Supplements You Simply Must Have – Covid or Otherwise

Supplements have gained a lot of traction since the Covid 19 decided to wreak havoc in our lives. There is an overload of information available online. People are cautious about their health and are ready to try almost everything; from “homemade immunity boosting teas/ coffee/detox drinks” to Homeopathic alternatives and Ayurvedic concoctions. They are stuffing their cabinets with various kinds of multivitamin supplements; especially Vitamin C.

Firstly, it is important to know that these supplements aren’t a preventive measure against COVID. Supplements are meant to be taken to make up for any nutritional deficiency in our diet; and this complete nutrition helps us build a healthy immune system. So COVID or not, these are important for the optimal functioning of our body

Vitamin D

We all know that the Sun is the best source of Vit D and there is nothing to debate over this. But let’s get real; no one in today’s day and age gets adequate exposure to sunlight. That leaves us with having to take a Vit D supplement to make up for the deficiency.

There are two types of Vitamin D that are available over-the-counter: Vit D2 and D3. According to WebMD, the recommended form is D3. However, D2 works just as fine. It is the dosage that is important. Experts recommend a daily dosage of 1000 IU.  is the right dosage of “D”.

Though this vitamin is popularly known for bone health, it is also helps in making certain type of proteins that kill viruses and bacteria in the respiratory tract.

Vitamin C

Since ages it is known to us that Vitamin C is excellent for cold and cough; not as cure but it helps prevent various viral infections. It is essential for the white blood cells which help fight infections, which means that you need it a lot more when you are unwell. However, excessive consumption could lead to diarrhoea, cramps and nausea.

Zinc

This is one of the essential micronutrients which is essential for several cellular processes in the body. According to studies, Zinc is essential too preserve tissue barriers of the respiratory system, thereby preventing pathogen entry, which balances the functioning of the immune system. In addition to that it is also excellent for skin and nail health.

Probiotics

Probiotics have numerous health benefits that we are quite aware of. Though these cannot prevent COVID, it reduces the severity and duration of respiratory infections. A study shows that probiotics aid in faster recovery during COVID. Even though yogurt and certain fermented food provide us with our daily dose of probiotics, supplements are the best way to provide us with the adequate amount of dosage required to fight off infections.

Apart from the above supplements, it is important to have a healthy and balanced diet so that our body receives all the micronutrients (Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium, Folic Acid, Manganese, all other forms of Vitamins) for optimal functioning of the body.

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