Best 10 Natural Treatments You Should Be Taking for COVID-19?
Some doctors and media channels argue that there is very little evidence
to support the use of dietary supplements to prevent or treat
COVID-19.
The supposedly gold standard of evidence in medicine is the randomised, controlled trial, or RCT. In RCTs, people are randomly given a treatment, or not. However, RCTs are expensive and takes time to implement i.e. requiring a minimum number of patients for the RCT to be 'adequately powered'. The first published Randomized Controlled Trial in medicine appeared in 1948 (wikipedia).
- Randomised controlled studies (RCT)
- Real world observational clinical studies
- Meta-analysis
- Clinical experience and case series
- Epidemiological and population studies
- Pharmacology studies
- Basic science and lab-based studies
We have included the totality of scientific evidence together with the sources
and references in this article below and we leave it up to you, the reader, to
separate the facts and science from propaganda.
As of April 2022, there are more than 150 publications related to dietary supplements and COVID-19. Not all studies are
created equal. Some are obviously of better quality and are done by
reputable authors.
Nutrients and nutraceuticals tend to be agnostic to the COVID-19 virus i.e. it doesn't matter if the patient is down with the Indian or Brazilian or European or Delta or Omicron variant. The mode of actions tend to be multiple and supplements normally do not have a specific target e.g. the COVID-19 spike protein.
Based on these considerations, we have categorised the studies according to
the type of supplements and arranged and ranked them accordingly to the
quantity and quality of supporting evidence. This guide is a living document
and will be continually edited and updated as new evidence emerges.
McCullough et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2020
As an executive summary, here are the supplement based studies that we'll cover:
- Vitamin D3
- Zinc
- Quercetin
- Melatonin
- Vitamin C
- Curcumin and Turmeric
- Nigella Sativa (Black Seed Oil)
- NAC and Glutathione
- Green Tea (EGCG)
- Multivitamins
Summary Results of Early Treatment (including cost)
- Vitamin D3
- Zinc
- Quercetin
- Melatonin
- Vitamin C
- Curcumin and Turmeric
- Nigella Sativa (Black Seed Oil)
- NAC and Glutathione
- Green Tea (EGCG)
- Multivitamins
|
| Summary Results of Early Treatment (including cost) |
1. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D deficiency affects the body’s susceptibility to infection
and has been associated with influenza, hepatitis C, human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other viral diseases [Source]. Surveys indicate that most people in the United States consume
less than recommended amounts of vitamin D. Nevertheless, according to
a 2011–2014 analysis of serum 25(OH)D concentrations, most people in
the United States aged 1 year and older had adequate vitamin D status.
Sun exposure, which increases serum 25(OH)D levels, is one of the
reasons serum 25(OH)D levels are usually higher than would be
predicted on the basis of dietary vitamin D intakes alone.
Based on several publications and studies, vitamin D seems to be by far the “most promising” natural supplement
for COVID-19 protection. Vitamin D deficiency is known to enhance a
process known as the “cytokine storm” (Marik, Jun 2020).
Check out the evidence tracker on vitamin D and COVID-19
from c19vitamind.com (constantly updated), with more than 100 published studies by
more than 1,000 scientists.
2. Zinc
Zinc is another powerful immune nutrient known for its
benefits for providing immune health support and inflammation
reduction as well as for improving cold and respiratory
symptoms, wound healing, acne reduction, and lowering the risk
of age-related diseases. This trace element is essential to to
cell function and involved in over 100 enzymes.
There are several types of zinc supplements. Supplements
contain several forms of zinc, including zinc gluconate,
zinc citrate and zinc picolinate. The percentage of
elemental zinc varies by form. To find out the percentage of
elemental zinc in each form, check out elemental zinc percentage.
Most people do not lack an intake of zinc, but in disease
state, there might be an increase in demand by the
body.
Zinc has been an important component in various prevention
and treatment protocols for COVID-19 including the FLCCC
I-MASK protocol
and
Zelenko protocol
(used in combination with hydroxychloroquine).
The FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol recommends 30 mg a day for prevention and
100 mg a day for early treatment of COVID-19. This should
not be taken long term without evaluation of your
zinc/copper ratios.
Check out the evidence tracker on zinc and COVID-19 from c19zinc.com (constantly updated), covering more than 20 studies and more than
35,000 patients.
The ideal dose for prevention while the COVID-19 risk is high
is 40-100 mg/d, a portion of which can come from zinc lozenges
to spread the zinc through the tissues of the nose, mouth and
throat. It should be accompanied by at least 1 mg copper from
food and supplements for every 15 mg zinc.
