From eNewsletter 4/15/2020
DID YOU KNOW that worry and anxiety are strongly linked to fluctuations in levels of inflammatory markers, which can compromise the immune system? According to new research to be presented at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America 2020 annual meeting, investigators found that increases in levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) corresponded to increased levels of worrying. This can be specifically detrimental for many that have one or more mutations of the IL-6 gene (see your Pure Genomics report), as this complicates the ability for IL-6 activity to go back to normal (the inflammatory cascade we so often talk about). The positive is that after subjects did a 10-minute relaxation induction task that focused on deep breathing, there were significant reductions in levels of IL-6. The findings are further evidence of an important mind-body connection that is influenced by stress. How you respond to the social distancing, working from home, income lost because you may not be able to work from home, managing kids' schooling, and potential social isolation if you live alone can diminish the functioning of your immune system, which makes you more susceptible to COVID-19, as well as other viruses and bacteria. Especially during this unprecedented time, some level of anxiety and worry is completely normal. But it is critical to utilize your best mental health technique to keep worry, anxiety, and stress manageable.
PREVENT AND FIGHT: CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL ISSUE If you missed our newsletter last Wednesday, you won't want to miss the information at this link. WE ARE OPEN The Department of Homeland Security has deemed our business essential, so we are open. Our obligation is to serve your wellness needs so you can thrive through these difficult times. Appointments If you want to consult with us remotely, no problem. We are in the office as well. Supplements Order to ship or pickup. For pickup, call in your order, or from our website, use the office pickup option. We are leaving orders outside the front door to follow social distancing rules. Please do not come into the office without prior authorization.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Steve & Bonnie: Here's the latest information we thought you'd be interested in.
STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR OUR COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Two COVID-19 protocols released this month by The American Nutrition Association (ANA), the foremost nutrition organization in the country, and The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), revered by integrative practitioners across the globe, both confirmed many of our preventive recommendations.
Both organizations endorsed vitamin C and zinc, among many of our other suggestions. We were particularly thrilled to see the ANA endorse monolaurin.
ALMOST 90% OF COVID-19 ADMISSIONS INVOLVE COMORBIDITIES
The hospitalization rate for COVID-19 is 4.6 per 100,000 population, and almost 90% of hospitalized patients have some type of underlying condition, according to the CDC. The five conditions most associated with admittance are hypertension (the most common), obesity, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This should bring some clarity to the constant barrage of media coverage over hospitalizations.
EVIDENCE FOR VITAMIN D FOR COVID-19 PREVENTION
A study in this month's Nutrients elucidates several mechanisms for how vitamin D can reduce risk of infection. The mechanisms include inducing cathelicidins and defensins that can lower viral replication rates and reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that produce the inflammation that injures the lining of the lungs, leading to pneumonia, as well as increasing concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in reducing risk of COVID-19 includes that the outbreak occurred in winter, a time when vitamin D levels are lowest. Yet, the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere near the end of summer were low.
To reduce the risk of infection, the authors are recommending that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking 10,000 IU per day of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise vitamin D levels, followed by 5000 IU per day.
The authors state that the goal should be to raise vitamin D levels above 50 ng/mL (or 110 nmol/L, depending on what measurement your lab uses).
NOTE: please always speak with your health professional before making any changes to your vitamin D3 supplement.
ANTIBODY TESTING FOR COVID-19 WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE
Testing for antibodies will go a long way to deciding who can go back to work. While the CDC is saying testing will be available within the next few weeks, nobody knows how these tests will be distributed and to whom.
We are rigorously looking into ways we can procure COVID-19 antibody tests for you and your families over the next few weeks. Specifically, we are focusing on a test that can tell you four things:
If you currently have COVID-19.
If you are in the early stages of COVID-19.
If you have already had COVID-19.
If you never had COVID-19.
Stay tuned! CAN YOU GET COVID-19 AGAIN AFTER ALREADY HAVING IT? This is a question that world health experts are pondering now. The WHO is looking into reports that citizens who had COVID-19 in countries such as South Korea and China, who had already recovered and tested negative, are now testing positive again. It has already been proposed that the virus that causes COVID-19 may act like viruses such as chicken pox, that stay latent in the body and resurfaces years later as shingles. Or, it may be like other coronaviruses that causes yearly respiratory infections like the common cold. Or, it may act like the influenza virus that can be particularly virulent in those with comorbidities. At this point, we just don't know. Another hypothesis is that after these patients had recovered, getting back to the rigors of daily life could bring more of the virus out again for replication, which could lead to a positive test. One thing is for sure. The virus that causes COVID-19 is not going away any time soon. However, like with many other viruses introduced to humans for the first time, you will eventually build up immunity to fight it off, just as we do with many viruses now. That said, it is even more critical to do two things going forward. First, make sure the host (you) is as healthy as possible. Second, arm yourself with as many natural weapons to help your immune system defend against myriad pathogens.
KEEPING YOUR KIDS MENTALLY HEALTHY
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