To strengthen the immune system as well as resistance, patients can supplement some micronutrients. However, when deciding to supplement these micronutrients, you need to research carefully and consult a doctor.
Effects of some micronutrients on diseases after Covid-19
Vitamin C
Vitamin C belongs to a group of powerful antioxidants, playing an important role in the body’s immune function. Furthermore, it is a water-soluble nutrient that helps maintain the resistance of the epithelial barrier while fighting disease along with supporting the functions of the body’s immune system.
Previous studies have proven that vitamin C supplementation in pill form can reduce the rate and duration of respiratory infections. Furthermore, vitamin C Intravenous treatment can also reduce the mortality rate and duration of mechanical ventilation in very severe respiratory infections. According to experts, intravenous treatment with vitamin C and some other substances such as The anticoagulant corticosteroid heparin can significantly reduce inflammation in the lungs. Lung infections are also the cause of death in most patients with severe Covid-19.
More Furthermore, medical experts also say that the condition causing death in Covid-19 patients is not caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 affects patients but is The viral response to the body causes excessive inflammation leading to the body’s immune system becoming overactive – a cytokine storm.
Experts believe that the simultaneous use of vitamin C for Covid-19 patients and steroids can help strongly fight inflammation and well control the cytokine storm in patients with severe Covid-19. heavy.
Zinc
Zinc has also been shown to have antiviral activity and can improve immune cell function, thereby helping to fight viruses. as well as reduce the ability of viruses to reproduce. When the body lacks zinc, it will be associated with a higher IL-6 response – IL6 is an interleukin that plays an important role in severe lung damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Zinc also inhibits the RNA polymerase of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and limits its ability to replicate.
Research presented at the ESCMID conference on SARS-CoV-2 viral disease suggests that low baseline plasma zinc levels are associated with patient survival outcomes Severe Covid-19. In this study, when adjusting for related variables such as age, gender, etc., it showed that increasing zinc levels in the patient’s blood at the time of hospitalization correlated with a 7% reduction in the risk of death after surgery. hospitalize. Furthermore, studies show that the combination of zinc and vitamin C can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. But for mild cases of Covid-19, supplementing vitamin C and zinc does not help improve symptoms or recover faster.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has the potential to help control inflammatory responses caused by Covid-19 by regulating cytokine storms. The mortality rate of Covid-19 patients with long-lasting symptoms causing post-Covid-19 condition is related to cytokine storm – which is due to an excessive response of the body’s immune system.
Study data in humans with Covid-19 show an association between vitamin D and the severity of the cytokine storm in that high plasma levels of C-reactive protein increase the inflammatory process of the body.
Although more in-depth research is still needed on vitamin D, there is much evidence that the vitamin has a positive impact on the immune system, helping the body fight external factors.
Traditional medicine foods that can be used for patients with Covid-19
Bird’s nest: Is a precious and nutritious food that helps improve health. The nutrient content in bird’s nest is quite rich, including water-soluble protein with many amino acids necessary for the body along with micronutrients such as sodium potassium iron iodine… In addition, the biological activity of bird’s nest contains anti-oxidants, anti-virus, anticoagulants, supports nerve protection, supports bone health improvement…
According to oriental medicine, bird’s nest is like a medicine that acts as a tonic lungs and is often prescribed in cases of asthma, dry and debilitating cough… Although there is no specific research on the use of bird’s nest to prevent Covid-19, bird’s nest has good effects against health helps improve health and Helps patients recover quickly as well as avoid post-Covid-19 conditions.
Cordyceps sinensis: This is also a type of mushroom that has many health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, improving mood and providing energy for the body. … Cordyceps mushroom is a precious medicinal herb with high medical value. For people with Covid-19, after recovery, they still need to continue to improve their physical condition and strengthen their immune system. And Cordyceps will help provide nutrients for these subjects.
Ganoderma: In traditional medicine, Ganoderma is often effective in Supports the immune system and enhances physical condition to help patients overcome negative stress or related diseases. Ganoderma mushrooms can also help reduce fatigue in patients after Covid-19.
What foods should be supplemented in the post-Covid-19 period?
In addition, after Covid, most patients have respiratory symptoms such as Prolonged cough with phlegm. So how should you supplement food?
We should eat lightly and eat foods that help loosen the lungs and phlegm, such as white radish (can be juiced to drink every day), purslane, pear, honey, carrot, tangerine peel, garlic… Avoid eating sweets that are greasy or too salty, too sour or spicy, or foods with a lot of slime, such as spinach, okra, irritating foods like shrimp, crab, insects, peanut shells…
With People who have difficulty sleeping, insomnia, and fatigue can use other teas such as red apple tea, goji berries, lotus heart, ginseng tea, apple filling, lotus seed soup, chicken stew with ginseng…
Things to note when supplementing nutrients for patients after Covid-19
Although questions about the overall benefits of taking supplements remain has not been made more clear but is still prescribed by doctors for Covid-19 diseases or patients recovering from Covid-19. These supplements can help reduce the severity of the disease while also playing a role in preventing the progression of the disease.
In addition, patients can access foods that contain nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc in foods to supplement their daily diet and provide for the body. according to recommended needs.
Vitamin D is abundant in sunlight, so to increase the absorption of biologically active vitamin D into the body, patients should expose themselves to the sun for at least 15 to 30 minutes a day. In addition, you can choose some foods rich in vitamin D to supplement your daily meals, such as: milk, fish, etc.
VItamin C is found in green fruits and vegetables. Includes: spinach, grapefruit, citrus fruits and yellow or orange fruits.
Foods rich in zinc include red meat, poultry, whole grains, seafood… among these, oysters have the highest zinc content.
Medicinal foods such as cordyceps bird’s nest or lingzhi mushrooms are basically quite benign. However, before using, patients need to clearly understand the origin of these foods. At the same time, you should use the dosage according to your doctor’s instructions to achieve high effectiveness. Besides, patients should not overuse these types of products to avoid economic costs and also help avoid unwanted side effects.
Doctor Le Thi Hong Chinh
Doctor of Traditional Medicine – Vinmec Traditional Medicine Center – Eastern Star
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