Journey

First Line of Defence

Mucosal barriers separate self from non-self and are essential for life. These barriers, which are the first line of defence against external pathogens, are formed by epithelial cells and the substances they secrete. ^{(01)The mucosal barrier at a glance} The mucosal immune system lines the passageways throughout our entire bodies (mouth, nose, airways, eyes, digestive system, reproductive tract, & colon). It’s important that these shields are functioning well, as it is a critical physical barrier to outside invaders and is especially vital in protecting the lungs.

Innate Immune System Boost

Mediterranean/COVID-19 diet

Strengthen Frontline Army

We also want to make sure our first-responders are not depleted. Many people experience mild flu-like symptoms, and asymptomatic carriers do not develop any symptoms at all. Infection for those with mild or no symptoms is cleared by a functioning, efficient and balanced immune response. ^{(12)Highly functional virus-specific cellular immune response in asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection}

The most concerning thing about the virus is it’s ability to replicate really fast before you get symptoms: the level of viral RNA copies rises from undetectable to millions in the 1-3 days before development of symptoms and then decreases after the time of symptom onset.

To prevent severe infection, the innate immune system needs to be activated straight away. It’s been shown that as the first line of defence, innate immunity must block the virus in the upper airways in the first 10-12 days from infection (5-7 from the disease onset) for an efficient resolution of the infection. ^{(13)The first, holistic immunological model of COVID-19: Implications for prevention, diagnosis, and public health measures} So a good time to get our army in tip-top shape is before exposure.

NK cells are our ‘natural killer cells’, and are the ‘first responders’ to detect & deal with cell intruders (virus, cancer, etc.). Adults, especially older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, have more of an impaired NK cell response against SARS-CoV-2, and children are less likely to become infected because they have more active NK cells and their ‘innate’ immune system is functioning well. ^{(14)Innate cell profiles during the acute and convalescent phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children}

Gamma Delta (γδ) T cells have the ability to rapidly detect viral infection and are also not functioning well against SARS-CoV-2. This delayed emergency response contributes to uncontrolled SARS-CoV-2 replication. ^{(15)How to Train Your Dragon: Harnessing Gamma Delta T Cells Antiviral Functions and Trained Immunity in a Pandemic Era (16)Making a case for using γδ T cells against SARS-CoV-2}

T cells of asymptomatic individuals produced greater amounts of two proteins called IFN-γ and IL-2. These signalling proteins, or cytokines, help to coordinate the immune system’s response to viruses and other pathogens. ^{(17)Balanced T cell response key to avoiding COVID-19 symptoms, study suggests}

Progressing to the more severe inflammatory stages seems largely due to a failure to activate the immune system during a critical early time window, and to a subsequent primary cytokine release syndrome triggered as a delayed emergency response to uncontrolled SARS-CoV-2 replication. ^{(18)How to Train Your Dragon: Harnessing Gamma Delta T Cells Antiviral Functions and Trained Immunity in a Pandemic Era}

