The Best Natural Immune Support for Healthy Lungs

October is the month set aside for goblins, ghouls, and healthy lung awareness! October is National Healthy Lung Month, and Lung Health Day is on October 23rd. National Respiratory Care Week is October 20^th - 26th.

This attention on lung health also coincidentally coincides with the ramping up of the cold and flu season. Both colds and the flu can significantly and rapidly affect the health of your lungs.  This blog post will review some of the best options for natural immune support to keep your lungs healthy throughout the cold & flu season.

Protect and Improve Your Lung Health During the Cold and Flu Season

The common cold is the most frequent human illness. Adults typically experience 1–3 colds per year, while children have an average of five but could have up to 11 colds per year.^1,2

More than 200 different viruses can cause upper respiratory tract infections with common cold symptoms, and they include:^1,2

• Rhinoviruses (RVs)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Influenza Viruses
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Coronaviruses
• Adenoviruses
• Enteroviruses, including Coxsackieviruses and Echoviruses
• Bocavirus
• Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
• Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)^1,2

That’s a lot of viruses!

Fortunately, when functioning optimally, your immune system is able to fight viruses and keep you and your lungs healthy. Your immune system carries out surveillance 24/7 to defend you against these potential threats. Once an infection occurs, immune system activity significantly increases to minimize the duration and severity of the infection.³

This heightened immune activity is accompanied by an increased rate of metabolism, which requires energy, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, numerous compounds are necessary for the biosynthesis of immune molecules, all of which are ultimately derived from your diet.³

Decades of research on nutrient deficiencies confirm several vitamins and minerals play key roles in supporting a healthy immune response and reducing the risk of infections.

These nutrients include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Folate
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Copper
• Selenium³

So, to keep your lungs healthy, ensure you choose a nutrient-dense diet and consider supplementing with the natural immune support below when needed.

Support Optimal Immunity and Lung Health During the Cold & Flu Season with Zinc Ascorbate – A Potent Anti-Viral Nutrient

Zinc is essential to the structure and function of proteins, including approximately 2000 enzymes that are necessary for critical cellular processes.⁴

Zinc deficiency is somewhat common throughout the world, with the global prevalence of zinc deficiency estimated at 17% to 20%. Zinc deficiency is more common in the elderly, vegans, vegetarians, and individuals with chronic diseases, including liver cirrhosis or inflammatory bowel disease.⁴

Zinc is essential for numerous immune-signaling pathways and an effective antiviral response. According to research, supplementation with zinc inhibits the replication of viruses and could drastically improve the quick clearance of viral infections, as well as the severity of the symptoms associated with viral infections.⁴

Specifically, research shows zinc inhibits the replication of coronaviruses, RVs, influenza viruses, RSV, and coxsackieviruses.^1,5,6 Zinc also blocks RV’s ability to bind to your cells, alters the configuration of viral proteins, and modulates several aspects of the inflammatory response.¹

In clinical trials, zinc supplementation reduces the average duration of the common cold in healthy people when taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.^1,3 Clinical trials of oral and topical zinc preparations demonstrate both are effective for clearing viral warts. Year-long supplementation with zinc by elderly subjects dramatically reduces the number of infections they experience.⁴

When different forms of zinc are studied, research shows the efficiency of zinc transport across cell membranes differs. Zinc is most effective as an antiviral agent when shuttled inside cells, so increasing transport across cell membranes tends to enhance the antiviral effects.⁷

According to the latest research, zinc ascorbate increases the intracellular level of zinc more significantly than other forms, including zinc citrate, zinc sulfate, and zinc chloride. Zinc ascorbate is produced by binding vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to zinc. Thus, when vitamin C is attached to zinc, it enhances zinc absorption into cells and overall antiviral activity.⁷

Research suggests that supplementation with zinc and vitamin C as individual nutrients does not increase the intracellular zinc level as efficiently as the zinc ascorbate chelate. Therefore, supplementation with zinc ascorbate is ideal for antiviral, lung, and immune support.⁷

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Supports Optimal Lung Health

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and, therefore, is not stored in significant amounts in your body. Thus, adequate daily intake is required to prevent a low vitamin C level and the symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency or insufficiency. Epidemiological studies indicate low vitamin C levels are somewhat common, even in the United States. They are so common vitamin C deficiency is the fourth-leading known nutrient deficiency in the US.⁸

According to a thorough review that analyzed the results of 31 randomized controlled trials, vitamin C supplementation shortens the duration of the common cold and decreases the severity of the symptoms. The results of the review also reveal vitamin C supplementation reduces the number of colds experienced by those under heavy, short-term physical stress, including athletic training.³

In honor of Healthy Lung Month, it is also important to note research demonstrates vitamin C supplementation improves recovery from pneumonia, which is one of the most serious outcomes of the cold and flu season. Research shows that low-dose vitamin C reduces the hospital stay duration by 19% compared with no vitamin C supplementation, whereas higher-dose vitamin C supplementation reduces the duration by 36%.⁸

Data show vitamin C administration facilitates significant improvements in the normalization of chest X-rays, temperature, and blood tests in those with pneumonia. Vitamin C administration also appears to decrease the risk of developing more serious respiratory infections in general, including pneumonia.⁸

The results of a clinical trial show taking 100 mg of vitamin C with 10 mg of zinc may stop a runny nose, which is an uncomfortable and frequent symptom of the common cold.¹ Thus, combining several nutrients that support healthy lungs and optimal immune function could offer synergistic benefits.

