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April 3, 2019 - Coronavirus (Covid-19)
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April 3, 2019
UPDATE: The Institute of Functional Medicine UK – Recommended Interventions – Click Here
Boosting Immunity: Functional Medicine Tips on Prevention &
Optimizing Immune Function During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak
Recommended Interventions (Excerpt)
ZINC
Zinc contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular
functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. There is also
evidence that it suppresses viral attachment and replication. Zinc
deficiency is common, especially in those populations most at risk for
severe COVID-19 infections, and is challenging to accurately diagnosis
with laboratory measures. Supplementation with zinc is supported by
evidence that it both prevents viral infections and reduces their
severity and duration. Moreover, it has been shown to reduce the risk of
lower respiratory infection, which may be of particular significance in
the context of COVID-19.
| Intervention | Zinc |
| Suggested dose |
30–60 mg daily, in divided doses Zinc acetate, citrate, picolinate, or glycinate orally |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
Favorably modulate innate and adaptive immune system Favorably modulate viral-induced pathological cellular processes, attachment, and replication |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | Reduced severity of symptoms 9,10 Reduced duration of illness 11 |
| Strength of evidence | Strong |
| Risk of harm12,13,14 | Minimal |
ELDERBERRY
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is seen in many medicinal preparations and has widespread historical use as an anti-viral herb.15
Based on animal research, elderberry is likely most effective in the
prevention of and early infection with respiratory viruses.16 One in-vitro study reported an increase in TNF-alpha levels related to a specific commercial preparation of elderberry,17
leading some to caution that its use could initiate a “cytokine storm.”
However, these data were not confirmed when the same group performed
similar studies, which were published in 2002.18 Therefore,
these data suggest it is highly implausible that consumption of properly
prepared elderberry products (from berries or flowers) would contribute
to an adverse outcome related to overproduction of cytokines or lead to
an adverse response in someone infected with COVID-19.
| Intervention | Elderberry |
| Suggested Dose | 500 mg po qd (of USP standard of 17% anthocyanosides) for up to 12 weeks19 |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses15,20,21,22,23,24 | Favorably modulate cellular defense and repair mechanisms Favorably modulate viral-induced pathological cellular processes |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains |
Reduction and improvement in symptoms25,26 Reduced incidence and duration27 |
| Strength of evidence | Strong |
| Risk of harm15,19,20,25,26,28,29,30 | Minimal |
VITAMIN D
Activated vitamin D,1,25(OH) D, a steroid hormone, is an immune
system modulator that reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines
and increases macrophage function. Vitamin D also stimulates the
expression of potent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which exist in
neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and epithelial cells of
the respiratory tract.31 Vitamin D increases anti-pathogen
peptides through defensins and has a dual effect due to suppressing
superinfection. Evidence suggests vitamin D supplementation may prevent
upper respiratory infections.32 However, there is some
controversy as to whether it should be used and the laboratory value
that should be achieved. Research suggests that concerns about vitamin D
(increased IL-1beta in cell culture) are not seen clinically. The
guidance we suggest is that a laboratory range of >50 and <
80ng/mL serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D may help to mitigate morbidity from
COVID-19 infection.
| Intervention | Vitamin D |
| Suggested dose | 5,000 IU po qd in the absence of serum levels |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55 |
Favorably modulate cellular defense and repair mechanisms: •Stimulation of anti-microbial peptides |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains |
Reduce progression from colonization to illness33,46,56 |
| Strength of evidence | Strong for prevention (conditional for treatment) |
| Risk of harm57,58,59,60,61,62,63 | Minimal |
VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is a micronutrient that is crucial for
maintaining vision, promoting growth and development, and protecting
epithelium and mucus integrity in the body. Vitamin A is known as an
anti-inflammation vitamin because of its critical role in enhancing
immune function. Vitamin A is involved in the development of the immune
system and plays regulatory roles in cellular immune responses and
humoral immune processes through the modulation of T helper cells, sIgA,
and cytokine production. Vitamin A has demonstrated a therapeutic
effect in the treatment of various infectious diseases.64
| Intervention | Vitamin A |
| Suggested dose | Up to 10,000-25,000 IU/d |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses64,65 |
Favorably modulate cellular defense and repair mechanisms: • Modulation of T helper cells • Modulation of cytokine production |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | Reduction of symptom duration66 Mortality reduction67,68 Reduction of incidence of illness associated with viral strains69 |
| Strength of evidence | Strong |
| Risk of harm70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77 | Mild; only if dose is not exceeded *Caution in pregnancy (high dietary intake of >10,000 IU/day of preformed vitamin A appears to be teratogenic) |
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various
cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.
Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, and can
enhance chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of reactive oxygen species,
and ultimately microbial killing. Supplementation with vitamin C
appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic
infections.78 Vitamin C has been used in hospital ICUs to treat COVID-19 infection.
| Intervention | Vitamin C |
| Suggested dose | 1-3 grams po qd |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses78 | Favorably modulate cellular defense and repair mechanisms Favorably modulate viral-induced pathological cellular processes |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | Reduced mortality with sepsis79,80 |
| Strength of evidence | Moderate (for sepsis treatment) Conditional (prevention) |
| Risk of harm81,82,83,84,85 | Mild with suggested dose Minimal (1–2 g po qd) |
N-ACETYLCYSTEINE (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine promotes glutathione production, which has been
shown to be protective in rodents infected with influenza. In a
little-noticed six-month controlled clinical study enrolling 262
primarily elderly subjects, those receiving 600 mg NAC twice daily, as
opposed to those receiving placebo, experienced significantly fewer
influenza-like episodes and days of bed confinement.86
| Intervention | N-acetylcysteine (NAC) |
| Suggested dose | 600-900 mg po bid |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses86 |
Favorably modulate cellular defense and repair mechanisms: •Hypothetical: repletion of glutathione and cysteine |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | Reduce progression from colonization to illness Reduce the severity and duration of acute symptoms87 |
| Strength of evidence | Limited |
| Risk of harm88,89,90,91,92,93 | Minimal (with oral intake) |
QUERCETIN
Quercetin has been shown to have antiviral effects against both RNA
(e.g., influenza and coronavirus) and DNA viruses (e.g.,
herpesvirus). Quercetin has a pleiotropic role as an antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory, modulating signaling pathways that are associated
with post-transcriptional modulators affecting post-viral healing.94
| Intervention | Quercetin |
| Suggested dose | Regular: 1 gm po bid; phytosome: 500 mg, bid Suggested Duration: Up to 12 weeks95 |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses |
Promote viral eradication or inactivation:96,97,98,99,100 •Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation101,102 •Modulation of mast cell stabilization (anti-fibrotic) |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | Reduction of symptoms103 |
| Strength of evidence | Limited |
| Risk of harm104,105,106,107 | Minimal (with suggested dose/duration) |
EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG)
Green tea, in addition to modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and,
based on a preprint, potentially targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease
(Mpro)108 to reduce viral replication, has also been shown to prevent influenza in healthcare workers.109
| Intervention | Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) |
| Suggested dose | 4 cups daily or 225 mg po qd |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses |
Favorably modulate viral-induced pathological cellular processes: •Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation101,109,110 |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | No data available |
| Strength of evidence | Limited (for prevention) Conditional (for treatment) |
| Risk of harm112,113,114,115,116,117,118,119,120,121,122,123 | Minimal (mild for higher doses >800 mg where some temporary elevated liver enzymes are noted) |
CURCUMIN
Curcumin has been shown to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome,101 and a preprint suggests that curcumin can target the SARS-CoV-2 main protease to reduce viral replication.124
| Intervention | Curcumin |
| Suggested dose | 500-1,000 mg po bid (of absorption-enhanced curcumin) |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses |
Favorably modulate viral-induced pathological cellular processes: •Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation101,125,126,127,128 |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | No data available |
| Strength of evidence | Conditional |
| Risk of harm129,130,131,132,133,134,135,136,137 | Minimal |
MELATONIN
Melatonin has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the NLRP3 inflammasome.138
This has not gone unnoticed by the COVID-19 research community, with
two recent published papers proposing the use of melatonin as a
therapeutic agent in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.139,140
| Intervention | Melatonin |
| Suggested dose | 5-20 mg qd |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses | Favorably modulate viral-induced pathological cellular processes • Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation138,139 |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | Research in progress |
| Strength of evidence | Conditional |
| Risk of harm141,142,143,144,145,146,147,148,149,150,151 | Minimal |
RESVERATROL
Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, shows many beneficial health effects.152 It has been shown to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome.101 In addition, resveratrol was shown to have in vitro activity against MERS-CoV in an animal study.153
| Intervention | Resveratrol |
| Suggested dose | 100-150 mg po qd |
| Mechanism(s) of action against non-COVID-19 viruses | Favorably modulate viral-induced pathological cellular processes •Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation101 |
| Outcomes data supporting their mitigating effects on illness from other viral strains | No outcomes data available |
| Strength of evidence | Conditional |
| Risk of harm154,155,156,157,158,159,160,161,162,163 | Minimal |
Dr. Heidi van Loggerenberg (M.Tech Hom, CFSP)
From Dr Van Loggerenberg’s website
For many months, there were no absolute treatment protocols for COVID, and no vaccine. We had to rely solely on our immune system and our current state of health.
Even though vaccines and treatments are starting to emerge, they only offer some protection against a severe COVID outcome.
