Vitamins & Supplements

I'm not keen on suggesting you take any individual supplement permanently. Individual supplements don't contain the synergistic qualities necessary for optimal health. Supplements are not a substitute for healthy living. Take vitamin C, for example. When you eat an orange, you receive a daily dose of vitamin C, fiber, sugar, protein, vitamin A, and calcium. A vitamin C supplement, on the other hand, contains ascorbic acid. That's it. 

 

Here's another example. The primary role of vitamin D is to raise intestinal calcium absorption. Calcium is great, but if you have too much calcium, it lowers potassium and magnesium and increases the retention of copper. So, if you take vitamin D, it makes things worse because the vitamin D continues to elevate the calcium.

 

Taking an individual supplement for a short period can help get you over a deficiency hump. The body is intelligent and, under normal circumstances, eliminates what it doesn't need. However, taking large doses of individual supplements can cause vitamin and mineral imbalances. Taking a multivitamin, which you can take indefinitely, is the exception. Also, if you're over 30, taking a full-spectrum dietary enzyme supplement is another exception. Dietary enzymes aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. 

 

Only take multi-mineral supplements when you're sure you're deficient. So, how do you know if you're deficient? Have a hair mineral analysis test done. You'll find a resource here. You must consult your doctor before taking mineral supplements if you have kidney or gallbladder problems. Otherwise, take only half the recommended doses of minerals for a couple of weeks and increase up to the total dosage on the third week, just as long as there are no symptoms of constipation, gas, bloating, digestive problems, or bloating. If any of these appear, cut back to a fourth of a dose and start from there. 

 

The following is a general reference of specific vitamins and minerals your body needs for a healthy immune system and to rebuild your body's cells, tissues, and bones. It is not a complete list by any means. However, these are the "must-haves" your body needs for optimal immunity.

Vitamins

B Vitamins

 

B-1 (thiamine) is known to fight against infections, including Herpes Simplex Virus. However, there are two different types of B-1, water-soluble and fat-soluble. You want to take the fat-soluble variety called Benfotiamine. Take 75-300 mg each day. Rice bran (hulls), pork, beef, ham, fresh peas, beans, bread, wheat germ, oranges, enriched pasta, and cereals contain vitamin B-1.

 

B2 (riboflavin) - 75-300 mg daily. Poultry, fish, fortified grain, cereals, broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, yogurt (only plain, organic), milk, and cheese.

 

B3 (niacin) - 0-300 mg daily. Chicken breast, tuna, veal, beef liver, Brewer's yeast, broccoli, carrots, cheese, cornflower, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, fish, pork, milk, potatoes, peanuts, and tomatoes.  

 

B6 (pyridoxine) - 50-200 mg daily is usually adequate. I suggest 85-100 mg daily. You need enough B6 to absorb B12. You can take up to 200 mg each day. However, anything over 500 mg taken for a few short months can be toxic. B-6 is in poultry, light meat, such as chicken or turkey breast, free-range eggs, crab meat, bananas, artichokes, tomato paste, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, pork chop, medium or slice of loin, tuna, sole, sardines, cod, mackerel or haddock, beef, Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, oats, avocado, brown rice, cabbage, dried fruit, and molasses.  

 

B9 (folic acid) - 800 mcg daily. Pinto beans, navy beans, asparagus, lima beans, artichokes, soybeans, peanut butter, Brussels sprouts, apple (medium), black-eyed peas, avocado, sunflower seeds, spinach (boiled), broccoli, bananas, oranges, chicken liver, beef liver, and wheat germ.

 

NOTE: If you have the MTHFR Gene Mutation, take methyl folate instead.

 

B12 (cyanocobalamin) - 500-1000 mcg daily. B-12 is extremely important for handling viruses. B-12 often shows up as being depleted in those with pH imbalance. Salmon, tuna, sole, haddock, cod, herring, oysters (cooked), clams, King's crab, yogurt (only plain, organic), lean beef, ham, lamb, chops, leg or shoulder, macaroni and cheese, enriched bran or wheat flakes, eggs, camembert, gorgonzola cheese, blue cheese, milk (organic), and liver contain vitamin B-12.  

 

NOTE: Other than B-12, DO NOT take single B vitamins. They may cause deficiencies in the other B vitamins. Take B-12 or a B-complex (50-mg) daily instead and extra B-12 if you like. 

 

 

Vitamin C

 

Vitamin C has antiviral properties and has shown great promise in inhibiting inflammatory reactions in the body. It's also a powerful immune booster. Taking vitamin C and a potent antioxidant such as quercetin and vitamin D3 can help protect you from viruses and shorten the duration of colds and flu. People with more severe symptoms of COVID-19 often have low vitamin C levels. However, average, over-the-counter vitamin C tablets lack the synergistic nutrients in fresh citrus fruit. Therefore, your vitamin C supplement should contain bioflavonoids. Aim for at least 500 mg daily but at most 5000 mg in divided doses.

