What can we do to stay healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic? First and foremost, we must eat well to fuel and nourish our bodies and minds with the necessary nutrients to energize and feel good throughout the day. Of equal importance is movement, of any kind. It’s vital for circulation, digestion, immune function, and mood to do some form of exercise every day. Going outside and exposing ourselves to some sunshine (whenever possible) is best for getting a mega-dose of Vitamin D, one of our important immune-boosting vitamins.
Vitamin C is another one of our powerful immune-boosting vitamins. It is an antioxidant (meaning it can neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage) and it has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to both treat and prevent infections through its phagocytosis (ingestion of bacteria) and microbial killing actions. Vitamin C accumulates in our white blood cells, thereby enhancing our cellular functions of eradicating pathogens. As well, Vitamin C promotes the growth of lymphocytes (one of the main types of immune cells) which then produces more antibodies. The role of an antibody is to activate the immune response to defend the body from being harmed by viruses and bacteria. Most research has been seen in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning it cannot be produced by the human body. It can be consumed from foods sources such as citrus fruits, bells peppers, strawberries and green vegetables, it can be taken as an oral supplement or it can be injected intravenously. When only a small amount of vitamin C is required, then taking a supplement is sufficient. However, if there is any kind of digestion or absorption issues or if a higher dose of Vitamin C is required, then intravenous administration is recommended. IV vitamin C (ascorbic acid) goes directly into the bloodstream (skipping intestinal absorption), so its levels rise very quickly in the blood, in high amounts.
Immune boosting IV treatments not only include Vitamin C, many other nutrients can be added such as Vitamin B12, B6, B5, Magnesium, antioxidants, NAC, folate, B complex and adrenal herbs. Individualized IV cocktails would be carefully formulated by one of our naturopathic doctors after an initial assessment. Treatments last about 1 hour and 4-6 weekly treatments are usually recommended initially.
Clinical studies on IV vitamin C and treatment of COVID 19 have begun, however at this time there is NO scientific evidence that supports this, so IV Vitamin C is not a cure for COVID 19.
