Did You Know? - 4 Foods and Nutrients with Powerful Antiviral Benefits

December 09, 2020

Viruses can wreak havoc on the body, leading to several illness and possible long-term complications.

A strong immune system is a necessity for fending off harmful viruses. Immune function can be fortified through the supplementation of nutrients, compounds, and microbes that obtain ‘antiviral’ properties.

What’s a Virus?

Viruses are microscopic parasites that lack the ability to live or reproduce outside of a host body. A virus can be spread via contact with a human carrier and or contaminated surface and is contracted when the immune system fails to fend it off.

Once inside the body, a virus can wreak havoc. Leading to serious and at times long-lasting side effects.

What does Antiviral mean?

'Antiviral’ means to effectively prevent and/or treat a viral infection in the body through immunomodulation – regulation of the immune system.

There are several natural products, foods, herbs, and spices containing nutrients, compounds, and microbes that obtain antiviral and immune fortifying benefits.

Foods and Nutrients with Antiviral Benefits

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms – usually bacteria – that provide numerous benefits when consumed. Primary advantages are found in the gut, where probiotics from foods and supplements add to the microbiota in your colon.

Among the many benefits probiotics offers your body, some of these microorganisms are provide protection from viruses due to their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulary effects. They improve immune system signaling and antibody production in the respiratory system, making them especially effective for respiratory viruses.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is an extremely powerful medicinal herb that not only provides anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, but also fends off viruses. These benefits are due to a bioactive compound turmeric contains, a curcuminoid called curcumin.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric and functions as a robust antioxidant, protecting against stress caused by free radicals and chronic inflammation. Protecting the body and immune system from stress-related damage keeps them strong and prepared to fight off harmful viruses.

3. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is the most effective derivative of vitamin D found most commonly known to be produced by sunlight, but can also be consumed from certain foods; including, fatty fish, animal meats, and animal byproducts.

This form of vitamin D is involved in many immune pathways, assisting to protect the body against viruses. It helps the immune system in adapting white blood cells function and is a crucial component of immune antibodies and enzymes that breakdown viruses to be expelled by the body.

4. Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 is one of two main forms of vitamin K and is found in animal and fermented foods. It is well known for its benefits to blood clotting as well as heart and bone health. However, recent studies have showed supplementing vitamin K2 together with vitamin D3 and magnesium can work jointly to prevent long-term side effects caused by serious viral infections via immunomodulation of chronic inflammation.

Add More Antiviral Nutrients to Your Day

Consuming foods, herbs, and spices high in antiviral nutrients, compounds, and microbes everyday can provide your immune fortifying benefits.

However, you can also consider adding a high-quality supplement to help keep you safe from harmful viruses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that certain foods and nutrients have powerful antiviral benefits that can boost our immune system and protect us against viruses. By incorporating these foods into our diets, we can strengthen our body's defenses and reduce the risk of falling ill.

Some of the top antiviral foods and nutrients include garlic, ginger, honey, and vitamin C. Garlic and ginger have been found to possess antimicrobial properties, while honey has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in enhancing our immune system and protecting our body against infections.

It is worth noting that while these foods and nutrients can provide significant health benefits, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Furthermore, incorporating antiviral foods and nutrients into our diets can be an effective way to support our body's natural defenses and protect against infections. By maintaining a healthy diet, we can boost our immune system and stay healthy, especially during times of illness outbreaks.

In addition to the aforementioned foods and nutrients, there are various other natural remedies that can help protect against viruses. For instance, turmeric, green tea, and elderberry have been found to possess antiviral properties and can help boost our immunity.

Moreover, it is also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management, to support our immune system's functioning. By taking a holistic approach towards our health, we can not only prevent infections but also improve our overall well-being.

In summary, by incorporating antiviral foods and nutrients into our diets and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, we can strengthen our immune system and protect ourselves against viruses. These natural remedies can be a powerful tool in our arsenal to stay healthy and well during times of illness outbreaks.