The Coronavirus (COIVID-19) has put a spotlight on the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system. The problem is, far too many people ignore the importance of their diet and nutrition. Vitamins A, D & K as well as maintaining proper gut health are factors that contribute to the body’s immune system.
Both vitamins A and D are essential nutrients that help support the body's immune response. Studies have established the role of vitamin A in regenerating the mucosal membrane in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and genitals, which helps serve as a barrier to infection. Vitamin A is also instrumental in boosting the production of white blood cells, which help clear infections from the bloodstream.
Vitamin D is essential in maintaining innate and adaptive immune responses and may support the antimicrobial properties of mucus membranes. Although the mechanism is not clearly established, vitamin D is known to have anti-viral effects. In 2017, a large prospective trial showed taking vitamin D can reduce the odds of developing respiratory infections by approximately 42%.
The gastrointestinal tract is an often overlooked but crucial piece of the immune system that may need attention. The nearly 100 trillion bacteria that live in the gut make an important part of the mucosal immune system and occupy crucial ecological niches for bacteria. Strengthening the presence of these protective bacteria through a healthy, balanced diet is important, but often not enough.
Taking a Probiotic as recommended can help up-regulate immune function and support proper mucosal immune function. There are even trials that have shown probiotics reducing acute respiratory infections.
The combination of BioTE Medical’s two probiotic supplements, Multi-Strain Probiotic 20B and Bacillus Coagulans is an excellent choice for boosting immunity, especially during this stressful time. Multi-Strain Probiotic 20B contains 20 billion active cultures per capsule and supports the digestive tract and immune function of individuals under stress.
BioTE Bacillus Coagulans contains one strain of bacteria that is strong and stable enough to survive stomach acid, retains its potency in the intestines, and is an excellent choice for acute events and recovery, such as antibiotic use.
Elizabeth Bagan, APRN, NP-C, ENP-C is a Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner who has changed her focus to preventative disease and health promotion with a specialization in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and functional & integrative medicine. Elizabeth is currently providing BHRT and functional medicine services to her patients in her Jacksonville clinic Precision Medicine and Wellness by Elizabeth Bagan, APRN.
