Coronavirus How Can I Protect Myself

A healthy immune system is your defence against coronavirus or any other virus.

• Vitamin C

This essential nutrient tops the list simply because so much evidence has accumulated over the years about its effectiveness not only in supporting the immune system but also as an antiviral agent.

Supplementation with vitamin C has been found to shorten the duration and intensity of viral and bacterial infections, including pneumonia.

Vitamin C levels are much higher in the white blood cells of the immune system than in blood, and it’s thought to affect the functioning and production of immune cells. Vitamin C appears to stimulate the production of substances inhibiting the replication of viruses.

Humans, other primates and guinea pigs are the only creatures which cannot manufacture vitamin C.

If vitamin C levels are low the immune system may be less effective. However, we’ve seen how it can become depleted when the immune system is fighting an invader, and many studies have shown benefits of supplementing vitamin C in high doses in this case.

It’s sensible to take a well-absorbed supplement of vitamin C every day, and to increase your dose if you suspect you may have been in contact with the virus, or if you develop symptoms.

• Zinc

We know people who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to picking up bacteria and viruses.

Zinc is essential for the functioning and development of immune cells, as well as preventing the virus from entering host cells. This mineral also been studied in relation to acute respiratory syndrome.

• Vitamin D

This nutrient has also been shown to possess anti-viral properties and plays an important role in supporting the immune system.

Because the majority of vitamin D is synthesised from sunshine, many people in the UK are thought to have low blood levels.

• Selenium

Much of the soil in the UK is low in selenium. This mineral affects the functioning of immune cells so it makes sense to ensure you’re not deficient.

• Black Elderberry

Compounds in this little berry are thought to prevent viruses from entering cells, so it may be useful as a preventative as well as if you have already contracted the virus.

• Echinacea

Echinacea is believed to be capable of preventing the replication of viruses within body cells as well as reducing inflammation associated with a virus.

It seems to be particularly effective at reducing the incidence of infection by viruses belonging to the coronavirus family.

• Olive Leaf Extract

A substance in olive leaf extract called oleuropein has been found to possess antiviral activity, particularly against influenza and respiratory viruses.

• Saccharomyces Boulardii

The micro-organisms inhabiting the gut interact with the immune system. S. Boulardii is a type of yeast naturally resident within the microbiome. It helps in the production of important antibodies, which play a crucial role in immunity.