I remember reading an article here (probably posted by Demi) that I can't find again.

It stated something to the effect that when you are in ketosis (not just low carb) Gamma T cells are activated in your mucous membranes.

When you are not in ketosis they are suppressed.

If I remember correctly, these Gamma T cells protected us from viral attacks. If so, could it be a preventive for COVID-19?

Or am I remembering incorrectly and was it bacterial protection instead of viral protection?

If anyone knows, please chime in.

I do know that only time I caught a cold in the last 15 years was when I went off-plan in Vienna for one week (they are famous for desserts) and caught a bug on the airplane home. One day of runny nose, one day of a cough and then I was back to normal.

Thanks.

I was thinking along these same lines, and found this:

Vitamin D or Flu Vaccine-Benefits over Adverse Effects

Key quote:



I just ordered more D3/K2 so we are ready.

Just from my own N=1, I seem to have a very good immunity response, as I'm rarely sick even when people all around me become sick. Can I attribute that to my WOE? I'd like to think so, so I will. My health improvements due to keto are obvious, so it goes to reason that improved protection from viruses and bacteria is just one of the many benefits. Can it continue to protect in a pandemic situation? We may well find out.

It's been years now since I've been taking supplemental D3, and within a few months my illness response changed. I would still catch things, but instead of being in pain, nauseated, etc; I would be very very tired.

Now last fall I really got sick with a stuffy nose which I handled, but it hung on and on until I got some codeine cough syrup to help me sleep from this stupid dry cough that wouldn't quit. I also discovered elderberry syrup; and I swear that actually made me feel better.

So I've got that (sugar free version) in stock too.

Yes I see it on Iherb. It's even mentioned by brand name on webmd

For the flu: One tablespoon (15 mL) of a specific elderberry juice-containing syrup (Sambucol by Nature's Way) has been taken four times daily for 3-5 days. Also, a specific lozenge (ViraBLOC by HerbalScience) containing 175 mg of elderberry extract has been taken four times daily for 2 days. Also, one teaspoon (5 mL) of a product containing echinacea and elderberry (Echinaforce Hot Drink by A. Vogel Bioforce AG) mixed with 150 mL of hot water has been taken five times daily for 3 days then three times daily for 7 days.

I take D, K and high dose multi vitamins. I figure since I'm not eating many fruit and veggies I'm missing the good they offer. By taking vitamin/mineral supplements, I'm getting some of the good things anyway.

Either it's helping, or I have expensive urine

Something is working, there are not many 73 year old people who are taking zero medications, prescription or otherwise.

Bob

I have stress challenges and cortisol overproduction issues. I can use all the help I can get 😱

Iodine is known to help respiratory system, and I've done some thyroid support strategies. Expecting results of my first thyroid test soon.

Since reading so much about iodine here, I finally started taking it about a month ago & talked my husband into taking it, too. I'm actually looking forward to the next time I get blood tests & see if anything has changed. One change I do have is that my feet are finally warm. And that - believe me - is a real blessing!

Wonderful!

It makes my feet warm too Bonnie!

WB, It also clears my lungs and if I have any congestion that won't cough out, it breaks it up and I cough it right out (dmi) Sometimes it makes me sneeze too which is OK. It's like it makes the body expel any mucus.

Elderberry immediately resonated with me, even though I never really heard of it before. I ordered some sugar-free syrup and some capsules, but can you tell me more about your personal experience with it?

Warebear knows about that. I haven't tried it yet.

Elderberry is often used in Europe for the flu and cold sx (and, apparently, in Israel). Elder has been a part of the European herbal medicine for centuries. I finally made my own syrup this year. It contains honey, but only a small amount per Tablespoon dose, so I'm OK with it. Honey is also a soothing help for coughs and sore throats. I've been taking a Tablespoonful most mornings for a couple of months. I did get cold symptoms about a week ago, came on fairly suddenly, and was pretty much gone after 4 days. I doubled the elderberry for that time. I can't say if the elderberry helped. I also upped my Vit C during that time, and have had a high Vit D level for 5 or 6 years. This was my first cold in about 18 months. I am back to taking 1 Tbls of the elderberry every morning, along with my other supplements, and will continue until the sniffle season is past.

This past holiday season I had not a terrible time with the flu-thing. But I had a terrible time getting rid of it!

I got a miniscule amount of codeine cough syrup, but while it helped me sleep, it wasn't curing the dry cough that tormented me. But elderberry syrup, four times a day as the label directed for "intensity dose" did! I could tell and I hadn't changed anything else.

So now I'm a believer

I don't remember when I had a cold, much less flu. My chief respiratory complaint has been seasonal allergies for many years now, Fall and Spring variety. Fall 2019 I didn't have any, and I'm hoping to avoid the suffering in 2020. After my morning walk, I'm using buffered saline to cleanse my nostrils, hoping to keep the pollen out.

Since I'm taking college courses now, I'm exposed to the general public. I want to do what I can to continue to stay healthy.

I believe the virus scare is being used to control our movements, but that's just me. Consider me paranoid.

Just in case, I'm finding all the natural tools I can and adding elderberry capsules to my morning supplements couldn't hurt.