What Did It Find
- When pooling results from all 25 trials, people talking vitamin D supplementation by any route were less likely to develop at least one acute respiratory tract infection adjusting for age, sex, and study duration. Forty percent experienced one or more infections while taking supplements, compared with 42% in the control group, .
- Subgroup analysis found that those taking daily or weekly supplements were also less likely to develop at least one infection , 45% experienced one of more infections while taking supplements, compared with 50% in the control group. Bolus dose had no effect .
- For participants taking these daily or weekly doses without a bolus, vitamin D supplementation was most beneficial for people with low vitamin D levels reducing risks of at least one infection for these people from 60% to 31%. aOR 0.30 . It was still effective for participants with normal levels .
- There was no difference in the rate of serious adverse effects between vitamin D and placebo groups. High calcium or kidney stones were rare.
Garlic Can Activate Immunity
In a similar study design, after 45 days of supplementing with garlic, participants presented with significantly improved function of NK and T-cells compared to the placebo group. After 90 days, the garlic group also had fewer cold symptoms, sick days, and incidences of colds compared to the placebo group. Lastly, another study found that adding raw garlic to meals helped to activate genes related to immunity.
Takeaway: Garlic may activate immunity-related genes and reduce the likelihood of getting sick in the first place. Add a raw garlic clove to your meals or supplement with two 500mg doses. Take one pill after breakfast and the other one after dinner.
Do Vitamin D Zinc And Other Supplements Help Prevent Covid
- By Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
The appeal of safe, natural treatments is undeniable. Its true for age-old conditions such as the common cold, and for new diseases, especially if they have no known cure. So it makes sense that there would be a lot of interest in supplements for COVID-19, whether as prevention or treatment.
Indeed, zinc, melatonin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and other supplements have been commonly prescribed from the earliest days of the pandemic.
But do they work?
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Warning About Cough Medicine
If you’ve seen your healthcare provider, they’ve likely recommended a cough medicine to be used while you’re sleeping. Even though cough medicine can help minimize the coughing, it’s not wise to rely on it full-time.
Some home remedies for alleviating cough include:
- Gargling saltwater: Many times the mucus sitting in the throat will tickle the throat and cause you to cough more. By gargling warm salt water, this mucus breaks up, slightly helps with dehydration, and may get rid of some germs along the way.
- Using honey: Sweetening your tea with some honey may not be a bad ideait may even help your recovery. In fact, adding honey to the peppermint tea recommended above could provide a double whammy. It is believed peppermint can provide pain relief in your throat by numbing nerve endings. At the same time, early research is showing honey has the potential to be a natural antimicrobial treatment. While more research is done on both peppermint and honey, the early results sound promising for those suffering from a cough.
What Should One Eat While Having Covid 19
One question that arises in peoples minds that what to eat and what not to eat if some tested as COVID-19 and Pneumonia? Proper nutrition and hydration are important because they help to manage the symptoms. A well-balanced diet can optimize the function of the system, improve metabolism, thus help in preventing the event of chronic symptoms related to COVID-19. It is recommended that a diet with fresh and unprocessed foods are to be included in your daily diet, besides vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
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Vitamin C May Affect Lung Infections
Vitamin C was identified in the early 1900s in the search for a deficientsubstance responsible for scurvy, which was a serious disease of sailors inthe Age ofSail.,In the early literature, scurvy was directly linked to pneumonia. The Americanpaediatrician Alfred Hess carried out extensive studies on scurvy andsummarized autopsy findings as follows: pneumonia, lobular orlobar, is one of the most frequent complications and causes ofdeath and secondary pneumonias, usuallybroncho-pneumonic in type, are of common occurrence, and in many epidemics constitute the prevailing cause ofdeath.Starting in the 1930s, some German and US physicians proposed that vitamin Cwould be beneficial in the treatment ofpneumonia.
Although the burden of pneumonia has decreased dramatically in developedcountries during the past century, lung infections are still a leading causeof mortality and morbidityglobally.Therefore, the question of whether vitamin C might affect pneumonia is anissue worthy of systematic consideration.
The best known physiological function of vitamin C is its participation incollagen hydroxylation, and the symptoms of scurvy are largely explained bychanges in collagen metabolism. The biochemistry of vitamin C is, however,much more complex. For example, it also participates in the enzymaticsynthesis of dopamine, carnitine and a number of neuroendocrinepeptides.,,
Home Remedies For Symptoms Of Pneumonia
Depending on the origin of pneumonia, a doctor will prescribe medication to treat the infection, but throughout the recovery process, they will also specify:
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Eating nutritious foods
- Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated
In addition, some home remedies may help individuals manage health problems and enhance recovery. The following are some natural methods that may help reduce the severity of Pneumonia:
1. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and fenugreek tea
Many warm herbal teas can help calm a scratchy throat, but herbs may be more advantageous. A study found that herbs, including peppermint and eucalyptus, had a calming effect on an individuals throat with upper respiratory tract viruses. These herbs may assist in breaking down the mucus and thus relieve the discomfort and inflammation caused by pneumonia.
