Immune Support Supplements


Immune Support Supplements

I was recently excited to read that the Government of Thailand has approved the herb Andrographis to treat the early stages of Covid-19. I have been aware of this herb for many years and have recommended it to patients for antiviral and immune support. Andrographis is native to South Asian countries. The leaves and root/stem are what’s used in herbal medicine. It possesses anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-heart disease, and anti-diabetic properties.

Specifically, I have recommended the product Andrographis Complex by Standard Process for immune support, which also contains tulsi and the root of echinacea. Many patients have reported that it has reduced the severity of colds and cases of flu substantially.

At the time of this writing, Thailand, a country of 70 million people, has had 13,104 cases and 71 deaths. These low numbers are remarkable. Nasal saline irrigation is a typical daily practice that many in Thailand and South Asian countries do. This may be a helpful immune-supportive practice, along with herbal medicine.

Other herbs that have been used in Asian countries for immune and antiviral support include astragalus, Scutellaria baicalensis, olive leaf, Japanese knotweed, and reishi, to name a few.

In the United States, it seems that the most ubiquitous immune and antiviral support advice is to take Vitamin D and zinc. There are different types of Vitamin D and zinc, and the kind that is best for an individual depends on one’s genetics.

In my practice, most patients muscle test for liposomal zinc, zinc succinic acid, or zinc picolinate. Not everyone can activate all the Vitamin D pathways. In some instances, an individual may require black cumin seed to activate Vitamin D. I have found that some individuals may require Vitamin K to help with Vitamin D absorption.

Immune and antiviral support is different for everyone. One person may require zinc picolinate, D3/K2, camu camu berry, and monolaurin. Another person may need D3, reishi, liposomal zinc, and quercetin.

Post-Covid Patients

I have received inquiries from patients that were diagnosed with Covid in early to mid-2020 and still feel like they are not quite back to their full strength or have lingering symptoms. Some post covid patients still experience symptoms, like smell and taste reduction, nausea, pain, digestive upset, fatigue, and are regarded as “long haulers.”

An immune-supportive protocol that is specific to the individual can help a person gain strength and stamina. Often, certain organs and glands may require specific support to help the body recover. Viruses can linger in the body past the acute phase and still affect a person into a post-viral stage. This post-viral stage should be supported with antiviral and immune-boosting remedies. Certain foods, vitamins, herbs, and minerals can help the body to recover in this post viral phase.

One of the herbs that have been helpful to patients who are still experiencing post-viral symptoms is Illicium. Illicium is also referred to as star anise. It is commonly used in South East Asian cuisine, in places like Vietnam and India. It is also a widely used ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Illicium has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, as well as antiviral properties. Shikimic acid found in Illicium is the main antiviral compound. It is used as a base for the drug Tamiflu, which is used to treat Influenza.

Covid Vaccine Support

Recently, patients have been inquiring about support to take when they get a covid vaccine. Some are concerned about allergic reactions because of their prior history. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that has been recommended by certain medical and healthcare professionals. I use it in my practice for the support of patients that have allergies. It can help the body more readily absorb zinc. Some individuals may require other remedies. Inform your medical professional, that is administering the vaccine, what you are taking.

About the Author

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading holistic chiropractor in NY. Learn more by visiting his website at https://www.holisticchiropracticcenter.com

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