MAHO - The Mid American Health Organization

2 days ago

The 15 Best Supplements to Boost Your Immune System Right Now

An important note: No supplement will cure or prevent disease. With the 2019 coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important to understand that no supplement, diet, or other lifestyle modification other than physical distancing, also known as social distancing, and proper hygiene practices can protect you from COVID-19.Currently, no research supports the use of any supplement to protect against COVID-19 specifically.
Your immune system consists of a complex collection of cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly defends your body against invading pathogens, including viruses, toxins, and bacteria.

Keeping your immune system healthy year-round is key to preventing infection and disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices by consuming nutritious foods and getting enough sleep and exercise are the most important ways to bolster your immune system.

In addition, research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances can improve immune response and potentially protect against illness.
However, note that some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Some may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements. Visit your local health food store for a wide selection of supplements

Here are 15 supplements that are known for their immune-boosting potential.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential to the health and functioning of your immune system. A recent study showed the higher your Vit D levels the better your resistance to Covid.

Vitamin D enhances the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages — white blood cells that are important parts of your immune defense — and decreases inflammation, which helps promote immune response .
Many people are deficient in this important vitamin, which may negatively affect immune function. In fact, low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and allergic asthma.

Some studies show that supplementing with vitamin D may improve immune response. In fact, recent research suggests that taking this vitamin may protect against respiratory tract infections.
In a 2019 review of randomized control studies in 11,321 people, supplementing with vitamin D significantly decreased the risk of respiratory infections in people deficient in this vitamin and lowered infection risk in those with adequate vitamin D levels .
This suggests an overall protective effect.

Other studies note that vitamin D supplements may improve response to antiviral treatments in people with certain infections, including hepatitis C and HIV.

Depending on blood levels, anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D per day is sufficient for most people, though those with more serious deficiencies often require much higher doses.

Summary Vitamin D is essential for immune function. Healthy levels of this vitamin may help lower your risk of respiratory infections.

2. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that’s commonly added to supplements and other healthcare products like lozenges that are meant to boost your immune system. This is because zinc is essential for immune system function.
Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response.
A deficiency in this nutrient significantly affects your immune system’s ability to function properly, resulting in an increased risk of infection and disease, including pneumonia
.
Zinc deficiency affects around 2 billion people worldwide and is very common in older adults. In fact, up to 30% of older adults are considered deficient in this nutrient.
Numerous studies reveal that zinc supplements may protect against respiratory tract infections like the common cold.

What’s more, supplementing with zinc may be beneficial for those who are already sick.
In a 2019 study in 64 hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs), taking 30 mg of zinc per day decreased the total duration of infection and the duration of the hospital stay by an average of 2 days, compared with a placebo group. A zinc lozenge is a good way to get zinc into you and your children.

Supplemental zinc may also help reduce the duration of the common cold.
Taking zinc long term is typically safe for healthy adults, as long as the daily dose is under the set upper limit of 40 mg of elemental zinc.
Excessive doses may interfere with copper absorption, which could increase your infection risk, so be sure to get 2mg of copper daily while taking zinc.

Summary Supplementing with zinc may help protect against respiratory tract infections and reduce the duration of these infections.

3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular supplement taken to protect against infection due to its important role in immune health.
This vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection. It’s also necessary for cellular death, which helps keep your immune system healthy by clearing out old cells and replacing them with new ones.
Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against damage induced by oxidative stress, which occurs with the accumulation of reactive molecules known as free radicals.
Oxidative stress can negatively affect immune health and is linked to numerous diseases.
Supplementing with vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.
A large review of 29 studies in 11,306 people demonstrated that regularly supplementing with vitamin C at an average dose of 1–2 grams per day reduced the duration of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children.
Interestingly, the review also demonstrated that regularly taking vitamin C supplements reduced common cold occurrence in individuals under high physical stress, including marathon runners and soldiers, by up to 50%.

Additionally, high dose intravenous vitamin C treatment has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people with severe infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from viral infections.
Still, other studies have suggested that the role of vitamin C in this setting is still under investigation. Dr. Linus Pauling earned a Nobel prize. His concentrated research on Vit C started in the 1970's. He took over 10,000mg a day and lived to 93
All in all, these results confirm that vitamin C supplements may significantly affect immune health, especially in those who don’t get enough of the vitamin through their diet.
The upper limit for vitamin C is 2,000 mg. Supplemental daily doses typically range between 250 and 1,000 mg .

