Episode Details

The Question - Should I Change My Supplements if I’m Sick?

Should I be taking different vitamins for general immune support and prevention versus if I am already sick or feel like I am coming down with something?

The Short Answer

Yes, yes, yes!

Inna’s Response 

General immune support for prevention is going to differ from supporting your immune system while you are trying to regain your health. 

How to support the immune system for prevention

For a typical 150 pound person, I recommend 1000-2000 mg of vitamin C such as C+BioFizz or Stellar C. I also recommend about 30 mg of Zinc and an adequate amount of vitamin D. The dosage of D should be based on blood tests that indicate your current status, however 5000 IU of vitamin D per day would typically be recommended. I use a liquid D for those who may have issues with fat soluble vitamins and the Vitamin D Supreme capsules for all others. Additionally Silvercillin is wonderful for general immunity and prevention and most people do very well with these.

How to support the immune system during acute infection

If you are already sick, the above dosages should change and other supplements can be added to help you better fight infection. This is true not just for COVID-19 but for any cold, flu or respiratory illness. 

Increase the vitamin C significantly for the first few days to up to a week but make sure you don’t take it all at once. In this episode, I explain in detail the process for finding your body’s tolerance for vitamin C but it typically involves taking 500-1000 mg of vitamin C every hour or so to bowel tolerance. There is a ton of research about the benefit of high dose vitamin C in fighting infections.

I also recommend that my clients double their zinc to 60 mg per day for the duration of their illness but not much longer than that. 2 Tbsp of Silvercillin is also very helpful in acute stages of the illness. I’m also a huge fan of Oregano and recommend taking either 3 capsules of the oil or Oregano gel caps, twice per day for the duration of the illness. 

Finally, if the illness is more severe, I’d add Monolaurin. Garlic can also be helpful, I use either the Allicilin (3 gel caps, twice a day) or Allimed (2 caps per day). 

The Question - Are Immune-Boosters Safe for Autoimmune Disease?

Are all immune support supplements safe if I have an autoimmune disease?

The Short Answer

No.

Inna’s Response 

When you have an autoimmune disease, the immune system is already over active against your own tissues so you don’t want to take supplements that will further stimulate activity and can increase the attack on your own organs at the same time.  

Some common immune-boosting herbs to be mindful of include:

• Echinacea
• Astragalus
• Reishi and other immune supporting mushrooms
• Green Tea and
• Elderberry

However, Vitamin C, Zinc D, Oregano and Garlic-based supplements should be sa