Do take note that you should keep the dose back to within
40 mg/d once the exposure risk is back to normal.
3. Quercetin
Quercetin is a pigment that is found in plants, vegetables, and fruits,
and serves as an immune nutrient offering many health benefits.
Elderberry, red onions, white onions and cranberries are the richest
sources of quercetin. It is a flavonoid and antioxidant that may help
to reduce inflammatory cytokines, infections, allergies and anti-blood clot property. Research has found that quercetin may be particularly beneficial
for viral respiratory infections.
Quercetin is a zinc ionophore (J Agric Food Chem. 2014). A 2015 study found that that Quercetin shows inhibitory activity in the early stages of a wide range of influenza viruses, including H1N1 and H5N1 (Viruses 2016). Although influenza is not in the same family of viruses as the coronavirus, it’s plausible that a similar mechanism could apply here. There is actually some evidence that Quercetin has already proven effective at treating Ebola and Zika viruses.
Check out the evidence tracker on quercetin and COVID-19
from c19quercetin.com (constantly updated). Although quercetin lacks large and
high quality studies (as compared to vitamin D), the important
role of quercetin as a zinc ionophore, makes it a good
alternative for another prescribed zinc ionophore medication
i.e. hydroxychloroquine.
The FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol recommends 250 mg daily for prevention and 250 mg twice daily for early treatment.
Related: Best Quercetin Zinc Supplement
4. Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the
brain, mainly during the night, that helps regulate
circadian rhythms [Source]. Its levels decrease with aging. Most melatonin supplementation studies have evaluated its ability to control sleep
and wake cycles, promote sleep, and reduce jet lag.
The potential utility of melatonin in treating COVID patients has not gone unnoticed, with a PubMed search combining melatonin and COVID producing more than 50 citations.
As of October 2021, there are 11 published clinical studies (more than 13,000 patients) of melatonin for
treatment and prevention in COVID-19 and the results are
promising even when it's given as a late treatment.
Safety: If you take a melatonin supplement, be
careful: Too much can cause daytime sleepiness. There is no federal RDA nor any formal advice on supplement
dose ranges. Based on an on-going Spanish study, a 2 mg daily dose protocol is being investigated for
prevention of COVID-19. Do take note that the dosage for
'prevention' and 'treatment' is different, For prevention or
maintenance, a lower dosage is normally recommended whereas a
'treatment' or 'therapeutic' dosage is normally higher.
Typical doses of 1–10 mg/day melatonin appear to be safe for
short-term use (Source). Reported side effects, which are usually minor, include
dizziness, headache, nausea, upset stomach, rash, and
sleepiness. However, some reports have linked high blood
levels of melatonin with delayed puberty and hypogonadism.
Studies have not evaluated melatonin supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but some research suggests that these supplements might inhibit ovarian function (Source). Therefore, some experts recommend that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid taking melatonin.
Studies have not evaluated melatonin supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but some research suggests that these supplements might inhibit ovarian function (Source). Therefore, some experts recommend that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid taking melatonin.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C may be one of the most well-known immune nutrients that
protect against immune deficiencies and which supports the
prevention and recovery from the common cold and upper-respiratory
issues, and also protects your cardiovascular system, eyes, skin,
and other parts of your body. Research has found that vitamin C may
help to optimize the immune system.
There are many vitamin C studies underway and you can review the
status of these trials on clinicaltrials.gov. As of October 2021, there are more than 20 studies that have
been launched to investigate the benefits of vitamin C against
COVID-19.
Check out the evidence tracker on vitamin C and COVID-19
from c19vitaminc.com (constantly updated).
Related: Best Vitamin C Supplements 2021
6. Curcumin and Turmeric
Curcumin, a yellow carotenoid from turmeric, is well known for its
anti-inflammatory and free radical-scavenging effects.
It has also demonstrated antiviral effects against a range of
respiratory viruses, including influenza A virus and others (Ref). Computer models suggest curcumin may interfere with viral entry
into cells as well as viral replication inside cells (Ref). Numerous preclinical studies indicate curcumin may activate
antiviral immunity; at the same time, curcumin appears to inhibit
infection-induced inflammatory signaling and promote
anti-inflammatory processes, reducing the potential for a cytokine
storm and ARDS and protecting other organ systems (Ref). By suppressing inflammation, curcumin has the potential to help
mitigate complications and sequelae of severe acute viral
respiratory infections (Ref).
Curcumin also acts as natural zinc ionophores and can promote the cellular uptake of zinc and can be used with zinc to increase the effectiveness of these compounds in the inhibition of the virus (Ref).
7. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione. It is an antioxidant and
increases glutathione levels in the body (Source). NAC has mucolytic activity, so it helps reduce
respiratory mucus levels. Laboratory research suggests that NAC
might boost immune system function and suppress viral
replication. NAC also decreases levels of interleukin-6 and has
other anti-inflammatory effects.
NAC inhibits cellular entry and replication of some respiratory viruses, assists in clearing thickened mucous from the airways, suppresses inflammatory signaling, and may help mitigate viral infection-induced cytokine storm (Ref). NAC may also protect against coagulation problems associated with COVID-19, as it has both anticoagulant (source) and thrombolytic effects (source), meaning it may both prevent clots and break up clots that have already formed.
There are more than 15 studies of NAC for COVID-19 published.
Check out all the related studies here.
8. Nigella Sativa (Black Seed Oil)
Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is a small flowering plant that grows
in Southwest Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Europe (Source). This shrub produces fruit with tiny black seeds. Commonly
referred to as black seed, N. sativa seeds go by many other
names, such as black cumin, black caraway, nigella, fennel
flower, and Roman coriander
(Source).
Black seed oil is extracted from N. sativa seeds and has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years due to its many therapeutic benefits.
Black seed oil is extracted from N. sativa seeds and has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years due to its many therapeutic benefits.
Thymoquinone which is the active ingredient in N. sativa seeds
has demonstrated effects in significantly reducing the cytokine
storm chances and consequent mortalities (Source).
Summary results of the 3 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
of Nigella Sativa (n=915) and 1 prevention study are available
on this dedicated webpage: c19ns.com. The 3 RCTs provide evidence that Nigella Sativa was associated with an average improvement of 84% in decreasing the likelihood of death and hospitalisation.
Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) 200mg (prevention) or 400 mg (early treatment) 1 time a day (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014) is part of the Zelenko protocol for prevention and early treatment of COVID-19. EGCG acts as a zinc ionophore and therefore needs to be combined with zinc.
The strong oxidative stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects of green tea catechins, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been well established. A solution of green tea catechins was found to inactivate COVID-19 virus in the laboratory (Ref).
9. Green Tea (EGCG)
Quercetin and EGCG act as zinc ionophores (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014), the same mechanism of action that hydroxychloroquine has via helping zinc pass the cell wall where it might halt viral replication.Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) 200mg (prevention) or 400 mg (early treatment) 1 time a day (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014) is part of the Zelenko protocol for prevention and early treatment of COVID-19. EGCG acts as a zinc ionophore and therefore needs to be combined with zinc.
The strong oxidative stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects of green tea catechins, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been well established. A solution of green tea catechins was found to inactivate COVID-19 virus in the laboratory (Ref).
10. Multivitamins
What if, you are still missing vital pieces of the puzzle in order to have the best possible immune system. Supplementing your intake with a daily multivitamin can be a great way to ensure you’re receiving the full spectrum of nutrients necessary to stay healthy, even during a pandemic. Choose a multivitamin that includes as many micronutrients as possible to boost immune response and contribute to your overall health.
Research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals and other substances can improve immune response and potentially protect against illness. The FLCCC (Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care) Alliance have developed the I-MASS protocol to lessen the impact and spread of COVID-19. A multivitamin is recommended as part of the prevention protocol, to be taken on a daily basis.
Research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals and other substances can improve immune response and potentially protect against illness. The FLCCC (Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care) Alliance have developed the I-MASS protocol to lessen the impact and spread of COVID-19. A multivitamin is recommended as part of the prevention protocol, to be taken on a daily basis.
Quercetin, Vitamin C, D, Zinc and Melatonin - FLCCC I-MASK+ Protocol
Quercetin, Vitamin C, D, Zinc, Melatonin, Curcumin and Nigella Sativa are part of the FLCCC I-MASK+ early treatment protocols.
For updated prevention and early outpatient protocol for COVID-19 positive, please check out FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol.
Related: Best Pulse Oximeter 2021
Summary
The important key takeaway is that you should never attempt to self medicate without the guidance of a licensed medical provider. If you are not a medical doctor, you are likely to find the information overwhelming. The aim of this article is to empower you with a better understanding of the options available and to discuss the options with your medical doctor as an informed patient.Online Shopping Guide
Before adding a new supplement to your routine, discuss its use with your
healthcare provider, especially if you have an underlying health condition
or are taking medication.
While many of the anti-oxidant
supplements may be available in your local stores, it may be more convenient
or affordable to shop for them online on Amazon (US) and iHerb (Global):
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