A variety of nutrients are being recommended for a healthy immune system, as people look to avoid falling ill. (ID 110319057 © Skypixel | Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Ryan

Building immunity

Dieticians, supplement stores see increase in ‘health-minded’ customers

Jan 15, 2021 | 2:19 PM

While the province continues to work to slow the spread of COVID-19, an increasing number of Saskatchewan residents are trying to build up their immunity.

Debby Dolney, natural product advisor for Nutters in North Battleford, said they are typically busy to start a new year, with more people interested in improving their health. However, she said there’s been an increase in new customers since the beginning of the fall.

“More people are coming in and asking more questions, how they can stay healthy,” Dolney said.

The lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic has brought a change in perspective regarding personal health. Dolney said many customers are taking more independence in what they consume, without having as much direct interaction with physicians.

“They’re figuring out that they have to start taking care of themselves; you can’t see a doctor anymore outside of phone calls,” she said. “They’re doing a lot more research to find out what they can do to help themselves.”

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Dolney said there are several ways to improve one’s immune system and that everyone should invest in probiotics to help with gut flora and digestion.

“It used to be you are what you eat, now it’s more like you are what you digest,” she said. “If your digestive system isn’t great and you’re not actually absorbing the nutrients you’re taking in, it can comprise your immune system.”

“It’s keeping your body at a natural balance.”

Another recommendation for stronger immunity is increasing daily water intake. Some recommendations are that adult males should consume around four litres a day, minimum, with women consuming at least around three litres.

“It will increase the speed of digestion, so there won’t be fermentation in their gut and that there are actual bowl movements every day,” Dolney said.

When it comes to vitamins, Dolney recommends everyone take Vitamin D supplements daily.

“With us being in an area where we aren’t exposed to a lot of sunlight, we are very deficient in vitamin D,” she said.

Another preventative measure for COVID-19

Vitamin D sales have soared over the past several months, following reports it can be useful in boosting the immune system. Multiple studies have shown links to individuals with a Vitamin D deficiency are more likely to test positive for COVID-19, as well as more likely to be hospitalized with acute respiratory failure. Heather Reid, registered dietician and certified diabetes educator, said she’s also seen and heard of other studies.

“There’s been some reports saying people who have higher levels of Vitamin D do better than others when they have COVID,” she said. “There’s nothing that says that’s the end-all-be-all by any means, but there is some literature saying that all of those micronutrient statuses do have an impact.”

“It’s really hard to get Vitamin D from food sources if you’re not consuming a lot of fish or milk, which not everyone can do, so [it’s important to maintain it daily],” she said.

It should be noted, there is no high quality evidence that suggests taking vitamin D supplements is specifically effective in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Reid, who works with Revive Wellness, said they’ve also seen an increase in people interested in changing their diet. She said it’s just as important for each person to maintain a healthy immune system as it is to take specific supplements like Vitamin D, particularly with health care systems having trouble keeping up on the regular occurrences of issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

“You’re less likely to be hit has hard with COVID-19,” she said. “There was a report of a healthy 82-year-old, whose outcome was different than many others [in her situation]. So, it’s really important to maintain your immunity and nutrition right now.”

Reid recommends having a consistent protein intake in your diet and getting a large amount of Vitamin C, which can be found in oranges and a variety of green foods.

“Something like half a cup of chopped red peppers gives you more than double your daily dose of Vitamin C for a day,” she said.

Lastly, Reid said stress-reducing activities like exercise are critical, with many falling out of their daily habits that involve plenty of movement.

“We need to stay on top of our activities levels, snacking at home and making sure we are doing everything we can to stay in a good routine,” she said. “That’s keeping your muscle mass and immunity up, to help fight any germs you’re possibly getting.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports