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.

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