H E A LT H
Dr Novikova explains. These include antidepressant medication or medication usually used to treat high blood pressure. Dietary changes may be helpful for some women. “Mood changes and sleep disturbances are also caused by changes in levels of hormones and the above-mentioned treatment for hot flushes will also work for
VITAMINS C, D, AND OTHER NUTRIENTS VITAL TO COUNTER COVID-19 Vitamins C, D, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, iron and selenium may be essential for immunity – a vital weapon in the fight against COVID-19 – and deficiency of these may make it difficult for the immune system to defend the body, a new study has found.
comes in pill, skin patch, ring,
T
gel, cream or spray form and
to help protect against viral illness such as
help prevent the immune system from
typically contains a higher dose
respiratory tract infections – a common
becoming dangerously overactive and
of oestrogen that is absorbed
feature of COVID-19.
protect COVID-19 patients against
mood swings.” There are two main types of oestrogen therapy: • Systemic hormone therapy
throughout the body. • Low-dose vaginal preparations
he US research has found that
vitamin C to intensive-care COVID-19
supplementing with vitamins C, D,
patients with lung damage reduced the
omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, iron and
selenium are important for immunity and
Pharmacist and health expert Giulia Criscuolo says nutrient deficiencies open
risk of death by about 20% • A US study shows that vitamin D may
complications and death • A Japanese study shows that vitamin D
of oestrogen come in cream,
the door to viruses and endanger high-
supplementation may cut flu risk by
tablet or ring form and
risk individuals.
up to 42%, while UK research shows
minimise the amount of
Focussing on vitamins C and D, US
that it may cut the risk of respiratory
oestrogen absorbed by the
researcher Prof Adrian Gombart said
body. These are usually used
studies are “revealing and characterising
to treat the vaginal and urinary
new pathways regulated by vitamin D
may be as important as vitamin C for
symptoms of menopause.
and its receptor that may be essential
strengthening the immune system to
for optimal immune function. Vitamin
fight flu and pneumonia
Osteoporosis or thinning of
C is also involved in the production of
infection by half • Studies also show that vitamin D
• US research has shown vitamin D’s
bones is related to low oestrogen
antibodies, without which the body cannot
positive impact on immunity, including
levels, and the rate increases once
keep COVID-19 in check.”
a study that found it to be a powerful
you get to menopause. “Taking
Fellow researcher Isabelle Schiffer said
immunoregulator
calcium and doing weight-bearing
high doses of vitamin C are being used
exercises can help prevent
to treat COVID-19 patients, adding “…
of Health confirms vitamin C’s role
osteoporosis,” says Dr Navikova.
naturopathy cannot replace conventional
in supporting immunity and aiding
“Vaginal dryness, pain during
medicine, but can complement it”.
recovery from illness.
sexual intercourse and frequent
• Research by the US National Institute
Chairperson of the Health Products
urinary and vaginal infection due
Association of Southern Africa (HPA),
Ascencao says that in addition to
to thinning of vaginal skin are all
Maria Ascencao, said scores of studies
recommendations by the World Health
caused by low oestrogen levels.
backed the benefits of vitamin C and D on
Organisation to wash hands regularly
Treatment includes the use of
immunity, notably:
and to practice social distancing,
lubrication during intercourse
• A Chinese study of 50 ‘mid-serious’
eating healthily, taking high-quality
and the vaginal use of oestrogen
COVID-19 patients found that no patients
supplements, getting enough sleep,
cream.” •
who were treated with high doses of
regular exercise and managing stress are
vitamin C were reported to have died
important for good health. •
This article first appeared on www.mediclinicinfohub.co.za on August 4, 2020
28
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2020
• A study published in the scientific journal JAMA shows that administering
This article first appeared in the August 2020 issue of Pharmacy Magazine
