Natural Remedies to Fight the Coronavirus: Fact or Fiction?
As COVID-19 spreads globally, various health claims on social media suggest that certain dietary supplements and herbal treatments can enhance the immune system's ability to fight the virus. However, immunologists caution that there's no evidence supporting these claims and warn against self-administering such treatments.
Misleading Claims and Lack of Evidence
Online experts often recommend high doses of vitamin C, zinc, colloidal silver, or garlic. Despite the popularity of these remedies, experts like David Stukus from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and John Mellors from the University of Pittsburgh emphasize the lack of scientific evidence.
They argue that no randomized clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of vitamins or herbal treatments in treating or preventing COVID-19.
The Vitamin C Hype
High-dose vitamin C has gained particular attention. Influencers like Andrew Saul claim it can boost the immune system. However, such claims are usually based on small pieces of data.
For example, a clinical trial in China is investigating whether high doses of vitamin C can help with COVID-19-related pneumonia, but results are not expected until September. Using vitamins to treat conditions like pneumonia is different from preventing COVID-19, and supplement promoters often extrapolate data incorrectly.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
While a balanced diet with recommended nutrients like vitamins B6, C, D, and zinc is crucial for a strong immune system, excessive doses do not necessarily enhance immunity.
Foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, help maintain a healthy immune barrier, and garlic contains allicin, which stimulates immune cells. However, more is not always better, and overloading on supplements can lead to adverse effects.
Potential Risks of Overconsumption
Overdoing supplements can cause more harm than good. High doses of vitamin C can lead to digestive issues and kidney stones, excessive zinc can cause numbness, and colloidal silver can lead to severe health problems like seizures and kidney damage. The FDA has warned against selling colloidal silver as a coronavirus remedy.
Practical Advice
Unproven treatments might create a false sense of security, leading people to neglect essential safety measures like social distancing. The best defenses against COVID-19 include getting plenty of sleep, eating healthily, and managing stress.
While the desire to take control is understandable, the most effective approach currently is patience and adherence to recommended guidelines.
John Mellors reassures that biomedical science will eventually overcome the virus, but it requires time and caution.