From eNewsletter 4/21/2022
DID YOU KNOW that there is an explicit link between inflammation and depression? A new study from JAMA Psychiatry suggests several links, but two of which are very important to us. First, C-reactive protein (CRP) was linked to individual depressive symptoms. Second, faulty IL-6 signaling increased risk of depression-associated suicide. This is critical data because we can assess C-reactive protein status by blood (snapshot into current state) and genetic screening (potential risk). We can also screen IL-6 risk through genetic screening, as well as several other genes associated with depression (dopamine and serotonin genes).
UPDATE - COVID-19 Vaccine Information We updated this document Monday April 19th.
Virus Prevention And Treatment Vaccines will minimize COVID-19 related mortality and hospitalizations, but SARS-CoV-2 is not going away, as evidenced by its ever-mutating variants. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 is not the only virus we fight. There are influenza (flu), norovirus (stomach flu), adenovirus (common cold), and four other coronaviruses (common cold), among others.We highly recommend continuing your immune support. For more information, refer to our Prevent and Fight Viruses 2.0 Protocol.
COVID-19 Condition Monograph For those interested in conventional and integrative treatments for COVID-19 with over 250 references, this is our COVID-19 Condition Monograph.
Post-COVID Syndrome The official diagnosis for post-COVID syndrome (PCS) are symptoms that last for 12 weeks or more. If you, a family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor is suffering from PCS, diligently following our Post-COVID Syndrome Action Plan for purchase, or free to paid members, can bring measurable improvement.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Steve and Bonnie: According to the CDC, at least 5,800 Americans have been infected despite full vaccination. These "breakthrough cases" are less than 1% of the 76 million Americans who are fully vaccinated. 400 of the 5,800 cases required hospitalization and 74 died. More than 40% of the infections were in people 60 or over and 65% were female.
The CDC early-on was transparent about the fact that infections despite full vaccination would occur. The Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines are more than 90% effective and the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine about 70%. But no vaccine is 100% effective. In fact, breakthrough cases will help infectious disease experts identify new variants that could be evading vaccines, as well as those who did not generate a strong enough immune response.
Oral (Mouth) Microbiome
The lead author of a new study in Gut says it best: "Microbiome dysbiosis occurs in the oral cavity of COVID patients and we should start thinking of new ways to rebalance the microbiome," he added. "Approaches that can increase the beneficial microbes and reduce pathogens (include) taking probiotics, prebiotics, and certain vitamins known to help in this regard - e.g., vitamins D3, A, B, and C. Adopting a healthy diet should be a core part of these strategies. The diet should be nutritionally balanced, whole-food based, low-glycemic, rich in fiber and resistant starch, low in sugar, full of healthy mono- and polyunsaturated plant fats, and low in saturated fat."
Why Some "Long Haulers" Feel Symptom Remission After Vaccine
There have been numerous reports of persons with post-COVID syndrome or "long haulers" experiencing remission of symptoms after getting the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The first study to possibly explain this phenomenon recently appeared in Medrxiv. Simply, in some individuals who got COVID-19, the infection led to faulty immunity, so their immune systems either do not go back to normal, or the virus is still active, albeit in a less severe manner. The mRNA vaccines reset the immune system properly so it either eradicates SARS-CoV-2 and/or calms the immune system.
Air Travel Transmission Risk
A sweeping study from Medrxiv states that risk of getting COVID-19 from air travel ranges from 1 case for every 712,000 travelers to 1 case for every 8 million travelers. The risk of COVID-19 transmission on an aircraft is low, even with infectious persons onboard.
Physical Inactivity
Consistently meeting physical activity guidelines was strongly associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults, according to a study from British Journal of Sports Medicine. The authors recommend efforts to promote physical activity be prioritized by public health agencies and incorporated into routine medical care.
Genetics
A study in Medrxiv, using CRISPR technology, honed in on two genes that are associated with increased risk of COVID-19. Not surprisingly, mutations of these genes adversely affect NFR2 pathway function, which is critical to providing sufficient antioxidants to quench free radicals, thus quelling inflammation. This is why antioxidants such as vitamin C and quercetin have proven to be so successful against SARS-CoV-2.
Breastfeeding with COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to be transmitted to newborns via breast milk, according to a study from Israel, which supports the current guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) for breastfeeding by SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
In a diverse, real-world COVID-19 patient population, treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly decreased the risk of subsequent emergency department visit or hospitalization within 30 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 viral test, according to a study in Medrxiv.
BONNIE'S EASY FRITTATAS This article is reserved for NCI Well Connect Members. You can get this article by signing up here. You can get our free eNewsletter by signing up at the top of our website.