Nutrients to support an effective Mucus Barrier to protect from viruses
Vitamin C - from 500 to 5000 mg per day. A general recommendation is to take 1000 mg every hour up to bowel tolerance. Stay hydrated and keep your electrolytes in balance. A little Himalayan sea salt to your water may do the trick.
Vitamin D – 5000 IU per day for adults and children over 10 years of age. For children under the age of 1 the dosage is 1000 IU; between 2-4 years: 2,000 IU, between 4-9: 3000 IU daily. In acute viral infections, 50,000 IU per day of Vitamin D3 in divided doses for 2-3 days will likely relieve symptoms.
Vitamin A – 1500 mcg (500ICU) for women, 3000 mcg (10,000IU) for men. In acute viral infections, 15,000 to 50,000 IU for up to 3 days is safe if there is no change of pregnancy. 1500 mcg/day if pregnant, lactating or in childbearing years.
N-Acetyl Cysteine - 1200-1800 mg per day for a few weeks to support liver and lung tissue. This amino acid is a mucus fortifying agent. It also a precursor of Glutathione, our master anti-oxidant.
Zinc - up to 30 mg per day
Add Quercetin rich foods like onions and garlic to your diet (Quercetin has been shown to fight infections)
Protease enzymes (bromelain, serratia peptidase) to support the respiratory tract and the production of an effective mucous barrier.
Oregano Oil : Research shows oregano oil has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cancer-suppressor agents. A few drops (up to 6) in a little warm water will help clear upper respiratory mucus build up and help clear sinuses. It is a strong oil so, 1-2 drops might be enough.
References:
· Mathew JL. Vitamin A supplementation for prophylaxis or therapy in childhood pneumonia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Indian Pediatr. 2010 Mar;47(3):255-61.
· Teymoori-Rad M, Shokri F, Salimi V, Marashi SM. The interplay between vitamin D and viral infections. Rev Med Virol. 2019 Mar;29(2):e2032.
· Nakamura S, Hashimoto Y, Mikami M, et al. . Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease. Respirology. 2003 Sep;8(3):316-20.
· Stey C, Steurer J, Bachmann S, Medici TC, Tramer MR. The effect of oral N-acetylcysteine in chronic bronchitis: a quantitative systematic review. Eur Respir J 2000;16(2):253-62.