In post pandemic times more than ever that we need a holistic approach to health. Optimising immune function through good nutrition, exercise, sleep, hormones and mental health is key to ensuring you are in the best position possible if you encounter this virus which is still everywhere and can result in serious health issues like autoimmune conditions akin to glandular fever (EBV) and Ross River virus.
Good immune function can be maximised by ensuring your diet, metabolism, detoxification and exercise is the best it can be for you. Should you do a ketogenic diet? Low carb? Paleo? Vegan? Should you be doing cardio or strength? HIIT? Everything? Should you be taking a supplement? If so – what should you be taking? Should you be doing IV nutritional therapy? Which tests should you be having regularly to monitor your health? We can individualise all of this with the use of an affordable and validated genetic test panel such as the Genomic Wellness Plus test by SmartDNA. https://www.smartdna.com.au/genomic-wellness-plus-test/
All my patients who have done this test have benefited from the information it provided as it enables me to manage them more accurately.
Nutrient status is also important for immune function. Sub-optimal B12/folate, iron stores, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin D is the most common that I have found on testing. Correcting these low levels of nutrients needs good gut health and may also require injections or infusions to bypass the gut if this is an issue.
Nutrients thought to be important in fighting off viruses effectively are Zinc and Vitamin C. Physicians in China used high dose intravenous Vitamin C, B, Zinc and Magnesium as well as traditional Chinese medicinal herbs orally such as liquorice and golden seal with good effect in COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.
Good sleep is paramount for good immune function. Most of my patients who have succumbed to a “common cold” virus have a history of burning the candle at both ends, being run down, stressed and not sleeping well. Melatonin, which is available on script either as slow release commercial tablet or a compounded gluten and lactose free medication to regulate the circadian rhythm for good sleep as well as having an anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-inflammatory effect is the reason there were successful trials running in the US to research the therapeutic use of melatonin in the management of COVID-19 patients.
Stress, anxiety and mental health issues came to the fore during the pandemic due to uncertainty and enforced social distancing measures. This Way Up https://thiswayup.org.au/ offers online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) courses that have been proven to be as effective as face to face psychological intervention. They generously waiveed the registration fees during the pandemic and continue to offer free access if referred by a clinician.
Chronic health conditions affect the immune system and need to be monitored regularly to be managed well. Most patients in ICU with COVID-19 have a pre-existing chronic medical condition. Patients ignored routine health requirements in order to avoid going to the doctor during the pandemic and are only now addressing these. Remember prevention for good self-care includes annual health checks that would include a physical, bloods, skin checks, cervical, breast, prostate and colon cancer screening.