 

When you live with the Herpes Simplex Virus, it's essential to understand that typical ascorbic acid supplements are very acidic. Ascorbic acid doesn't signal an alkaline response as citrus fruit does. Instead, it triggers an acid response in the blood, meaning ascorbic acid may trigger a breakout. If you experience breakouts from taking vitamin C, try reducing your dose, taking a buffered C, or supplementing with rose hips or camu camu, which are high in vitamin C.

 

Getting vitamin C requirements from your foods is still the best medicine for preventing disease. Foods containing vitamin C are oranges and orange juice, honeydew or watermelon, red and green bell peppers, broccoli (fresh or frozen, papaya, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, cantaloupe, mangos, onions, dandelion greens, radishes, asparagus, avocados, pineapple, watercress, collard greens, kale, kiwi, lemons, and pink grapefruit. Some of these foods may be HSV triggers.

 

 

Co-Enzyme Q-10

 

Co Q-10 is a vitamin-like enzyme found in the mitochondria (every cell in your body) that harvests ATP (energy) from the foods you eat. Viruses, such as the Herpes Simplex Virus, depend on ATP to thrive. So do you. If fatigue and weak or sore muscles are a problem, consider taking this enzyme to bolster your energy reserves. 

 

 

Vitamin D-3

 

Vitamin D isn't a vitamin. It's hormone-like and one of the most required "vitamins" in the body. If you live in an environment with little sun, you may want to supplement with vitamin D3. Deficiency in vitamin D3 can cause the following conditions.

 

 

Blood tests can reveal how deficient you are. Women going through menopause are wise to have this checked along with other blood tests.  

 

Take 400-1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily, or check the following guidelines to discover the vitamin D3 dose that is appropriate for you. Also, taking 15 minutes of early morning or late evening sun for at least 15 minutes (up to 40 minutes for darker-skinned individuals) can give you a healthy dose of vitamin D3 for the day, but only during spring and summer. Continue to use your sunblock during peak hours of the day.

 

Foods containing vitamin D3 (or that help to maintain vitamin D levels) are Atlantic mackerel and cod, eggs, sardines, salmon (saltwater fish), mushroom, herring, mackerel, liver, cod liver oil, evaporated milk, corn flakes, milk (fortified), raisin bran, granola, leafy green vegetables, and vitamin D fortified dairy products.

 

NOTE: Never exceed 2000 IU of vitamin D without a doctor's permission. It can be toxic. Moreover, DO NOT take vitamin D3 at the same time you take vitamin A as they compete. 

 

 

Fiber

 

Lack of dietary fiber leads to gastrointestinal problems and anxiety. Fiber helps you maintain regular bowel movements and, most importantly, feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome. Feeding beneficial gut bacteria keeps harmful bacteria from overgrowing. One serving of Fiber One cereal will provide over half your daily need for fiber (and it tastes good). Foods containing fiber are apples, beans, legumes, split peas, barley, whole grains, avocado, broccoli, rice, popcorn, nuts, potatoes, berries, bran cereal, pear, oatmeal (not as much as you'd think), artichoke, banana, coconut. 

 

 

Minerals

 

Calcium

 

Calcium and other minerals (potassium, sodium, selenium, magnesium, chromium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus) can deplete when the body overuses its buffering system to neutralize acids. Phosphorous balances acids, and manganese activates enzymes necessary to combat acidosis.

 

It's essential to take a calcium supplement that absorbs quickly. Some say coral calcium works the best, but calcium citrate does quite well for combating acidosis and is easily absorbed and tolerated. Calcium carbonate, orotate, phosphate, or bone meal calcium can also be helpful. Do not use the gluconate form if you are allergic to corn. Also, calcium lactate does not have a good reputation for balancing pH.

 

Some foods containing calcium are asparagus, yellow string beans, milk (organic), ice cream (only all-natural will do), spinach, eggnog, cheddar cheese (and most other aged cheese), soymilk, kale, baked beans, pink salmon, tuna and sardines (canned is fine), Swiss cheese, goat's milk, oranges, sweet potato, parsley, peppermint, watercress, bok choy, and collard greens (and other leafy greens).

 

 

Magnesium

 

Magnesium supports the immune system. You cannot have a healthy immune system without it. Without magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D will not work to keep your immune system running optimally. However, those with very low pH (below 5.8) may not digest magnesium properly. Digestive enzyme supplements can help you to absorb magnesium. Or, try a topical magnesium spray. Foods containing magnesium are brown rice, soybeans, shrimp, cashews, fortified cereals (bran or wheat), tomato paste, potatoes, white or sweet, baked, salmon, peanuts, cashew, Brazil and pine nuts, sunflower and sesame seeds, spinach, oatmeal, avocado, Brewer's yeast, grapefruit, green leafy vegetables, cantaloupe, lemons, haddock, salmon, yogurt (only plain, organic), bananas, navy and lima beans, broccoli, apples, apricots, wheat, orange juice (fortified), carob, collard greens, mustard greens, sardines (with bones), figs, prunes, oats (whole), asparagus, tofu, watercress, whey, ice cream (natural), mineral water, cheese (aged more than 30 days), and parsnips.

 

 

Molybdenum

 

Molybdenum is a trace mineral that directly keeps herpes in remission because it helps the body eliminate toxins, such as aldehyde, a neurotoxin (nerve poison). Unless you eat beans, grains, or organ meats, you are likely deficient in this little mineral, but it plays such a crucial role I wanted you to be aware of its importance.

 

 

Selenium

 

Selenium plays a significant role in preventing herpes breakouts due to its antiviral effects. It is found in foods such as Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, cod and tuna fish, eggs, and liver. Selenium may reduce the risk of Crohn's flares, types of Cancer, and autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disorders. 

 

 

Zinc

 

Zinc is a mineral that works with other minerals to help buffer acidosis and balance pH.Studies show that creams containing zinc help minimize pain and, speed the healing of skin layers and treat acne (when taken by mouth), diaper rash (in topical creams), and herpes lesions up to 40% faster. Zinc is antiviral and repels and weakens viruses. Zinc is essential in keeping HSV in remission. It also helps to deactivate herpes and inhibit reproduction when applied topically. There is no clinical proof that zinc taken orally works as well as when used topically. I provide a three-ingredient recipe for zinc ointment here. Zinc is in foods like avocado, beef, pork, crab, oysters, pumpkin seeds, spinach, beans, lentils, green peas, dairy, chocolate (an HSV trigger), garlic, and whole-grain cereals (except for oats). Oral zinc should be limited to no more than 50 mg per day. Taking 50 mg of zinc, 1000 mg of vitamin C, and 1000 mg of lysine daily may help prevent breakouts. Zinc may interact with some antibiotics and Cisplatin, a drug used in chemotherapy.

 

 

Potassium & Sodium

 

Potassium and Sodium: Foods are usually the best choice for gaining your potassium and sodium needs. Foods containing potassium are tomato paste, lima beans, artichokes, dried peaches, apricots, cantaloupe, milk, potato (baked), chestnuts, almonds, sole, sardines, salmon, cod, turkey (light), yogurt (only plain, organic), watermelon, grapefruit juice, scallions (steamed), bananas, winter squash, asparagus, and cauliflower. Your body requires 1000 - 3500 mg of sodium per day. However, it's not the typical "good for nothing" table salt found on store shelves that causes disease. Your body needs sea salt. So that you know, Himalayan and Celtic sea salts contain no iodine. 

 

 

Iodine 

 

Iodine is a mineral necessary for multiple bodily functions, including metabolism. A deficiency or excess of iodine in the body most commonly presents as Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism, respectively. An iodine deficiency can also cause problems with digestion, inflammation, and immunity, which is why iodine is essential in putting HSV in remission. Furthermore, an iodine deficiency causes you to be more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. Some people keep herpes in remission by taking 2-3 drops of Lugol's iodine every other day.

 

Iodine doesn't build up or stay in the body for over a day or two once you stop taking it. The kidneys excrete iodine with urine. However, if you think you might be deficient in iodine, ask your doctor to be tested before supplementing. 

 

Iodine is in plain low-fat yogurt (and some other dairy products), seafood (cod, shrimp, tuna), and sea vegetables. Seaweed is likely the best option for receiving your iodine needs. A 10-gram serving of dried nori seaweed (used in sushi) contains up to 232 mcg of iodine. I discuss the medicinal benefits of seaweed and algae here.

 

If you decide to supplement iodine, I suggest oral drops rather than capsules or tablets. The body more easily assimilates drops. You can place 2-3 drops in a liter of water and drink it if you like. According to the RDA, the standard daily dosage for iodine in healthy adults is 150 mcg. However, this is a minimum amount. 300 - 400 mcg would be better. I suggest 150 - 300 mcg, which still allows for dietary iodine without it being a problem.

 

Iodine is also found in iodized salt. However, iodized table salt is unhealthy. Sea salt contains some iodine but very little. Himalayan and Celtic sea salts contain no iodine.

 

NOTE: Avoid iodine if you have an autoimmune disorder that causes thyroid problems, such as Hashimoto's Disease.

 

 

Prebiotics & Probiotics

 

Prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary enzymes for a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics calm the immune system. Some prebiotics and probiotics can encourage the release of histamine, which can trigger herpes breakouts. Just about everyone can take bifido bacterium (longum and infantis) and lactobacillus (rhamnosus, salvarius, and plantarum) without any problems. People with autoimmune disorders are deficient in these essential bacteria.

 

Bob's Red Mill Unmodified Potato Starch (not potato flour!) can replace prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria, even if you're nightshade intolerant. Potato starch, like prebiotic products, increases butyrate in the colon. Low levels of butyrate can cause Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and mental health disorders. Spore probiotics work very well to increase butyrate. 

 

NOTE: If you have SIBO, prebiotics, including potato starch, can worsen symptoms. Start with only 1/4 teaspoon mixed in a smoothie or a lukewarm beverage. Never heat it. It will lose its effect.

 

 

Omega 3s & Sea Supplements

 

Fish oil supplements should be harvested from unpolluted waters. Spirulina, sea kelp, and Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae are determined to be completely safe.

 

 

If you coexist with the Herpes Simplex Virus, see Specialty Supplements for HSV. Also, see The Tarotpothecary for product suggestions.  

 »

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.