Immune Boosting Vitamins and Foods
Updated: Apr 14
Research shows that specific vitamin deficiencies are associated with low immunity. The World Health Organization has declared a coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus infects the lungs of immune compromised patients that can lead to severe pneumonia symptoms and death. Many people infected by it do not develop symptoms and do not need special treatment. It is a severe problem for the elderly, who have the most vitamin deficiencies along with other coexisting conditions. Smokers and chronic alcohol drinkers also have immune compromised systems. However, I find that most healthy people, ages 20-60, have multiple vitamin deficiencies on their nutrition testing results.
The immune system requires the following vitamins: A, C, D, Zinc, and Glutathione to properly support the body and flush out toxins it comes in contact with. Gluathione inparticularly is good for the lungs and liver. The liver runs two phases of detoxification to remove waste or environmental toxins from the body. Glutathone is required for both of these phases. Please go to my references below to visit research articles on how each of these vitamins support the immune system differently.
Here is a list of foods that contain these immune boosting vitamins:
Vitamin D: Tuna, mackerel, salmon, beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese.
Vitamin A: Beef liver, cod liver oil, sweet potato, carrots, black-eyed peas, spinach, broccoli, and sweet red pepper.
Vitamin C: Broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange, grapefruit, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Zinc: Organic grass fed meat, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, beans, seeds, nuts, eggs, and brown rice.
Glutathione: Asparagus, avocado, cabbage, brussel sprouts, spinach, broccoli, garlic, chives, tomatoes, cucumber, almonds, and walnuts. However, a variety of factors can affect the levels of this vital nutrient, including storage and cooking.
Anti-inflammatory flavonoids: Green tea, parsley, celery, turmeric, licorice, onion, apple. berries, tomato, oranges.
You can get these vitamins from the food sources above but many people do not digest and absorb their food optimally. This is called malabsorption. Malabsorption leads to vitamin deficiencies. All chronic illnesses are associated with vitamin deficiencies. There are many natural ways to heal malabsorption but it is important to understand the root cause of why it is happening before simply treating it the same way for everyone. The first, best way to aid in proper absorption of nutrients is by chewing thoroughly. This allows the body enough time to produce enzymes that break down and digest food. So it's important not to rush when eating so that you can absorb all those vitamins you are consuming from your food.
Supplements do not substitute a healthy diet
Supplements can strengthen your body. They can not substitute a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These vitamins should be taken in addition to eating foods rich in these vitamins. Supplements support what you might be missing which may be important during this time
To aid in absorption, liposomal liquid versions of these vitamins may be best but capsules also work well. You can also get these vitamins intravenously which go directly in the blood and bypass the stomach altogether. Another vitamin that cleanses the body and supports your mitochondria, the battery of your cells, is called PQQ. I am taking all of these plus PQQ as I continue to travel and see patients.
You can buy all of these high quality supplements on my online dispensary while they still last here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/drfelty. For updated coronavirus information, please visit The World Health Organization website: https://www.who.int/. Visit my blog post here: https://www.drfelty.com/post/covid19-science-and-preventionhttps://www.drfelty.com/post/covid19-science-and-prevention. Remember, your body knows how to heal itself when it has what it needs. Making sure you are consuming these vitamin rich foods and supplements enables your body to fight off infections better.
Your immune system can not function when you are in a state of fear. People are recovering from this all over the world. We all have the power to heal ourselves. Look at this COVID19 survivor who is over 100 years old:https://www.facebook.com/drfelty/posts/2978306318858780?notif_id=1586058499605676¬if_t=page_post_reaction.
Dr. Felty ND
P.S. I am currently helping clients virtually to restore health and immunity. If you are seeking guidance regarding COVID19 or other viral infections, I provide support to optimize virus fighting ability. I am working with local offices that are offering proper COVID19 testing and treatment. I’m extending my friends and family discount to all frontline workers - grocery store clerks, restaurant workers, delivery drivers, healthcare workers, farmers, etc. If you know anyone on the frontlines, please let them know about this, they need support more than ever. Contact me for natural medicine support or at-home collection testing. Most of these at-home collection tests are now available for $75 with insurance.
At-home-collection kits are now available for the following:
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Evaluation
Comprehensive Digestion Analysis
Food Intolerance Testing
Food Sensitivity Testing
Candida Overgrowth Testing
Cortisol and Adrenal Health Evaluation
Environmental Toxin Analysis
SARS-CoV-2 Stool Testing
If you would like to book a new virtual appointment and have never worked with me before, please call 773-472-0560, or you can fill out the form here during closed hours: www.drfelty.com/appointment.
If you are a patient at Balance Health and Wellness and would like to book a virtual appointment, please call 773-472-0560 to schedule an appointment.
If you are a patient of Green Circle Wellness and would like to book a phone appointment, please call 312-877-5512 to schedule an appointment.
Vitamin A, infection, and immune function: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.nutr.21.1.167?rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&journalCode=nutr
Regulation of Immune Function by Vitamin D and Its Use in Diseases of Immunity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889852917300725?via%3Dihub
Zinc As A Gatekeeper To Immunity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5748737/pdf/nutrients-09-01286.pdf
Vitamin C and Immune Function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
Role of Glutathione in Immunity and Inflammation in the Lung: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048347/pdf/ijgm-4-105.pdf
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