COVID-19 and "Immune Support"

Shockingly, ads for supplements that will "support", "boost" and "enhance" your immune system are suddenly everywhere. Sadly, "immune boosting" supplements are flying off the shelves now too, rewarding companies for trying to cash in on your fear with products that, at best, do no harm. Most experts - from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes for Health, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Reports Health and others - suggest you ignore all the hype. As someone who's business includes selling supplements, I agree with them.

First and foremost, there is no independent clinical evidence that supplements will improve immune function. And even if there was, getting your immune system amped up would not happen overnight.  You can't suddenly add this or that nutrient to your diet and have a stronger immune system by next week.

Second, self-prescribing nutrients can be risky. Zinc, for example, which is a common ingredient in many "immune support" supplements, can block the absorption of other important nutrients like copper and Vitamin B12 when taken in excessive doses. More is definitely not better in all cases.

So what can help in this time of heightened concern? Going back to basics. The following suggestions will help keep your immune system punching above its weight class and have broad support from the medical, nutrition and public health communities.

Eat a healthy diet. Make sure you consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, fish and lean meats. Supplements really may help here in making sure you are getting all the right nutrients you need each day. Since you are stuck at home more now, use the time to prepare more fresh meals and reduce your dependence on prepared convenience foods.

Get some exercise. You don't need to go all Vin Diesel here. Get out and walk a mile or two. Take the dog along. You will both enjoy being out of the house. Spend half an hour doing a moderate exercise routine each day. There are hundreds to choose from in books or online. And you are stuck home anyway. You might even acquire a really good lifelong habit.

Get plenty of rest. That means sleeping 7 to 8 hours every night. Don't let being at home tempt you to revert to college hours and stay up all night binging TV shows.

Stay hydrated. Drinking half your body weight in ounces every day is a good guideline but don't obsess over it. Just remember to be drinking water through your day. Not soda. Not sugary "fruit" juices. Not sports drinks. Water.

Finally, ignore all the BS you see about magical immune support products. The only thing they support is the manufacturer's bottom line.