MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Infectious disease experts say that if you’re being vaccinated, it doesn’t hurt to boost your immune system beforehand.
Having a strong immune system will also help your body fight COVID-19 more effectively if contracted.
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Mary Giarusso, a 71-year-old resident of Big Lake, says she started a vitamin regimen for the first time early in the pandemic. She recently had a blood test to detect any nutrient deficiency.
“[I took it] because of COVID, and I’m going to travel next week, so I wanted to make sure that my immune system … is still working well, ”said Giarusso.
The foods we eat play a big role in our immunity, according to licensed nutritionist Jesse Haas, owner of Wellness Minneapolis.
“In terms of boosting our immune system and helping us prevent disease, we have the power in our pantry,” said Haas.
(credit: Tim Boyle / Getty Images)
Haas says vitamin D is important for immunity. She recommends mushrooms, liver and supplements. For vitamin C, you can look beyond citrus. Haas says peppers and broccoli are a good source. Zinc is more difficult to find, but oysters can solve the problem.
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Alex Lamkin, owner of Any Lab Test Now in Plymouth, administered the Giarusso nutrient test.
“You are often deficient in areas that you have no idea about,” said Lamkin.
He says that patients generally lack vitamins D and B12.
But immunity is more than just diet, according to Dr. Frank Rhame, an infectious disease physician at Abbott Northwestern Hospital at Allina Health.
“Sleeping, exercising, not being overweight will help people in all ways of measuring health,” said Rhame.
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Haas also said that vitamins found in a pharmacy are called “supplements” for a reason. They do not replace a balanced diet.