Flu & COVID Prevention Protocol

by Dr. Andrew T. Brady, Chiropractic Physician

With winter right around the corner, now is a great time to share the evidence-based protocol that my family – kids too – implements to help protect against the flu and other upper respiratory viruses (COVID included).

1) Supplementation of EPA and DHA (contained in Cod Liver oil/Fish oil).

This is extremely important for proper immune function. An article published this year by Szabo et al. titled “The Potential Beneficial Effect of EPA and DHA Supplementation Managing Cytokine Storm in Coronavirus Disease” in the Journal Frontiers In Physiology found that “supplementation of EPA and DHA in COVID-19 patients provided a beneficial effect on managing the cytokine storm.” Cytokines play a vital role in a normal immune response, but when the body releases too much into the blood at once, it’s called a cytokine storm and can lead to multi-organ failure.

2) Supplementation of Vitamin D.

In an article published in April 2020 by Grant et al. titled “Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths” in the journal Nutrients found that “supplementing with 5,000 IU’s for maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels significantly reduced the risk of infection.”

Cod liver oil provides an excellent natural source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Since vitamin D and vitamin A share a receptor site on immune cells, it’s important to have BALANCE between the two. Cod liver oil has this natural balance. Deficiencies in these essential nutrients leads to a reduced baseline immune defense against viruses and also can promote a hyper-inflammatory response, as seen with COVID complications.

3) Eliminate Refined Sugar.

Reducing your sugar intake will give your immune system a significant boost. Sugar looks similar to vitamin C on receptor sites; if vitamin C cannot attach to a cell where it needs to, it loses its immune defense properties.

4) Get 8 hours of Sleep.

Sleep is your body’s time to repair and regenerate. If you break it down with the stresses of everyday life and don’t give it enough time to repair itself, your body will be weakened and prone to infection and illnesses of every kind. Disclaimer: we have young children, we know this one can be tricky! Naps count, too.

5) Exercise.

There is no way around this one. Simply put, you must move. Exercise is a genetic requirement. It’s written in our genome to require movement and exercise. Several articles have been published regarding the importance of exercise and a strong immune system. Find something you enjoy doing, and do it! Raise your standards for yourself.

6) Spinal alignment.

Achieving and maintaining proper spinal alignment is critical to optimal nervous system function, and therefore optimal immune function. Your nervous system controls every system in your body! Removing nervous system interference through chiropractic adjustments allows your body to combat illness and disease at its highest potential.

You may be thinking, “but I have work, and kids, and chores… there is no chance that I can exercise or get that much sleep, etc.” I would challenge you with this question: If you get significantly sick, are you able to work? Are you able to take care of your kids? Are you able to do really anything? Optimize your body’s ability to fend off and fight back against colds, flus, COVID, and other viruses now!

Spine Integrative Wellness Article – Flu & COVID Prevention Protocol | (234) 284-8002