Summary Vitamin C is vital for immune health. Supplementing with this nutrient may reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.

4. Elderberry
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which has long been used to treat infections, is being researched for its effects on immune health.
In test-tube studies, elderberry extract demonstrates potent antibacterial and antiviral potential against bacterial pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and strains of the influenza virus,
What’s more, it has been shown to enhance immune system response and may help shorten the duration and severity of colds, as well as reduce symptoms related to viral infections.
A review of 4 randomized control studies in 180 people found that elderberry supplements significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections.

An older, 5-day study from 2004 demonstrated that people with the flu who supplemented with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of elderberry syrup 4 times a day experienced symptom relief 4 days earlier than those who didn’t take the syrup and were less reliant on medication.
However, this study is outdated and was sponsored by the elderberry syrup manufacturer, which may have skewed results (31).
Elderberry supplements are most often sold in liquid or capsule form.

Summary Taking elderberry supplements may reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections and help alleviate flu symptoms. However, more research is needed.

5. Medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been used since ancient times to prevent and treat infection and disease. Many types of medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their immune-boosting potential.
Over 270 recognized species of medicinal mushrooms are known to have immune-enhancing properties.
Cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail are all types that have been shown to benefit immune health.

Some research demonstrates that supplementing with specific types of medicinal mushrooms may enhance immune health in several ways, as well as reduce symptoms of certain conditions, including asthma and lung infections.
For example, a study in mice with tuberculosis, a serious bacterial disease, found that treatment with cordyceps significantly reduced bacterial load in the lungs, enhanced immune response, and reduced inflammation, compared with a placebo group

In a randomized, 8-week study in 79 adults, supplementing with 1.7 grams of cordyceps mycelium culture extract led to a significant 38% increase in the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that protects against infection).
Turkey tail is another medicinal mushroom that has powerful effects on immune health. Research in humans indicates that turkey tail may enhance immune response, especially in people with certain types of cancer.
Many other medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their beneficial effects on immune health as well. Medicinal mushroom products can be found in the form of tinctures, teas, and supplements.

Summary Many types of medicinal mushrooms, including cordyceps and turkey tail, may offer immune-enhancing and antibacterial effects.

6–15. Other supplements with immune-boosting potential in addition to the items listed above, many supplements may help improve immune response:
Astragalus. Astragalus is an herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Animal research suggests that its extract may significantly improve immune-related responses (42Trusted Source).
Selenium. Selenium is a mineral that’s essential for immune health. Animal research demonstrates that selenium supplements may enhance antiviral defense against influenza strains, including H1N1 (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source, 45Trusted Source).
Garlic. Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It has been shown to enhance immune health by stimulating protective white blood cells like NK cells and macrophages. However, human research is limited (46Trusted Source, 47Trusted Source).
Andrographis. This herb contains andrographolide, a terpenoid compound found to have antiviral effects against respiratory-disease-causing viruses, including enterovirus D68 and influenza A (48Trusted Source, 49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source).
Licorice. Licorice contains many substances, including glycyrrhizin, that may help protect against viral infections. According to test-tube research, glycyrrhizin exhibits antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (51Trusted Source).
Pelargonium sidoides. Some human research supports the use of this plant’s extract for alleviating symptoms of acute viral respiratory infections, including the common cold and bronchitis. Still, results are mixed, and more research is needed (52Trusted Source).
B complex vitamins. B vitamins, including B12 and B6, are important for healthy immune response. Yet, many adults are deficient in them, which may negatively affect immune health (53Trusted Source, 54Trusted Source).
Curcumin. Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and animal studies indicate that it may help improve immune function (55Trusted Source).
Echinacea. Echinacea is a genus of plants in the daisy family. Certain species have been shown to improve immune health and may have antiviral effects against several respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus and rhinoviruses (56Trusted Source).
Propolis. Propolis is a resin-like material produced by honeybees for use as a sealant in hives. Though it has impressive immune-enhancing effects and may have antiviral properties as well, more human research is needed (57Trusted Source).
According to results from scientific research, the supplements listed above may offer immune-boosting properties.However, keep in mind that many of these supplements’ potential effects on immune health have not been thoroughly tested in humans, highlighting the need for future studies.

Summary Astragalus, garlic, curcumin, and echinacea are just some of the supplements that may offer immune-boosting properties. Still, they have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and more research is needed.The bottom lineMany supplements on the market may help improve immune health. Zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D are just some of the substances that have been researched for their immune-enhancing potential.However, although these supplements may offer a small benefit for immune health, they should not and cannot be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.Maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and not smoking are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease.If you decide that you want to try a supplement, speak with your healthcare provider first, as some supplements may interact with certain medications or are inappropriate for some people.Moreover, remember that there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that any of them can protect against COVID-19 — even though some of them may have antiviral properties.
Last medically reviewed on May 7, 2020 ... See MoreSee Less

MAHO - The Mid American Health Organization

2 days ago

Stop waiting for a miracle drug: A Boston University doctor says a sufficient amount of vitamin D can cut the risk of catching coronavirus by 54%.

Be sure your are using Vit D3 from fish oil. The RDA is 400iu. But the less you are exposed to sunlight the more Vit D you need. This is one reason we are sicker in the wintertime. Lab work for Vit D is covered by most insurance companies. If you are deficient, you need to supplement with more Vit D3. Supplements are available up to 50,000iu. Remember Vit D is a fat soluble supplement and does get stored in your body if you take too much. The darker your skin tone, the less benefit you get from sunshine so check with your doctor.

“People have been looking for the magic drug or waiting for the vaccine and not looking for something this simple,” said Dr. Michael Holick, professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine.
Holick and his colleagues studied blood samples from Quest Diagnostics of more than 190,000 Americans from all 50 states and found that those who had deficient levels of vitamin D had 54% higher COVID positivity compared to those with adequate levels of vitamin D in the blood.

The risk of getting coronavirus continued to decline as vitamin D levels increased, the study, published in the Public Library of Science One peer-reviewed journal shows.
“The higher your vitamin D status, lower was your risk,” Holick said.
Many people are vitamin D-deficient because there are only small amounts in food, Holick said. Most vitamin D comes from sun exposure and many are deprived, especially during winter months.
But the sunshine vitamin is easy to find and relatively cheap in drug stores, and taking vitamin D pills comes at no risk. “It’s perfectly safe,” Holick said. (It can be a problem especially if you have liver problems.)

“It’s considered to be, by many, the nutrient of the decade,” Holick said. COVID-19 positivity is strongly associated with vitamin D levels in the blood, a relationship that stayed the same across different races, sexes and age ranges, the study states.

Vitamin D suppresses excessive cytokine release that can present as a cytokine storm, a common cause of COVID-related morbidity and mortality.

A deficiency in the nutrient alters the immune system, making one more likely to get upper respiratory infections, Holick said.
Throughout the pandemic, people of color have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus, experiencing a higher risk of acquiring it and having serious complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Holick’s study examined the ZIP codes of people of color and found patients from predominantly Black and Hispanic ZIP codes had lower levels of vitamin D and were also more likely to have coronavirus than in patients from predominantly white, non-Hispanic ZIP codes.

The average adult needs around 2,000 units of vitamin D a day, Holick said. He said he’s been taking 6,000 units a day for decades and is in great health.
Several other studies on vitamin D have shown its benefits to the immune system.
Research published with the National Institutes of Health showed people with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to self-report a recent upper respiratory tract infection than those with sufficient levels.

Another study of more than 11,000 participants published in the British Medical Journal found vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infection among all participants.
“Vitamin D definitely improves your overall immunity to fight infections,” Holick said. September 19, 2020 at 2:21 p.m. ... See MoreSee Less

MAHO - The Mid American Health Organization

4 days ago

Action Alert!
It seems this agency will stop at nothing until the telecoms industry gets what it wants.

At the behest of the telecoms industry, the FCC is trying to update an old rule in a way that would allow industry to turn consenting private residences into cell towers. It is another way in which the FCC and industry are undermining the ability of local communities to decide how and whether 5G technology gets implemented, and we have to fight back.

Numerous recent scientific publications have shown that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international and national guidelines. Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans. Damage goes well beyond the human race, as there is growing evidence of harmful effects to both plant and animal life.”

The FCC adopted limits based largely on research from the 1980s, the preponderance of peer-reviewed research, more than 500 studies, have found harmful biologic or health effects from exposure to RFR at intensities too low to cause significant heating. 5G is a much higher level of exposure

The scientists who signed this appeal arguably constitute the majority of experts on the effects of nonionizing radiation. They have published more than 2,000 papers and letters on EMF in professional journals.