Therefore, tea made from ground fenugreek seeds, eucalyptus or tea tree oils may ease a persistent cough. People can use these in a diffuser as well. However, it is essential to note that overuse of oils can aggravate their existing symptoms.
2. A saltwater gargle
Mucus in the oesophagus and chest can trigger more enhanced coughing and irritation. Something as simple as a warm saltwater gargle may help dislodge mucus or germs in the throat, providing some relief.
3. Vitamin C
4. Rest
5. Ginger or turmeric tea
6. Warm liquids
Sipping on warm liquids can help warm the body up and limit chills.
Some examples of warm drinks include:
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Supplement May Help With Bacterial Pneumonia Recovery
Bacterial pneumonia is a very serious, often life-threatening illness especially in the elderly.
Recent medical studies have demonstrated that taking the dietary supplement coenzyme Q10 during the hospitalization may reduce mortality by almost 50 percent.
In the United States, more than 2 million people over the age of 50 years old will be hospitalized for bacterial pneumonia. Even in the age of the pneumonia vaccine, mortality rates among the elderly hospitalized for bacterial pneumonia can be as high as 35 percent.
Medical costs associated with an uncomplicated hospitalization for bacterial pneumonia is almost $10,000 with annual cost of over $7 billion to Medicare alone. Clearly this is a serious medical problem for which there is significant room for improvement.
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound that exists in all of our cells. It plays a key role in the production of energy in the power plants of the cell, the mitochondria. It is also a powerful antioxidant that the body uses to reverse and prevent oxidative damage especially to the cell membrane fats.
Good medical research is being done throughout the world. The first double blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of CoQ10 on bacterial pneumonia was recently published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal.
Hospital stays were significantly reduced in those patients taking CoQ10 and the failure rate in this group was less than half of those receiving placebo.
Why Was This Study Needed
Acute respiratory tract infections are said to account for one in 10 emergency department visits in the US. Upper respiratory tract infections are limited to the nose, throat and sinuses while lower infections affect the airways and lungs, both can be caused by viruses, though some infections due to bacteria can require antibiotics.
In 2016 the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition review on vitamin D and health recommended adults take 10µg vitamin D per day throughout the year based on the benefits for musculoskeletal health. The SACN at the time, found conflicting evidence on whether vitamin D supplements reduce risk of respiratory tract infection or other non-musculoskeletal outcomes and recommended more research into these areas.
This systematic review, including trials published since the SACN review, aimed to gather the evidence looking at the effect of vitamin D on risk of acute upper, lower or undefined respiratory tract infections.
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/13foods To Eat In Pneumonia
Add the following foods in your diet in controlling the symptoms of the infection. These foods help in the healthy maintenance of the lungs and prevent the development of an infection in the respiratory tract. They also increase your immunity and help in fighting infection. You must have them along with the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
Patients And Study Design
We reviewed the medical records of patients with viral pneumonia admitted to Asan Medical Center medical intensive care unit from January 2015 to April 2017. Of 1,971 patients admitted to the MICU, 201 were included. Patients who were younger than 18 years, those without viral pathogens , and those who did not use a ventilator were excluded .
Figure 1
The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. The secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, ventilator-free days, recovery after acute kidney injury, shock reversal within 14 days, changes in the SOFA score within 3 days, and ICU and hospital lengths of stay.
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Considerations Before Taking Vitamins For Lung Health
While taking certain vitamins may help promote lung health, its important to consider your health needs, medications, and more before taking a dietary supplement.
If you have a medical condition, such as cancer or COPD, your healthcare team may suggest taking certain dietary supplements, depending on factors like nutrient deficiencies and dietary intake.
Additionally, certain supplements have the potential to interact with some medications, including those used to treat cancer. For this reason, its important to discuss any supplements with your healthcare team before adding them to your regimen .
This can help prevent complications and ensure that youre only taking supplements that are safe, necessary, and effective.
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Disease Process Leading To Pneumonia
Pneumonia-causing agents reach the lungs through different routes:
- In most cases, a person breathes in the infectious organism, which then travels through the airways to the lungs.
- Sometimes, the normally harmless bacteria in the mouth, or on items placed in the mouth or swallowed, can enter the lungs. This usually happens if the body’s “gag reflex,” an extreme throat contraction that keeps substances out of the lungs, is not working properly.
- Infections can spread through the bloodstream from other organs to the lungs.
However, in normal situations, the airways protect the lungs from substances that can cause infection.
- The nose filters out large particles.
- If smaller particles pass through, nerves along the airway prompt a cough or sneeze. This forces many particles back out of the body.
