Better Nutrition October 2020

Is it a cold, flu, or Covid?
This fall and winter, many of us
will be wondering just that if we start
feeling sick, especially since many
of the symptoms associated with
these viruses overlap. What can
you do? Focus on supporting your
immune system with a daily immune
health regimen—here’s how to
create your plan.
BY LISA TURNER
All of the following
remedies can be taken
daily, all year long,
so pick the ones you
are most likely to take every
day. One other option: find
a combination formula that
includes some or all of these
ingredients.
Vitamin C
It’s one of the best immune health
vitamins out there. It’s a safe, effective
antioxidant that’s been shown to prevent
and treat flu and other viral infections.
Studies suggest that taking vitamin C
frequently throughout the day, rather
than in one concentrated dose, results
in higher plasma levels. For maximum
effectiveness, choose ascorbic acid in
combination with bioflavonoids and
other associated micronutrients.
Higher doses of ascorbic acid can
cause stomach upset; buffered forms or
liposomal vitamin C prevent this, and
some research suggests that liposomal
vitamin C is also better absorbed
than traditional ascorbic acid. One
form, called Ester-C, uses a proprietary,
water-based process that
creates a pH-neutral product that’s
gentler on the stomach and has
improved bioavailability.
Whole food-based vitamin
C supplements may also be
easier to absorb, as they rely
on body-ready fruits
and veggies that
are rich
in vitamin C.
OCTOBER 2020 • 25