Strength of the immune system is crucial in post-covid rehabilitation

Only those who have gone through Covid-19 infection know how difficult it is for the body to return to normal after the disease, regain muscle strength and strengthen its own immune system. It is precisely this strength of the immune system that is crucial in post-covid rehabilitation.

Many studies show that a balanced diet including probiotics and micronutrients such as vitamins D, A, C, zinc, selenium, and polyphenols that stimulate immunity, can both reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and accelerate recovery after a bedridden disease.

Unfortunately, all the required nutrients often cannot be provided through diet, so they should be supplemented with supplements. Tips for strengthening the body in post-covid rehabilitation are coming from Hemofarm.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is necessary for the normal functioning of many organic systems, such as the muscular, skeletal and immune system, and due to its specific functions, many also call it a hormone. It regulates innate and acquired immunity, enabling the body to fight infections.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of infection, and studies have shown that people with vitamin D3 deficiency had a more severe form of Covid-19. Therefore, Vitamin D is of great importance in all phases of the infection, starting from prevention, through the course of infection, and in the recovery period after illness.

Sun exposure for 15-30 minutes, three times a week, is usually sufficient for the synthesis of required amounts of vitamin D in the body. In addition, it can be ingested with certain foods (northern sea fish such as salmon, vitamin D-enriched milk, etc.). There is not enough synthesis of vitamin D3 through the skin in the winter, and it should be consumed through food or supplements. Also, elderly persons are often deficient in vitamin D3, because aging reduces the body's ability to synthesize vitamin D.

Daily recommendations for vitamin D3 vary from country to country. It is recommended in some countries that 400 to 800 international units daily should be taken while the guidelines for Central Europe recommend daily supplementation in a dose of 800 to 2000 international units, in the period from September to April, depending on body weight. Precisely the amounts of 1000 IU and 2000 IU of vitamin D3 are indicated in Eunova duo protect D3K2 capsules.

The elderly should take vitamin D3 throughout the year. The maximum daily intake of vitamin D3 is 4000 IU, however, in special cases, in some diseases or when there is a severe deficiency of vitamin D3, the doctor may recommend taking a higher dose of vitamin D3 for a certain period. Taking higher doses of vitamin D3 should always be under the supervision of a physician.

Vitamin D3 plays a key role in building bones, with the significant help of vitamin K2, which is why it is useful to take them in combination. Vitamin K, and in particular its form K2, has aroused special scientific interest lately. It has long been thought that the role of vitamin K2 is related only to strengthening bones and reducing calcification of blood vessels, but recent research indicates other roles and benefits, such as for example in diabetics. Several studies conducted in the previous two years have shown that low levels of vitamin K in the body are associated with poorer outcomes in Covid-19 patients.

Zinc

Zinc supplementation is important because zinc is an essential mineral, which means that our body cannot synthesize it on its own, but we must ingest it through food or food supplements. Zinc deficiency is associated with a weaker immune response, especially to viral infections. Zinc supplementation has been shown to increase the production of infection-fighting cells and exhibit antiviral activity.

Studies have shown that in the case of coronavirus, supplementation with high doses of zinc reduces the duration of infection symptoms. The product Imunocink is the optimal combination of zinc and vitamin C in one tablet daily.

It is estimated that as much as 85% of the population ingests less zinc than required. Zinc deficiency in the body is common in adolescents, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and women. Vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and children, are recommended zinc supplementation in the form of dietary supplements.

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include frequent colds and infections, dry skin, slow wound healing, hair loss (eyebrows and eyelashes), loss of appetite and sudden weight loss, apathetic behavior, forgetfulness, depression, impotence, and male and female infertility. Older people and people with many different diseases have an increased risk of zinc deficiency in the body.

Magnesium

Magnesium is necessary for production of energy in the body, and its deficiency can cause changes in the functioning of the nervous and muscular system. Fatigue, exhaustion, and lack of energy have become common, and are especially pronounced in patients after Covid-19 infection.

The easiest way to check whether such and similar problems occur due to magnesium deficiency is by including a daily dose of magnesium in the daily routine. If it is the case, improvement will be felt very quickly through extra energy, both for daily activities and better sleep.

Muscles feel the special importance of magnesium because the lack of this mineral is manifested by the appearance of muscle cramps, and the intake of a daily dose results in a quick relief effect. A sachet of Magnetrans 375 daily suffices for 100 percent of the daily needs for magnesium.

Daily healthy diet and supplementation with vitamins and minerals are of great importance in recovery. However, we must not forget that staying in nature, light exercises and walks have a positive effect on faster recovery and recovery of muscle strength just as in the period before Covid-19 infection.