Easley Immune-Supporting, Infection-Fighting Vitamins C and D
Infections are in the headlines. From run-of-the-mill colds and flu to the big one that is all over the news 24/7, infections have our interest. While an answer to “the” infection is being sought, working to make sure that Easley immune systems are at their optimal level to deal with and ward off what infections it can is worth the effort. Easley chiropractic patients surely know about the benefits of vitamins C and D. Nutrition is an integral part of health and chiropractic treatment plan. Young Chiropractic shares their benefits to a healthy immune system as well as some notable medical research studies to support them.
VITAMIN C TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION
When the risk of infection is great, we all look for options for prevention and treatment whose risk of side-effects is minimal. In comes vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent anti-oxidant particularly when taken intravenously. Its potential effect is that of lowering inflammation in the lungs. Vitamin C is written to have antiviral properties, too. (1) L-ascorbic acid of vitamin C is a well-known anti-viral agent, one of the more well known ones, especially when dealing with the influenza virus. Taken early on in an infection, vitamin C showed anti-viral immune responses as it raised the production of the anti-viral cytokine, interferon-α/β. (2) Vitamin C is quite influential! Young Chiropractic encourages use of vitamin C.
VITAMIN D TO REDUCE INFECTION RISK
An influential research paper in Nutrients states that options to reduce infection spread are in demand and presents vitamin D as a viable option. Vitamin D reduces the risk of respiratory tract infection. How? It produces cathelicidins and defensins which can lower replication rates of viruses, decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines that inflame and harm the lining of the lungs, and raise anti-inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D supplementation may be helpful to decrease respiratory tract infection risk. How? Researchers recommended that persons at-risk of infection take 10,000 IU a day of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to get the 25(OH)D concentrations up first then taking 5000 IU per day. If someone has an infection already, higher doses of vitamin D3 may be useful. (3) Vitamin D is really influential!
…ADD NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PLAN
The published data is there to be influential in recommendation decision making. A lot has been published in the medical literature about the importance of nutrition and the optimal functioning of the immune system. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate (B9) along with trace elements like iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and selenium are key contributors also to a robust immune system that can change as needed to various threats. Deficiencies of many of these nutrients is global, leaving many unable to resist infections. Authors wrote specifically that Vitamin D deficiency contributed to heightened risk for respiratory infection. Several research papers described that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of such infections in kids and adults. With such information, authors of a new review of the literature about vitamins and immunity and respiratory infections said that they strongly urge public health officials to incorporate nutritional recommendations – even taking more than the “recommended dietary allowance” (RDA) within recommended upper safety limits for specific vitamins like C and D - to their list of guidelines to improve public health and curb the effects of seasonal and other such viruses. (4)
CONTACT Young Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox about chiropractic care and the immune system on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson.
Schedule your Easley chiropractic appointment with [[compayname]] today. Having a strong immune system may be the top offense against infection as no one likes living with infection 24/7! Go vitamin C! Go vitamin D! Easley chiropractic care incorporates nutrition, exercise and spinal manipulation to take care of our Easley chiropractic patients, family and friends.