Nutrition
Malnutrition impairs host immunity with particular detrimental effects on the T-cell system
a-Lipoic Acid – regulates T cell activity
Vitamin A – makes white blood cells, regulates immune system, NK cell activity is diminished when deficient Vitamin A & Vitamin D – modulate immune systems influencing both adaptive & innate, T cells require Vitamin D to activate
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – critical role in cell development & function, B1 deficiency can potentially result in inadequate antibody responses, (19)Be well: A potential role for vitamin B in COVID-19 improves immune system function, deficiency affects the cardiovascular system & increases inflammation (20)Be well: A potential role for vitamin B in COVID-19
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – responsible for producing T cells & function and mediates the cellular immune response, (21)Role of vitamins and minerals as immunity boosters in COVID-19 – Vitamin B & enhances NK cell activity (22)Enhancement Of Immune System In Addition To Medical Therapy For Counteracting Covid-19: The Importance Of Micronutrients
Vitamin B9 (Folic acid, Folate) – crucial for T cell maintenance
Vitamin C – helps T cells develop into functional T cells & natural killer cells reproduce more quickly when C is available, it also increases Quercetin absorption, strengthens immune system, helps body create antibodies, works synergistically with other vitamins to help them absorb better, antioxidant & much more (23)Importance of Dietary Changes During the Coronavirus Pandemic: How to Upgrade Your Immune Response
Vitamin D3 – insufficiency directly related to inflammation & poor mucosal barrier function, vitamin D receptor plays critical role in mucosal barrier, protect against acute respiratory tract infections
Calcium – essential role in our immunity cells, invades viruses (24)Role of vitamins and minerals as immunity boosters in COVID-19 – Calcium
CoQ10 – improves energy, augments immune system, antioxidant
Copper – increase positive effects of T helper cells, involved in cell-mediated immunity, antibody production (25)Role of vitamins and minerals as immunity boosters in COVID-19 – Copper
Vitamin E & Selenium – increase resistance to respiratory infections, increase number of T cells, enhances mitogenic lymphocyte responses (26)Early Nutritional Interventions with Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin D for Raising Anti-Viral Resistance Against Progressive COVID-19
Glutathione – optimizes killing power of NK cells
Iodine – enhances NK cells, can kill fungus, bacteria, & other microorganisms, immune system relies on this mineral to function
Vitamin K2 – helps your body maintain healthy blood vessels, protects lung tissues (27)Vitamin K Status and Vascular Calcification: Evidence from Observational and Clinical Studies
Iron – Insufficient iron and excess iron can lead to risk (deficiency causes reduction in peripheral T cells, overload causes dysregulation) (28)The role of iron in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and possible treatment with lactoferrin and other iron chelators
Magnesium – deficiency associated with decreased immune cell activity & increased inflammation, activates Vitamin D in the body (29)Possibility of magnesium supplementation for supportive treatment in patients with COVID-19
Melatonin – reduces oxidative lung injury & inflammatory cell recruitment during viral infections, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, immune enhancing (30)The prophylaxis and treatment potential of supplements for COVID-19
Mushrooms: White Button – enhances NK cell activity Cordyceps – stimulates NK cells & macrophage activity Turkey Tail – increases level & activity of NK cells & T cells
NAC – promote glutathione in cells, increase immune cells, reduce oxidative & inflammatory damage (31)N-acetylcysteine: A rapid review of the evidence for effectiveness in treating COVID-19
Protein – every cell in the human body contains protein, protein is needed to help body repair cells and make new ones, it also has immune properties (immunoglobulin production) & potential antiviral activity (32)Immune response in COVID-19: A review
Zinc – deficiency impairs cellular mediators of innate immunity including natural killer cell activity & correlates with reduced T cell function (33)Zinc and immunity: An essential interrelation Zinc & Quercetin – super important for immune cells, prevents some pathogens from being able to latch on to your respiratory system, inhibits viral replication

Actions
Hot & Cold Showers increases level & activity of NK cells, improve circulatory systems (34)Hydrotherapy for COVID-19
Movement Physical inactivity has been shown to reduce NK cell activity (Exercise, Strength-Training, Massage, Yoga) (35)Physical Activity During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Prevention of a Decline in Metabolic and Immunological Functions (36)Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction and Its Role in COVID-19
Nature Forests, Natural Oil Aroma (e.g. Eucalyptus, Pine), Earthing – evergreen trees give off aromatic compounds (phytoncides) that increase NK cells (37)Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer cell function
Sleep Increase Restful Sleep (7-9 hrs) – Sleep-Deprivation reduces NK cell number & function (38)Sleep-deprivation reduces NK cell number and function mediated by β-adrenergic signalling
Find Your Happy Place NK cells are suppressed by chronic exposure to stress hormones (39)Stress and the Immune System

Dietary sources of Vitamins