WHY is Vitamin D important in fighting Viral Infections? (Preventive interventions for fighting Viral & Microbial infections)

The most important weapon to fight the deadly viruses & microbes is a “Healthy immune system”.

Lifestyle behaviors, healthy diet with proper supplementation of vitamins and trace elements are essential for prevention and treatment of respiratory viral diseases, such as COVID-19. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble-vitamin, different from others in that a major source derives from UV light-induced conversion of its precursor under the skin. Dietary sources include fortified foods and supplements. Recent meta-analyses have reported a protective effect of vitamin D supplementation on respiratory tract infections.

Vitamin D also regulates the adaptive immune system, particularly T cells ( that protects the body against pathogens ) & enhances the function of immune cells. Vitamin D supplements are most effective when taken daily or weekly in small doses and less effective when taken in larger, widely spaced doses.

Lockdown, scare of air borne viruses etc. has furthermore reduced our exposure to the sun, the most important source of Vitamin D. An early morning exposure to the Sun rays for a minimum period of 20 minutes, on daily basis would prove to be extremely beneficial.

Supplement would be beneficial for individuals with low Vitamin D, especially for young & elderly population.

Vitamin D : The Sun, Breathing exercises , Improving Oxygen level.

The more vitamin D is reserved within the infants’ bodies, the more they will be immune to respiratory infections.

A recent study indicated that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who had sufficient levels of vitamin D had a decreased risk for adverse outcomes and death.

Although research in this area is ongoing, it’s important to understand that taking supplemental vitamin D alone can’t protect from developing COVID-19.However, being deficient in vitamin D may increase the susceptibility to overall infection and disease by harming immune function.

Pranayam  or Breathing Exercises :

Yoga practice & Pranayam can be advocated to improve pulmonary( lung) functions in healthy individuals and hence to prevent respiratory diseases in future.

Pranayama—literally, "control of prana", are yogic breathing techniques that increase the capacity of lungs.

Prana - "life force" or "life energy"

Yama - "discipline" or "control"

Ayama - "expansion", "non-restraint", or "extension

The regular practice of pranayama increases chest wall expansion and almost all lung functions. Daily practice of Pranayama, in the morning will help in improving the immunity.

Daily Care From Herbs:

Echinacea (also called purple coneflower) , the use of this plant represents a complementary treatment of respiratory tract infections. Echinacea is loaded with plant compounds like flavonoids, cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid that work as antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against oxidative stress, a state that has been linked to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and many others.

Echinacea plants also contain compounds called alkamides, which can further enhance antioxidant activity. Alkamides can renew worn-out antioxidants and help antioxidants better reach molecules that are prone to oxidative stress.

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata/Bhunimbh) & Chirata (Swertia chirata), also known as Indian Echinacea are widely available and can be used for similar benefits.( Extremely bitter in taste).

Dosage: Kalmegh & Chirata ( Soft stems & leaves) can be dried and powdered and  made into small globules with water. Dry the globules in natural air.

One globule can be taken on daily basis for 21 days. Consumption can be continued for three months.

#GreenBeautyMovement    #MrilQMagiC  #CoronaVirus   #COVID19     #BREAKING    #CovidSecond Wave    #Immunity   #Wellness     #BoostingImmunity

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(Research Reference: PubMed® , Ruprai Reena Kaur, et al. Effect of yoga training on breathing rate and lung functions in patients of bronchial asthma. International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology).

Free Consultation For Pandemic.

Dr Dattatraya Mallik

M.B.B.S,

General Surgery -St John's Medical College and Hospital,

Neurosurgery Trainee,Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore

Phone : +91.79032.15122

Please text or whatsapp and seek an ONLINE APPOINTMENT before calling.

 Ref by : Maushumi Thakurta