Life Extension Suggestions

• Vitamin C: 5000 – 20 000 mg daily in divided doses to bowel tolerance
• Andrographis paniculata extract: 25 mg daily (increase up to 150 mg as needed)
• Beta-glucan: 100 mg daily (increase up to 600 mg as needed)
• Zinc Lozenges: Take two zinc lozenges (13 – 24 mg of zinc in each lozenge) immediately and again every 2 – 3 hours for the first day or two. Then slowly reduce the dose until symptoms dissipate.
• Vitamin D: If you do not already maintain a blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D over 50 ng/mL, then take 50 000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D the first day and continue for 3 more days. Slowly reduce the dose to around 5000 IU of vitamin D daily. If you already take around 5000 IU of vitamin D daily, then you probably do not need to increase your intake.
• Vitamin E: 400 IU daily with at least 200 mg gamma tocopherol
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the dose of 200 – 400 mg early in the day. This is much higher than normal, but DHEA has shown some unique benefits in boosting one’s ability to mount a stronger immune response and also protect against dangerous inflammatory cytokine responses that sometimes occur in response to viral infections.
• Melatonin: 3 – 50 mg at bedtime
• Elderberry: 2400 – 4800 mg daily or 1 – 4 tablespoons daily
• Lactoferrin: 1200 mg daily
• High-Allicin garlic: 9000 – 18 000 mg daily
• Reishi mushroom (standardized extract from fruiting body and spore): 1130 mg daily
• Black cumin seed oil: 1000 mg daily
• Probiotics: Per label instructions
• Green tea extract (standardized to 98% polyphenols): 725 – 1450 mg daily
• Selenium: 200 – 400 mcg daily

Over-The-Counter Drug Support

• Cimetidine: Take 800 – 1200 mg daily in divided doses. Cimetidine is a heartburn drug that has potent immune-enhancing properties. (It is sold in pharmacies over-the-counter.)

In addition, the following blood tests may be helpful:

• Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
• Cytokine Panel

Safety Caveats

Zinc

• Supplemental zinc can inhibit the absorption and availability of copper.
• If more than 50 mg of supplemental zinc is taken daily, 2 mg of supplemental copper should also be taken to prevent deficiency.
• Chronic ingestion of more than 100 mg of zinc daily may be toxic.

Vitamin C

• Consuming high doses of Vitamin C can initially cause diarrhea, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Take with meals starting off low and gradually increase the dose

Vitamin D

• Individuals consuming more than 2000 IU/day of vitamin D (from diet and supplements) should periodically obtain a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurement.
• Do not exceed 10 000 IU per day unless recommended by your doctor.
• Vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for individuals with hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels).
• People with kidney disease, certain medical conditions (such as hyperparathyroidism or sarcoidosis), and those who use cardiac glycosides (digoxin) or thiazide diuretics should consult a physician before using supplemental vitamin D.

Vitamin E

• If you are taking anti-coagulant or anti-platelet medications, or have a bleeding disorder, consult your healthcare provider before taking this product.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

• Do not use DHEA if you are at risk for or have been diagnosed as having any type of hormonal cancer, such as prostate or breast cancer.

Melatonin

• Consult your healthcare provider before taking this product if you are being treated for a medical condition (especially autoimmune or depressive disorders).
• Use caution if combining with alcohol.
• This product is not intended for children, pregnant or lactating women, or women trying to become pregnant.
• Do not attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this product.

Elderberry

• Do not use during pregnancy or lactation.