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Richmond Immune-Supporting, Infection-Fighting Vitamins C and D

Infections are in the headlines. From common colds and flu to the larger issue that is all over the news 24/7, infections have our attention. While a resolution to “the” infection is being sought, working to ensure that Richmond immune systems are at their optimal level to deal with and ward off what infections it can is a worthy effort. Richmond chiropractic patients certainly understand the beneficial aspects of vitamins C and D. Nutrition is an integral part of health and chiropractic treatment plan.  Johnson Chiropractic presents their benefits to a healthy immune system with some notable medical research studies to back them up.

VITAMIN C TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION

When the risk of infection is high, we all look for prevention and treatment options whose risk of side-effects is minimal. In comes vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent anti-oxidant particularly when taken intravenously. Its likely effect is that of reducing inflammation in the lungs. Vitamin C is written to have antiviral properties as well. (1) L-ascorbic acid of vitamin C is a familiar anti-viral agent, one of the better known ones, especially when dealing with the influenza virus. Taken early on in an infection, vitamin C showed anti-viral immune responses as it raised the production of the anti-viral cytokine, interferon-α/β. (2) Vitamin C is quite influential! Johnson Chiropractic encourages use of vitamin C.

VITAMIN D TO REDUCE INFECTION RISK

An influential research paper in Nutrients reports that options to reduce infection spread are in demand and presents vitamin D as a viable option. Vitamin D decreases respiratory tract infection risk. How? It produces cathelicidins and defensins which can lower replication rates of viruses, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines that inflame and injure the lining of the lungs, and multiply anti-inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D supplementation may be helpful to decrease respiratory tract infection risk. How? Researchers recommended that persons at-risk of infection take 10,000 IU per day of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to raise the 25(OH)D concentrations first then taking 5000 IU per day. If someone has an infection currently, higher doses of vitamin D3 may be helpful. (3) Vitamin D is quite influential!

…ADD NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PLAN

The published data is meant to be influential when it comes to making recommendations for health. A lot has been published in the medical literature about the importance of nutrition and the optimal functioning of the immune system. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate (B9) along with trace elements like zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, and selenium are key contributors also to a robust immune system that can adapt to various threats. Deficiencies of many of these nutrients is worldwide, leaving many not capable of resisting infections. Authors wrote specifically that Vitamin D deficiency added to heightened risk for respiratory infection. Several research papers noted that vitamin D supplementation decreased the risk of such infections in adults and children. With such information, authors of a recent review of the literature about vitamins and immunity and respiratory infections said that they strongly encourage public health officials to incorporate nutritional recommendations – even consuming more than the “recommended dietary allowance” (RDA) within recommended upper safety limits for specific ones like C and D - to their list of guidelines to better public health and curb the effects of seasonal and other such viruses. (4)

CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox about chiropractic care and the immune system on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson.

Schedule your Richmond chiropractic appointment with [[compayname]] today. Having a strong immune system may be the top offense against infection as no one wants to live with infection 24/7! Go vitamin C! Go vitamin D! Richmond chiropractic care features nutrition, exercise and spinal manipulation to take care of our Richmond chiropractic patients, family and friends.

 
Johnson Chiropractic presents details about the benefits of vitamins C and D for the immune system to fight infection.  
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."