Two and a half years into the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not only dealing with new strains and waves of infection, but many of us are dealing with the difficult and unpredictable effects of Covid on our bodies after having had it. Whether you’ve had a recent infection or are still suffering post-Covid health issues months to years after infection, finding accessible, sustainable, and natural ways to aid recovery can be an overwhelming task. That’s why we’ve created a list of our favorite holistic healing vitamins and nutrients to enhance energy, focus, immune function, and inflammation control.
NAD+
NAD+ is short for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. But, let’s keep it simple. NAD+ is a coenzyme that is essential for proper functioning of all cells in the body. It mainly supports the mitochondria (the “powerhouse” of our cells) by assisting in the production of ATP. By supporting energy production, NAD+ keeps us feeling young and resilient. COVID-19 (and other viruses) can deplete the body’s NAD+ levels (1). Taking NAD+ via an injection or IV drip allows it to enter straight into the body’s cells, which can alleviate sluggishness and fatigue during recovery. Consult with a licensed medical professional at any B12 LOVE lounge for help with selecting a dose that’s right for you.
Read more about NAD+ here and here.
High Dose Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well-known for its antioxidant properties and for being extremely effective at boosting the immune system. In fact, vitamin C has been clinically proven to minimize the duration of colds and viruses. High doses of vitamin C (10 grams or more) done via IV drip can assist the body in fighting viruses and alleviating internal inflammation.
High dose vitamin C IV drips are available at all B12 LOVE lounges. For best results, we recommend doing it on a weekly basis for 8-12 weeks. Please note that doses >15 grams may require a blood test prior to treatment. Consult with one of B12 LOVE’s Naturopathic doctors about the dosing and regimen that is right for you.
Read more about Vitamin C here.
Vitamin D
There is no shortage of buzz about Vitamin D and immune support. Studies have shown that people with low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop severe symptoms during an active COVID-19 infection (2). Raising vitamin D levels can also help alleviate post-Covid symptoms and speed up recovery. If you don’t know your vitamin D levels, we recommend getting 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 injected once every 2 weeks, for a total of 4-5 injections. After that, vitamin D3 can be safely injected once every 1-3 months for maintenance. If you are recovering from COVID-19, we recommend doing a vitamin D3 shot along with our “Kick Butt Immune” IV drip and/or NAD+
Read more about Vitamin D here.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that has been shown to help in both preventing COVID-19 infection, as well as lessening the symptoms and severity of an active infection (3). Zinc therapy can especially aid in the recovery of smell loss post COVID-19 (4). Zinc is also a crucially important element in regulating the immune system. We must have adequate levels of it in the body at all times. If you decide to take zinc orally, we highly recommend taking it with a meal to avoid stomach upset. Better yet, avoid unwanted tummy effects by getting your zinc intravenously (IV) at any B12 LOVE Lounge.
NAC and Glutathione
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant derived from the amino acid L-cysteine, and is also a precursor to glutathione. We suggest using NAC for COVID-19 recovery for multiple reasons. Studies show that NAC increases the body’s production of white blood cells (5). White blood cells are a crucial part of the immune system’s defense against viruses and diseases. NAC is also great for breaking up congestion in the lungs and smaller airways, and can help rid the body of nasty mucus that lingers after an infection.
Because NAC is a precursor to glutathione, it can help reduce inflammation in the body and fend off free radicals. While glutathione production is supported by eating certain sulfur-rich foods, dietary glutathione is poorly absorbed by the human body and is very sensitive to cooking and/or storage conditions.
We recommend supplementing with oral NAC and receiving glutathione directly through an IV drip or intramuscular injection.
Read more about Glutathione here.
Want to learn more or get started on a better road to recovery? Book an appointment at a B12 LOVE Lounge closest to you… or send us a message via Email, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Be well and stay safe!
Written by Sydney McClelland / Edited and Revised by Emily Crichton, RN
References:
- Zheng, Minyan, et al. “NAD+ in COVID-19 and Viral Infections.” Trends in Immunology, Elsevier Current Trends, 11 Feb. 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471490622000254.
- Dror, Amiel A., et al. “Pre-Infection 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels and Association with Severity of Covid-19 Illness.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, 3 Feb. 2022, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0263069.
- Gordon, Antonio M., and Patrick C. Hardigan. “A Case-Control Study for the Effectiveness of Oral Zinc in the Prevention and Mitigation of Covid-19.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 13 Dec. 2021, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.756707/full.
- Abdelmaksoud, Aida A, et al. “Olfactory Disturbances as Presenting Manifestation among Egyptian Patients with Covid-19: Possible Role of Zinc.” Biological Trace Element Research, Springer US, 7 Jan. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7787876/.
- “A Study of N-Acetylcysteine in Patients with COVID-19 Infection – Full Text View.” Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 5 May 2020, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04374461.
