
7. Karsch-Völk M, et al. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (2014)
8. Ulbricht C, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. (2014)
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10. Watanabe K, et al. Anti-influenza viral effects of honey in vitro: potent high activity of manuka honey. Arch Med Res. (2014)