78: Diet, Immunity, and Covid-19 with Anthony Thomas, PhD

<p>On today’s Liz's Healthy Table podcast, we’re talking about foods, nutrition, and dietary supplements that support a healthy immune system. What does science say about vitamins D, C, A, and E? What about zinc? Why is a diet rich in fruits and vegetables more important now than ever as we deal with a global pandemic? And why are the elderly at greater risk for nutritional deficiencies? Join me as we dive into these topics and more, including why you’ll never hear me claim that <em>anything</em> can "boost" your immune system. <span class="Apple-converted-space">(I prefer the term, "support.")</span></p> <p>Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., is a Nutrition Researcher and Director of Scientific Affairs at <a href="https://www.jarrow.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jarrow Formulas</a> in Los Angeles. Anthony evaluates research for ingredient use in dietary supplement formulations, including dosing and usage recommendations to reflect scientifically supported benefits. He has authored and co-authored multiple published peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and served as peer reviewer with relevant expertise in the field of nutrition and metabolism for multiple scientific journals.  Anthony is an avid user of dietary supplements, but he believes strongly that diet and physical activity come first. <span class= "Apple-converted-space">You may remember Anthony from last year’s two-part series on probiotics. If you scroll down, you'll find those links. </span></p> <p>Show Highlights:</p> <ul> <li>Updates on Anthony’s family, which includes a new baby girl</li> <li>To put diet and immunity in perspective, Anthony doesn’t use the phrase “boost immunity,” but thinks of diet and supplements as things that reinforce and prime immunity</li> <li>How macronutrients and micronutrients are the building blocks for cellular function</li> <li>With Anthony’s “food first” approach, nutrition supplements are one tool to support immunity and overall health</li> <li>Other lifestyle factors that affect immunity include stress managem