We are in the midst of winter and cold and flu season. COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb daily, so immune support is as critical now as ever. By now, you’ve likely seen some vitamins, such as vitamin D, in the news related to COVID-19. Preliminary research has been conducted, so let’s examine some of the published results.
Certain vitamins and nutrients, like vitamin D, are well-known for their immune boosting benefits, but did you know that adaptogenic herbs support immunity as well? We will look at 4 adaptogens:
-Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
-Rhodiola rosea
-Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng)
-Holy basil (Tuli)
Not only are these herbs helpful during times of stress, as with a pandemic, but they also have a powerful impact on the immune system.
Vitamin D
Numerous studies have confirmed there is a strong correlation between vitamin D levels and COVID-19. Let’s look at a few below:
A study conducted in Chicago in May 2020 found that patients who had blood levels below 20 ng/ml or who did not take supplements were 77% more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Similarly, an Israeli population-based study found low vitamin D levels were associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection. Out of 780 COVID-19 patients, almost 99% who died had vitamin D levels below 20ng/ml, while only 4% of patients with vitamin D levels higher than 30ng/ml died.
An observational study published in September 2020 in PLOS, looked at over 190,000 patients from all 50 states. They found the COVID-19 positivity rate was 9.3% among those with blood levels of vitamin D below 20 ng/ml, while those with “adequate” levels of between 30-34 ng/ml had a positivity rate of 8.1%, and those with blood levels higher than 55ng/ml had only a 5.9% positivity rate.
Vitamin D can reduce the risk of infections by several mechanisms. It can lower viral replication rates and reduce concentrations of inflammatory chemicals, called cytokines. It’s thought that vitamin D could work against COVID-19 infection-induced organ damage by decreasing the inflammatory cytokine storm.
Take home: Vitamin D has positive impacts on immunity and may decrease susceptibility of infections, including COVID-19. Furthermore, maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D, and not just at the lower end of normal, may have further benefit. Check levels through a blood test called 25(OH)D and supplement accordingly to achieve an optimal level.
Vitamin K
There are numerous types of vitamin K, with vitamin K1 and K2 being two of the most discussed. Vitamin K2 directs calcium into bones and teeth, improving bone density and dental health. At the same time, it prevents calcium from depositing in soft tissues like arteries. Vitamin K1 does not offer these cardiovascular and bone benefits, and is used for blood coagulation. While K2 plays a small role in blood coagulation, that is a main difference between the two.
Patients with severe COVID-19 are more likely to have co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease – all of which are associated with reduced vitamin K levels. In addition, researchers have noticed a connection between patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms and a disorder called coagulopathy, which impairs blood-clotting ability. Vitamin K plays a well-known role in this. These patients also suffer from thromboembolism, where a dislodged clot can block blood vessels. Both of these disorders are related to decreased survival of COVID-19.
Vitamin K may now be included, along with vitamin D, as a potentially modifiable prognostic risk factor in COVID-19. A new study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, looked at 123 COVID-19 patients and 184 controls. They found that vitamin K status was reduced in patients with COVID-19 and related to poor prognosis. Vitamin K levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls.
Take home: While additional research is needed, vitamin K status may play an important role in severe COVID-19 symptoms. It’s also a reminder of how severity has been associated with pre-existing conditions, so improving overall health can naturally reduce risk and complications.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens have multi-targeted effects on the neuro-endocrine-immune system, making them essential for prevention and treatment of infections. This makes them potentially beneficial for COVID-19 as well, as they provide support through their immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects through all phases.
Adaptogens help to combat infections through their specific and non-specific antiviral properties, as well as alleviating escalating inflammation through their anti-inflammatory effects. There are multiple adaptogens in Res-Q Stress Blocker, so let’s examine a few in more detail.
Note: Immunomodulation refers to the modification of the immune response or the functioning of the immune system.
Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha is helpful in convalescence after an acute illness or stress and in chronic disease with inflammation. It has been shown to increase WBC counts and can improve immunity by enhancing NK cell proliferation and activity. In addition to its immunomodulatory benefits, it also has anti-inflammatory actions as well.
Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng):
The immunomodulatory effects of eleutherococcus has been clinically proven in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies for decades. Studies from Russia involving thousands of people show as much as a 50% reduction in respiratory illnesses by daily use of a single adaptogen – eleuthero. Numerous studies have shown that people taking eleuthercoccus regularly had fewer sick days and were healthier overall. According to Chinese medicine, elteuthero is not generally used with acute illness and used long-term to enhance stamina and in those with chronic disease or under chronic stress.
Rhodiola:
Rhodiola has been shown to have anti-viral activity and increase NK cells in the stomach and spleen. It stimulates and protects the immune system. Research has also shown rhodiola to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Holy Basil:
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, has double-blind placebo-controlled studies that show, when taken on an empty stomach, it increases immunity. One study showed statistically-increased levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines as well as T-helper cells and NK cells. A clear immunomodulatory role was seen.
Notes and take-home points:
Adaptogens can be more vital to creating a healthy immune response than immune-enhancing herbs during times of stress. Herbs tend to work better together synergistically, and it’s always beneficial to combine adaptogens with immune-specific herbs.
Along with a healthy gut microbiome, adaptogens bolster our regulatory T cells to modulate our immune response and prevent over-inflammation. Adaptogens give us strength to resist infection, to fight microbes, to mitigate our immune response, and strength to recover. In other words, adaptogens keep us strong!
Supplements:
- Res-Q Vital D3: With 5,000 IU of vitamin D per capsule, this the optimal choice for preventing deficiency and boosting labs to optimal values.
- Res-Q 1250+: The combination of essential anti-inflammatory omega-3s combined with vitamin D puts this high on the list for supporting immunity. Many people can also combine this with Res-Q Vital D3 to achieve an optimal vitamin D level.
- Res-Q Cor-Immune Defense: Clinically-studied ingredients plus proven vitamins and minerals make this a powerful daily option to support immunity.
- Res-Q Stress Blocker: As mentioned above, this formula contains 4 adaptogens including ashwagandha, holy basil, and eleuthero, making it a powerful option to protect against stress and support immunity.
