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What are some natural ways to boost your immune system?

Lots of people around me are sick and I’m trying to stay healthy for the holidays. Any natural remedies or tips to stay healthy are appreciated
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Elessar · 31-35, M
Carrageenan nasal sprays (yes it's the substance often used in cooking as well)

Nasal carrageenan increased the recovery rate from all colds by 54% (95% CI 15%-105%; p = .003). The increase in recovery rate was 139% for coronavirus infections, 119% for influenza A infections, and 70% for rhinovirus infections. The mean duration of all colds in the placebo groups of the first four quintiles were 4.0, 6.8, 8.8, and 13.7 days, respectively. The fifth quintile contained patients with censored data. The 13.7-day colds were shortened by 3.8 days (28% reduction), and 8.8-day colds by 1.3 days (15% reduction). Carrageenan had no meaningful effect on shorter colds. In the placebo group, 21 patients had colds lasting over 20 days, compared with six patients in the carrageenan group, which corresponds to a 71% (p = .003) reduction in the risk of longer colds. Given that carrageenan has an effect on diverse virus groups, and effects at the clinical level on two old coronaviruses, it seems plausible that carrageenan may have an effect on COVID-19. Further research on nasal iota-carrageenan is warranted.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34128358/

Of course this is not a replacement to a healthy diet / balanced nutrition profile, basic hygiene, vaccination, masking and all that jazz.
Graylight · 51-55, F
@Elessar Is it thought to coat the nasal passages and provide a protective barrier? Very interesting information.
Elessar · 31-35, M
@Graylight Seems to have a double function, both mechanically coating the nasal tissue providing some sort of barrier, but also promoting viral clearance (locally) due to broad-spectrum antiviral properties.
Graylight · 51-55, F
@Elessar Wow. I’ll have to look more into that one. 👍
Elessar · 31-35, M
@Graylight This other study seems to covers better the mechanisms of action:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8400836/#sec3-marinedrugs-19-00437title/