The OTARD rule, an acronym for “over the air reception device,” was adopted as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. This rule prohibits local municipalities from restricting the installation of satellite dish antennas and other antennas on private residences for reception of TV signals. This rule was amended in 2002 to allow for signal transmission, but with the caveat that the antenna had to be used primarily for the use of the tenant or homeowner.
This rule has never been applied to the use of antennas to transmit signals to others in one’s neighborhood. What started off as a pro-consumer measure has now been fashioned into a bludgeon for industry to avoid accountability and local oversight. anh-usa.org/your-home-a-cell-tower-dont-let-fcc-do-it/ ... See MoreSee Less

MAHO - The Mid American Health Organization

5 days ago

The liver is the unsung hero of the human body — it's the largest internal organ and it plays a vital role in over 500 biological processes!

We Discuss How To Regenerate And Repair Your Liver Naturally! ... See MoreSee Less

MAHO - The Mid American Health Organization

6 days ago

If you or someone you care about has a pre-existing condition be sure you chose a medical plan this year that will cover additional health problems. If you have had covid you now have a pre-existing condition that can lead to more problems.

Blood clots triggered by the covid virus that can damage many organs in the body. There is evidence that, for young people in particular, the first evidence of a COVID-19 infection could be a stroke due to a blood clot in a major artery supplying the brain, If not treated within a few hours after onset, the stroke symptoms are likely to persist and might include arm and leg weakness, facial droop, swallowing problems, balance issues, and speech deficits. Pregnant women had strokes during delivery.

Vascular Dementia is Small blood clots in the brain from the virus can go undetected, and can be responsible for a type of dementia known as vascular dementia, which occurs over time. It is known that a stroke may double the risk of getting dementia later in life, Our research group discovered that people who had a more vigorous immune response by day two after stroke were more likely to have cognitive decline in the first year after stroke. bloodclot.org/supplements_that_help_prevent_blood_clots

Pulmonary embolism from venous blood clot forms in legs that locally may present itself as swelling of foot and leg (usually on one side). The blood clots in the leg can move and travel to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism that can be a fatal condition. Covid patients have a higher risk of forming arterial blood clots that can be extremely dangerous. "There have been reports of clots in the aorta, renal arteries (causes renal infarction), legs (causing black foot and gangrene), and the most devastating of all in the brain blood vessels causing a stroke. A number of supplements may improve circulation.

Renal Failure - Some patients have been experiencing kidney failure, with their blood clots even clogging dialysis machines. While kidney injuries aren't necessarily a death sentence, they can be permanent and require someone to undergo dialysis for the remainder of their life.

Loss of limbs asresult of blood clots due to a severe COVID-19 infection. A condition known as deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when blood clots form in a limb

Heart palpitations, and extreme discomfort in your chest and ribs.
Chronic heart damage possibly do to reduced oxygen or inflammation of the heart muscle. Those who had existing cardiovascular problems experienced more damage, which increased their risk for heart attack and stroke.

Losing the ability to taste and smell; this may be a lack of zinc used up by your immune system to protect you.

The hacking dry cough that is present in covid is due to irritation of the lung tissue may continue. It's likely that your cough will still linger until your body completely heals any damaged tissue. The are many nutrients needed to support recovery including Vit C, MSM sulfur and zinc.

Shortness of breath - at rest, you can breathe fine but when your activity increases, you are short of breath."

Vertigo-feeling off balance, dizzy, or the room is spinning
Declining lung function-pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease may occur in patients suffering from severe COVID-19 infections as a result of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Also hypersensitivity pneumonitis, autoimmune disease, and drug-induced interstitial lung disease may occur.

Post-ICU Syndrome is a common outcome of having to be intubated and housed in an intensive care unit for a long period of time, which isn't uncommon in COVID-19 patients who need hospitalization The main symptoms seen are similar to PTSD, with anxiety, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, and a higher risk for suicide and long-term mental and physical health complications coming out of the stress of this type of medical experience.

An enormous amount of mental stress leading to symptoms including, exhaustion, frustration, irritability, low energy, difficulty feeling or experiencing pleasure), insomnia, nightmares, retreading thoughts about Covid, and guilt,
Brain damage for patients who were more seriously ill with COVID-19.

Changes in lung and kidney function could lead to the presence of chemicals in the blood that are toxic to the brain. The effects of these chemicals can cause changes in brain function, some of which may last for several weeks to months if not longer. www.msn.com/.../15-scary-after.../ss-BB14GWUT...
www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/15-scary-after-effects-of-coronavirus-everyone-should-know/ss-BB... ... See MoreSee Less