Organic Bioflavonoids Naturally Support Immunity During the Cold & Flu Season for Healthy Lungs

Bioflavonoids are present in all plants and offer an impressive range of physiologic effects, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits. Studies report bioflavonoids reduce the proliferation and replication of many viruses that cause cold symptoms, including the rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus type 3.^1,2 Bioflavonoids also reduce inflammation.²

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits, apples, and onions. Research shows quercetin blocks the entry of cold viruses into your cells. Quercetin also inhibits RV and poliovirus enzyme activity as well as RNA polymerase activity in some RNA viruses. Results of a clinical trial demonstrate quercetin supplementation over 12 weeks reduces the total number of sick days and cold symptom severity in adults.¹

A thorough systematic review that examined the overall impact of bioflavonoids on upper respiratory infections (URIs) determined that an increased intake of bioflavonoids decreased the incidence of upper respiratory infections by 33% with no adverse effects.²

The Antiviral Activity of Postbiotics May Protect Lung Health During the Cold & Flu Season

Postbiotics are new therapeutic strategies for many health concerns since they offer natural bioavailability, safety at high concentrations, easy administration, and tissue tolerability. A postbiotic is currently defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.” Probiotics produce postbiotics, and postbiotics are available in supplement form.⁹

The results obtained from several studies confirm the essential and supportive role of bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids, and other postbiotic compounds in managing viral illness.⁹

Overall, research shows postbiotics offer antiviral activity against the measles virus, noroviruses, enteroviruses (including Coxsackie viruses, polioviruses, and echoviruses), Hepatitis A Virus, influenza viruses, HSV-1, HSV-2, rotaviruses, HIV-1, coronaviruses, and several viruses that affect animals.⁹ 

InterPlexus Supplements for Immune Support and Healthy Lungs During the Cold & Flu Season*

Our Zinc Plus ^TM supplement is formulated with highly bioavailable zinc ascorbate, Vitamin C, and an organic citrus bioflavonoid complex to support healthy immune system function, boost antioxidant status, and nourish healthy lungs.*

Our Flavo PlexC ™ supplement is a potent blend of vitamin C with bioflavonoids and organic plant extracts that support a healthy immune response, maintain healthy lung function, and promote antioxidant activity during times of increased oxidative stress, including acute illness, chronic stress, or seasonal allergies.*

Our Fortéfy ™ supplement includes four select, high-quality, and dairy-free probiotic strains that encourage the dominance and continued growth of beneficial flora to promote a healthy gut microbiome and optimal immunity.*

IPX-Booster Super Strength ™ is a liquid postbiotic supplement designed to provide superior immune support. IPX-Booster Super Strength ™ delivers over 400 biologically active nutrients produced by probiotic strains naturally found in a healthy gut.*

Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.

References:

1. Passioti M, Maggina P, Megremis S, et al. The common cold: potential for future prevention or cure. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014;14(2):413. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0413-5
2. Somerville VS, Braakhuis AJ, Hopkins WG. Effect of Flavonoids on Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Immune Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr. 2016;7(3):488-497. doi:10.3945/an.115.010538
3. Calder PC. Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19. BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2020;3(1):74-92. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000085
4. Read SA, Obeid S, Ahlenstiel C, et al. The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity. Adv Nutr. 2019;10(4):696-710. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz013
5. te Velthuis AJ, van den Worm SH, Sims AC, et al. Zn(2+) inhibits coronavirus and arterivirus RNA polymerase activity in vitro and zinc ionophores block the replication of these viruses in cell culture. PLoS Pathog. 2010;6(11):e1001176. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1001176
6. Govers C, Calder PC, Savelkoul HFJ, et al. Ingestion, Immunity, and Infection: Nutrition and Viral Respiratory Tract Infections. Front Immunol. 2022;13:841532. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.841532
7. Cingolani V. Hypothesis of zinc ascorbate as best zinc ionophore for raising antiviral resistance against Covid-19. J Med Virol. 2021;93(9):5205-5208. doi:10.1002/jmv.26989
8. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211
9. Firetag L. Postbiotics - the natural antivirals of the future? December 20, 2022. Accessed June 24, 2024. https://interplexus.com/blogs/news/postbiotics-the-natural-antivirals-of-the-future.