Did WLS Change your immunity?  Let’s support it!

I don’t have a magic cure or product for Covid-19, just good old-fashion nutrition known to support immunity for centuries!

Nutrition is a vital part of supporting your immune system, especially after weight loss surgery. Although there is no current cure for Covid-19 there are things you can do to support your immune system.

Weight loss surgery can change immunity positively:

1. Although an animal study “Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass Attenuate Pro-Inflammatory Small Intestine Cytokine Signatures” was able to show that both surgeries reduce expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
2. Another study, but in humans “Interplay between the adaptive immune system and insulin resistance in weight loss induced by bariatric surgery” found that weight loss induced by bariatric surgery lead to significant changes in adaptive immune cells.(I will note the study only went out 3 months so it would be interesting to see if these benefits last longer)

WLS can alter immunity, but it is up to you to maintain it!

Nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy immune system!

Our immune system is unique to our age, sex and genetics. But as we already know… our genetics are not our destiny and instead epigenetics drive change through diet and lifestyle.

Arming the immune system with strong immune-supportive nutrients can nourish this complex system. Vitamins A, C, D and zinc are critical to the development, function and activity of immune cells. They help protect & support a healthy immune system.

• Vitamins C & D possess strong immune-support properties
• Vitamin A and Zinc are required for the development & function of immune cells

*There is no evidence to date of any supplement or herb that can prevent or treat Covid-19. Nor any evidence that “boosting” your immune system will protect you from the virus, or lessen symptoms should you get sick.

Our body responds best when getting vitamins & minerals from whole food

How to make immune supporting food choices:

1. Vitamin A rich foods: liver(liverwurst, chicken, beef), mackerel or salmon. Beta-carotene coverts at a lower rate but still a good choice with sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, kale and collard greens. Try these recipes: Pumpkin Bread
2. Vitamin C rich foods: oranges, papaya, strawberries, kiwi, spinach, Bok Choy, kale, broccoli and bell peppers. Check out these recipes Oven Roasted Garlic Broccoli, Mixed green salad, Asian Beef
3. Vitamin D rich foods: salmon, egg yolks, cheese, mushrooms.
4. Zinc rich foods: seafood, beef, pumpkin seed, beans, lentils and legumes. Try our Crunchy Roasted Nuts & Seeds, Chicken Adobo

Although it might be easier to take a handful of supplements and call it a day. What I am hoping you will see is how powerful food & nutrition can be if you incorporate whole real food!

What else can you do?

• Fat soluble vitamins NEED FAT!! Eat healthy fats at all meals. These include: avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, nut butter(grind your own), eggs, olives, fatty fish. You might enjoy our Spicy Guacamole, low-carb coconut milk yogurt, creamy mango ice cream
• Reduce sugar & alcohol intake
• Get adequate protein- add protein shakes if you cannot meet your protein needs with food. Our Organic Revive Plant Protein or Restore Detox Protein Powder provide complete proteins. These protein smoothie recipes are great way to boost nutrition in a tasty way. Green Mango Smoothie, Gingery pear smoothie, Green ginger lime smoothie
• Stay adequately hydrated.

What you shouldn’t do:

If you defy my plea to focus on whole real food, but instead purchase supplements :

1. Don’t exceed 15-30mg of zinc daily. Doses >50mg require copper support.
2. Vitamin A & D work synergistically and is best taken together with a meal containing healthy fats.
3. Long-term use of high doses Vitamin A (10,000-50,000IU)can lead to osteoporosis.
4. High Doses of Vitamin C can cause diarrhea.

Weight loss surgery is an awesome tool for weight loss and improving your immune system, just don’t forget to do your part in changing your food choices in order to reap the benefits long-term.

By the way! Wash Your Hands!