COVID seems like it will be around for awhile.  I recently attended a “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Flu update presented by Nikita Katz, M.D., Ph.D.  Here are some of the pertinent points and some resources for those interested.

RISK

  • The Delta variant has a 10x increase in viral replication (compared with 1.5 for the HIV virus), which is why it is so infectious.
  • Substance abusers who were vaccinated had more breakthrough infections, hospitalizations and deaths.
  • 41% of adults in the US were deficient in vitamin D (<29 ng/ml) (Blacks, Hispanics and those with low HDL cholesterol are especially at risk)

VACCINATION

  • Booster dose was not associated with an increase in adverse events.
  • 71% reported systemic reactions, similar to rates after second dose
  • Moderna was most reactive with systemic issues
  • No reaction is not a problem.  This could possibly mean you have had previous exposure to other corona viruses.  
  • Getting the Johnson + Johnson first and then a mRNA vaccination had good results.
  • He feels that those with myocarditis reaction may be because the vaccine was injected directly into a vein and suggests the vaccine administrator pull back the plunger to make sure the vaccine is in muscle and not the blood stream. 
  • He recommends having follow-up injections in a different site to prevent local hypersensitivity.  

DIMINISHED IMMUNITY

  • Better to abstain 3 days after vaccination from alcohol to prevent lessening the effect.
  • There was a better immune response after vaccination with support from vitamin A supplements, zinc, mushroom derived beta-glucans, and lycopene (tomato, watermelon and pink grapefruit – be careful of grapefruit’s impact on medication absorption).  
  • The natural immunity declined faster in males than in females.  
  • Recommended to abstain from strenuous activity for one week after vaccination to prevent decrease in immunity. 

NATURAL SUPPORT

  • Recommendations for vitamin D are 1500 to 2000 iu for adults, and obese persons will require 2-3 times more as this is a fat soluble vitamin which will collect in the fat tissue.
  • Curcumin ( the active ingredient in the spice turmeric) blocks inflammation and is a safe therapeutic option to prevent post-COVID blood clots.  It is most effective when cooked with oil or taken with ginger.
  • Apple cider vinegar and butyric acid (made by gut organisms when we eat a high fiber diet) interferes with virus ACE-2 binding.  Beneficial for those with metabolic syndrome or obesity.
  • Vitamin C up to 2000 mg is safe, but higher doses might be required for the critically ill except for those with certain conditions.
  • Omega-3 fats suppress chronic infections and up-regulate cellular immunity. 
  • He has upgraded the herb Andrographis from ‘maybe helpful’ to ‘likely helpful’.  60-100 mg three times a day for moderate COVID.
  • Oregano was listed as ‘likely helpful’ as it is an antimicrobial against viruses.  Garlic (allicin) also inhibited viral replication.
  • Masks (N95), UV lights, and UV illumination air purifiers were effective in preventing infection.  

Here is a resource on nutrients to prevent COVID-19 from the Institute for Functional Medicine:  https://knowaboutnutrition.com/nutritional-support-to-prevent-covid-19/

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF OUT THERE FOLKS!

Curb Your Food Cravings!

Curb Your Food Cravings!

Sign up for updates and get your FREE download!

Thank you for joining! Watch your inbox for your free guide!