- Tiny particles that reach the small tubes in the lungs are trapped in a thick, sticky substance called mucus. The mucus and particles are pushed up and out of the lungs by tiny hair-like cells called cilia, which beat like a drum. This action is called the “mucociliary escalator.”
- If bacteria or other infectious organisms manage to avoid the airway’s defenses, the body’s immune system attacks them. Large white blood cells called macrophages destroy the foreign particles.
The above-mentioned defense systems normally keep the lungs healthy. If these defenses are weakened or damaged, however, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can easily infect the lungs, producing pneumonia.
Why Does It Take So Long To Recover From Pneumonia
You can’t see the damage pneumonia causes, but you certainly feel it.
The air sacs in your lungs become inflamed during pneumonia, leading to soreness and pain. If the infection and inflammation progress, your lungs may fill with fluid and dead lung tissue, leading to the green, yellow or even bloody mucus you cough up. This fluid may also affect how well oxygen is able to transfer into your bloodstream, leading to difficulty breathing.
“Once the infection is cleared with treatment, your body still has to deal with removing all of the fluid, damage and debris left behind in your lungs. This can take a few weeks, resulting in a lingering cough and reduced lung capacity,” explains Dr. Lee. “During this time, you may find physical exertion more tiring than usual.”
A more severe case of pneumonia can cause even more damage to your lungs, which can be significant and even permanent in some cases.
“After severe pneumonia, lung capacity is reduced and muscles may be weak from being so ill. Significant weight loss can further contribute to weakness and other health conditions may be aggravated due to the stress placed on the body during illness. These are all things your body will need time to recover from,” says Dr. Lee.
In fact, it may take another several months for you to fully heal and regain strength.
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Zinc Speeds Pneumonia Recovery May Boost Immunity
24-May-2004
Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children less than five years old, especially in developing countries. A team of Bangladeshi researchers found that supplements of zinc shortened the time infants needed to stay in hospital to recover from pneumonia.
The study underlines the potential action of zinc on the body’s immune system and calls for more research into this mechanism.
Dr Abdullah Brooks and colleagues from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh randomly assigned 270 children between two and 23 months old with severe pneumonia to receive 20 mg zinc per day, or a placebo, in addition to standard hospital antibiotics.
The children given zinc recovered from severe pneumonia an average of one day earlier than did those given placebo, and their average stay in hospital was one day shorter. Since a course of zinc treatment costs only US$0.15, and one day in the study hospital costs US$25, the potential cost savings are substantial, noted the researchers.
“The effects on treatment failure are striking, have significant implications for reduction of antimicrobial resistance by decreasing multiple antibiotic exposures, and could help reduce complications and death in situations where second line drugs are not available,” said Dr Brooks.
Zinc has previously been reported to prevent pneumonia, and to prevent and treat diarrhoea. The researchers believe it may boost the body’s immune response to infection.
Vitamin D And Vitamin C May Be Better For Immunity
While the jury is still out on whether or not B vitamins, or vitamin B6 in particular, have a significant effect on COVID-19 outcomes, experts do agree that there’s enough research to make claims that other vitamins, like vitamin D and vitamin C, can help keep your immune system functioning optimally.
“I believe vitamin B6 is just one piece of the puzzle,” Rose says. “We must consider all of the other vitamins and minerals that the human body needs in order to function optimally.”
Vitamin D enhances the function of macrophages and T-cells, and there’s some research that shows vitamin D deficiency can contribute to severe COVID-19 infections. While there’s been some question on whether the deficiency directly correlates to the severity of these infections, there’s no denying vitamin D is crucial for immune health.
Vitamin C also supports the immune system, acts as an antioxidant, and wards off oxidative stress, a potential trigger of cytokine storm.
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Outcomes And Prognosis Of The Unmatched Patients
There was no significant difference between groups in terms of the 28-day mortality and in-hospital mortality .
Table 2Figure 2
ICU length of stay and hospital LOS were longer in the vitamin C group. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of shock reversal within 14 days, ventilator-free days, changes in the SOFA score within 3 days, and recovery after AKI .
Disclaimer And Safety Information
This information is not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional. Anyone who wishes to embark on any dietary, drug, exercise, or other lifestyle change intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with and seek clearance from a physician or other qualified health care professional. Pregnant women in particular should seek the advice of a physician before using any protocol listed on this website. The protocols described on this website are for adults only, unless otherwise specified. Product labels may contain important safety information and the most recent product information provided by the product manufacturers should be carefully reviewed prior to use to verify the dose, administration, and contraindications. National, state, and local laws may vary regarding the use and application of many of the therapies discussed. The reader assumes the risk of any injuries. The authors and publishers, their affiliates and assigns are not liable for any injury and/or damage to persons arising from this protocol and expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
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