Many of our patients at Naples Center for Functional Medicine have asked what they can do to help boost their immune system naturally.
The Institute of Functional Medicine offers a list of prevention tips and immunity-boosting actions, and our experienced practitioners also have offered the following suggestions:
In reviewing the outlined suggestions, it is important that you pick and choose what is most appropriate for your body. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it guaranteed, nor is it necessary to take everything outlined. It is meant to help you maintain the best immune function you can. If you have an autoimmune disorder, it is especially important to take special care of your diet, so as not to aggravate underlying conditions. Please consult your doctor for individual questions.
For Prevention
- Vitamin D3: 10,000 IU
- Vitamin A: 40,000 IU
- Vitamin C: As much as your gut will tolerate. Diarrhea can follow if a dose is too high. If that occurs, put 4-5 grams in a big bottle of water and sip on it all day
- Biocidin throat spray: once a day or more
- Melatonin: up to 15mg slow release, or 3mg three times a day and 5mg at night. Dosages will vary per person, be careful not to take so much that you re drowsy all day. Adding melatonin to your vitamin regiment does improve immune function.
- Mushrooms: maitake, shiitake, reishi, cordyceps and others as supplements as well as real mushrooms as food
- Avmacol ES: 1 tablet 3x weekly
For Treatment (at first sign of illness):
- Aconitum Napellus (homeopathic): 2-3 pellets under the tongue twice a day, first two days only
- Vitamin D3: 50,000 IU for three days in a row, then 10,000 IU for the next week, then 5,000 IU for maintenance
- Vitamin A: 50,000-100,000 IU daily for one week
- Vitamin C: As much as your gut will tolerate (see above)
- Biocidin throat spray: three times a day
- Zinc lozenges three times a day for one week
If you have trouble breathing, go to a hospital. For other symptoms, shelter at home and do what you would do for the flu or a bad cold. See CDC guidelines at http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/resources.html. Many hospitals and medical offices now advise to call ahead to prepare for your arrival, thus ensuring the safety and health of other patients and visitors.
Also, if you have a cough or sneeze, it’s important to wear a surgical mask to cover your mouth and nose. If you don’t own a mask, a bandana or scarf may help contain transmission but is not as effective as a mask.
It’s prudent to be vigilant about washing your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has taken a lead role in coronavirus education and outreach, offers a research-driven explanation of proper hand washing: Show Me the Science: How to Wash your Hands. The CDC also advises those at higher risks for getting sick, including older adults and those with chronic medical conditions, to avoid crowds as much as possible.
To receive a copy of Dr. Berkson’s article about the four major portals of entry for the Coronavirus, natural answers to block entries, recommendations on how best to protect yourself and specific steps to take if you are infected, please visit her website and supply your email address. You can also listen to her podcast “In Light of Historical Pandemics, the Health of Planet Earth & What We Can Do” here.
As always, consult with your physician prior to making any substantial lifestyle, health or nutritional changes. To protect the health and wellness of our physicians, staff and patients, we kindly ask that if you’re feeling under the weather or have a fever or cough, please call to reschedule your appointment – we’ll be here when you feel better!
For questions, please contact our office at 239-649-7400 or submit an appointment request through our online form.
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