It’s incredible to think how much has changed in one year. Today, Covid-19 testing is readily accessible (check out our rapid testing options), multiple vaccines are being distributed, and it seems that every day more information about the disease becomes available.
If you’re one of the many people planning to receive a vaccine, you may be wondering how to prepare your body beforehand. Since each individual’s immune response will inevitably vary, it’s difficult to predict which side effects you’ll experience, if any. While some people report feeling completely fine throughout the entire process, it’s much more common to experience one or more flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can last anywhere from a day to a week or longer, and may include fatigue, muscle and joint aches, chills, fever, headache, and nausea. At the very least, your arm will likely be sore at the injection site.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, there are some key things you can do to help manage potential side effects and get back to living life. Below, B12 LOVE Founder and CEO, Dr. Shannon Wood Gallegos, shares her top nutrient recommendations for optimizing your body’s response to the Covid-19 vaccine.
Hydration
We’ve talked about the importance of being well-hydrated before. Not surprisingly, the same principles apply when trying to boost your body’s status quo prior to receiving the vaccine. Specifically, adequate hydration is imperative for all body systems to operate efficiently, but especially the immune system.
Moreover, since blood pressure, electrolyte balance, temperature regulation, and cellular metabolism is directly related to the amount of water in our bodies, even being mildly dehydrated can put us at risk of experiencing greater fatigue and other side effects from the vaccine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient, potent antioxidant, and cofactor for numerous enzyme reactions in the body. Studies show that vitamin C “contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system” (receiving a vaccine falls under the latter category).
Dr. Shannon reminds us that “while we do not want to squelch our inflammatory response to the vaccine, excessive and/or prolonged states of inflammation can deplete our nutrient stores and cause a number of negative consequences”. Vitamin C can help regulate the inflammatory response, so that it doesn’t get out of control.
B-Complex
As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins promote optimal energy levels, cognition, and proper nerve function – all of which may be temporarily compromised after receiving the vaccine as the body utilizes more of its resources.
Additionally, B vitamins have a direct impact on the immune system. In one study focused on COVID-19, the authors suggest that “there is a need to highlight the importance of vitamin B (complex) because it plays a pivotal role in cell functioning, energy metabolism, and proper immune function.”
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the human body. Specifically, magnesium helps with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system, amongst other benefits. If you want to reduce aches and pains naturally, calm anxious nerves, or support your response to the vaccine on a cellular level, magnesium is key to resiliency and recovery.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that is naturally found in the body. As the building blocks of proteins, amino acids like taurine are needed to grow and repair tissues. Dr. Shannon also emphasizes the anti-inflammatory benefits of taurine and the importance of returning the body to homeostasis once Covid-19 antibodies have been produced.
How Should You Incorporate These Nutrients Into A Pre & Post Vaccine Wellness Schedule?
Dr. Shannon Recommends:
- Get an IV Drip One Week Before Each Dose of the Vaccine: All of our IV drips contain at a minimum: Vitamin C, B vitamins, taurine, & hydration. Some of our IV formulas also contain magnesium and other minerals. Additional hydration is always available upon request.
- AVOID Anti-inflammatories 3 Days Before and 3 Days After Each Vaccine Dose: While more research is needed, there is some data suggesting that NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Tylenol etc) may blunt the antibody response to vaccination. It’s unclear if natural anti-inflammatories have the same effect, but Dr. Shannon says “best to play it safe and avoid them immediately before and immediately after the vaccine.”
- After 3 Days Post-Vaccine, ‘Double Down’ with a Mini Fountain Injection (or IV Drip): If getting another IV isn’t in the cards for you, our Mini Fountain injections are the next best thing. These double-shot combos contain 6 different nutrients or more. Dr. Shannon suggests the “Mini Fountain of Muscle Recovery”, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
- Detox: Once you’re at least two weeks past your final vaccine dose, help support your overworked liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system with natural detoxifiers, such as Glutathione, Lymphomyosot, and Vitamin D.
Be well and stay safe!
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