How to Protect Yourself from the Corona Virus and Boost Your Immune System Naturally

​How to Protect Yourself from the Corona Virus and Boost Your Immune System Naturally 

Immune Physiology 
The immune system is delineated into two distinct arms: innate and adaptive. 
The innate system is comprised of nonspecific defense mechanisms that respond to pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes) supply one layer of defense, while a variety of immune factors (macrophages, natural killer cells, mast cells, cytokines, complement proteins) also protect against foreign invaders. 
The adaptive arm of the immune system is driven by t- and b-lymphocytes. These cells detect specific pathogens, secrete signaling molecules, and coordinate an immune response in the face of challenge. Upon initial interaction with a foreign microorganism, aspects of the adaptive immune system respond, developing memory for enhanced recognition during subsequent exposures. This adaptation results in a faster, more robust secondary response. 

Several nutrients are known to be integral in immune function. Vitamins C and D possess strong immune-supportive properties, while vitamin A and zinc are required for the development and function of immune cells. A variety of herbs and botanicals also support antibody and immune cell activity, with many displaying the ability to help lessen the severity and duration of bacterial and viral infections. Mushrooms and their active compounds boast potent immunomodulatory capacity.  

Therapeutic Diet and Nutrition Considerations 

• Recommend a foundational dietary plan that emphasizes micronutrients essential to optimal immune system function: 

• Zinc – seafood, pumpkin seed, sea vegetables, and beans, lentils and legumes
• Vitamin D – salmon, fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese (if tolerable), mushrooms
• Vitamin C – oranges, papayas, strawberries, kiwi, organic leafy green vegetables (spinach, 
   bok choy, kale), broccoli, bell peppers
• Reduce dietary sugar & alcohol intake
• Optimize omega-3 fatty acid composition of diet to support patient anti-inflammatory status 
• Support protein status (RDA: 0.8 grams per kilogram (g/kg) of body weight a day. Higher protein intake may be warranted, and can be achieved by supplementing with high-quality protein powders. Whey protein supplementation has been shown to increase glutathione levels, further supporting immune and antioxidant protection.* 

Lifestyle Interventions 

• Promote sleep hygiene to ensure adequate quantity and quality of restorative rest
• Reduce allostatic load via stress management techniques. Consider meditation, breath work, biofeedback. 
• Recommend a balanced physical activity routine to avoid excess exercise during times of immune challenge 

**Differential Blood Count: Reference Range, Interpretation, Collection and Panels. (2019, November 20).
Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2085133-overview
ALP - blood test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2019, April 29). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003470.htm  
25-hydroxy vitamin D test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2020). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003569.htm 

Dosing recommendations are given for typical use based on an average 150 pound healthy adult. Consult with your health care practitioner for case-specific dosing based on intended goals, subject body weight, medical history, and concomitant medication and supplement usage. Any product containing botanical substances has the potential for causing individual sensitivities, appropriate monitoring, including liver function tests (LFT) is recommended. 
​​
*Use Practitioner Code TODDRUTKIN to purchase these items directly from the Designs For Health website by clicking on the links below:
Immunitone PlusTM 
Vitamin D Supreme 
ProbioMedTM 100 
C + BioFizzTM