Page 72 - Tracy Anderson Magazine | Spring 2021 Issue

This COVID-19 pandemic has given us a chance to reflect min D can have other benefits, such as improving mood
on some of the areas we might be lacking in when consid- and enhancing learning and memory.
ering nutritional needs. As the world starts to open back
up, it’s the perfect time to commit to making valuable ad- Zinc is an essential mineral that fortifies the immune and
justments to our daily routine that include strengthening digestive systems while also supporting a plethora of oth-
our immune and digestive systems while improving com- er biological functions. Because zinc is the body’s sec-
mon nutrient deficiencies that are linked to a less resilient ond-most-abundant trace mineral after iron, it plays an im-
immune system. portant role in our ability to taste and smell. Some research
has suggested that zinc-depleted individuals may have a
While more pharmaceutical tools are becoming available harder time dealing with an exposure to COVID, so I feel
each day, literature has suggested that nutritional status it’s important to eat a diet containing foods rich in zinc but
can play a pivotal role in the outcome of a coronavirus also consider supplementing with plant-based zinc. Mod-
infection. It’s never been more important to consider the eration is key to optimal zinc levels as daily supplementa-
foods we eat and the supplements we take as a way to tion without monitoring can lead to toxic zinc levels.
build a foundation for a robust immune system. I believe
we can safely implement nutrients that can encourage the Probiotics are a diverse and broad subject, but we can
better functioning of the immune system while keeping in start by mentioning that our gut health directly affects our
mind that this is only one piece of ability to resolve immune challeng-
the puzzle that can create a syner- es efficiently. Our innate bacterial
gy together with a diverse diet and diversity declines over time, due to
exercise. To put it simply, the body stress, medications, and poor diet.
thrives when it’s in balance and fal- For this reason, I think that constant
ters when it’s out of balance. improvement of beneficial gut bac-
teria through fermented foods or
Some of the essential nutrients that well-made probiotic formulas are a
can support us now during our pillar to creating a healthy micro en-
comeback are vitamin C, vitamin vironment that has so many benefits
D, zinc, and probiotics. to our ability to overcome immune
challenges. I have long recommend-
Our bodies don’t make vitamin C, ed to my community that the epithe-
so it’s important to consider supple- lial gut barriers are as important as
menting with vitamin C at some lev- any other barrier as a way to help
Opposite page: Diana Polekhina courtesy unsplash.com. This page: courtesy David Restrepo
el to support immune function and prevent respiratory infections. I like
provide antioxidant protection. The to recommend frequently rotating
common misconception here is that your fermented foods or your pro-
vitamin C can cause some digestive biotic supplement to create the most
distress, but I think that this is purely diverse micro terrain possible.
dose dependent. The more vitamin
C you supplement, the more likely At Vitahealth Apothecary, we pride
you are to have some kind of stomach upset. Because our ourselves on guiding our clients to choose the cleanest
body doesn’t produce vitamin C, we need to balance our and most bioavailable forms of the nutrients their bodies
intake to what works for each individual, and this quantity need. Sometimes, food-based vitamins are a good way to
is different for everyone. The good news here is that this achieve wellness, while other times it’s more important to
side effect is easily remedied by reducing your vitamin C incorporate targeted high-potency nutrients to achieve a
to your last well-tolerated dose! therapeutic level.

SUPPLEMENT Vitamin D is another primary tool that I feel everyone We’re in the middle of our journey through this challeng-
ing time, and these choices will help inform our path for-
needs to consider as we progress through the pandemic
ward. My hope is that these tools can help us build resil-
and find ways to come back stronger than before. Many
YOUR LIFESTYLE people are deficient in D and don’t even know it, so a David Restrepo, RPh, is well known as an integrative pharmacist among
ience as we make our comeback! ■
good practice is to ask your doctor what your last value
was. Now more than ever, we’re staying indoors to ensure
physicians who recognize the value of complementing traditional Western
the safety of our loved ones and neighbors and therefore
don’t get enough sunlight to synthesize this much needed medicine with evidence-based holistic approaches. He focuses on
supporting clients and patients with multiple issues, ranging from chronic
What’s vital for your health to move through the ongoing pandemic, by David Restrepo. vitamin. Research suggests that the optimal range is right diseases to optimizing health for longevity and general wellness. Restrepo
in the middle of the recommended range (so somewhere also advises various companies in the biotech space and is actively
around 50–60) to achieve optimal well-being. Besides im- involved in supplement development in the beauty and wellness areas.
proving innate and adaptive immunity, supporting vita- He can be found at Vitahealth Apothecary’s two New York City locations.
To learn more, please visit vitahealthapothecary.com.
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