This pandemic has highlighted integrative medicine and that our nutrition, environment and lifestyle choices (staying fit, eating right, sleeping optimally, keeping our weight, inflammation and oxidative stress low, matter BIG TIME! Prevention matters as much, if not more, than treatment right now.
THE 4 PHASES OF COVID – CLICK HERE
FLCCC: Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance: Prevention & Treatment Protocols for COVID-19
PREPARATION FOR COVID19 – Dr Anton van Rensburg
Taken from a Recent post on Facebook:
“My wife and I just had the new variant of Covid. (My wife is a type 1 diabetic). The infection was surprisingly aggressive. I am preparing an updated home treatment approach for release in the next few days. Until then here is a snapshot of my approach with some additions (I will try to post the more detailed protocol later this week)
Preparation
Yes, the operative term is ‘preparation’ because many people reading this will get Covid-19 and will contribute towards South Africa reaching herd immunity. You should however get your body as ready as possible. This is how (ALL dosages are important):
- Vitamin C: 1000mg twice per day
- Vitamin D: 5000 IU per day
- Zinc: 20mg taken twice daily
- Quercetin: 500mg 2x dly
- Probiotic flora: 1 cap every 2nd day
- Omega-3: 2 caps twice daily
- B-complex vitamins
- Melatonin (3mg at night – for higher risk individuals)
Treatment. From day 1 of symptoms:
The moment you have the first symptoms start counting the days – your doctor will need to know on which day of the infection you are when you speak to him. (More about this in my next post)
Treatment dosages of the nutrient protocol – be aggressive in the upscale of these dosages to limit viral replication.
- Vitamin C: 2000mg 3x per day
- Vitamin D: 5000 IU per day
- Zinc: 20mg taken 5x daily (100mg per day)
- Quercetin: 500mg 2x dly
- Probiotic flora: 1 cap every day
- Omega-3: 2 caps twice daily
- B-complex vitamins
- Melatonin (6mg at night – for higher risk individuals)
- Aspirin 81-325mg per day (FIRST check with your doctor if you can take this)
*This whole protocol is subject to discussion with your doctor before taking it.”
VIDEO: IVM TREATMENT PROTOCOL – DR VAN RENSBURG
Essential Nutrition to Protect Yourself From Coronavirus – Dr Mercola
As for prevention, nutrition plays a crucial role and several nutrients are known for their immune-boosting properties and ability to ward against viral infections. As reported in a February 24, 2020 press release:25,26
McCarty and DiNicolantonio list several nutrients available in supplement form that may be of particular benefit against COVID-19, including the following (below). For more details about each, see the full-text paper28 published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases:
| N-acetylcysteine (NAC) — Encourages glutathione production, thins mucus, lowers your chances of influenza infection and reduces your risk of developing severe bronchitis |
| Elderberry extract — Known to shorten influenza duration by two to four days and reduce the severity of the flu. According to the authors:29 “Given that elderberry is a very rich source of anthocyanins, there is reason to suspect that its impact on viruses might be mediated, at least in part, by ferulic acid, a prominent metabolite that appears in plasma following anthocyanin ingestion.” |
| Spirulina — Reduces severity of influenza infection and lowers influenza mortality in animal studies. In a human trial, spirulina significantly lowered the viral load in patients with HIV infection |
| Beta-glucan — Reduces severity of influenza infection severity and lowers influenza mortality in animal studies |
| Glucosamine — Upregulates mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), reduces severity of influenza infection severity and lowers influenza mortality in animal studies |
| Selenium — “Since selenium is an essential cofactor for certain peroxidases, and selenium deficiency has been endemic in certain regions of China and other parts of the world, insuring adequacy of selenium nutrition might also be appropriate in this context,” McCarty and DiNicolantonio note, adding:30 “Selenium deficiency also increases the rate at which viruses can mutate, promoting the evolution of strains that are more pathogenic and capable of evading immune surveillance.” |
| Zinc — Supports “effective function and proliferation of various immune cells,” lowering mortality in the elderly by 27% |
| Lipoic acid — Helps boost type 1 interferon response. As explained in a 2014 paper:31 “Type I interferons (IFNs) activate intracellular antimicrobial programs and influence the development of innate and adaptive immune responses … (IFNs) are polypeptides that are secreted by infected cells and have three major functions. First, they induce cell-intrinsic antimicrobial states in infected and neighboring cells that limit the spread of infectious agents, particularly viral pathogens. Second, they modulate innate immune responses in a balanced manner that promotes antigen presentation and natural killer cell functions while restraining pro-inflammatory pathways and cytokine production. Third, they activate the adaptive immune system, thus promoting the development of high-affinity antigen-specific T and B cell responses and immunological memory. Type I IFNs are protective in acute viral infections but can have either protective or deleterious roles in bacterial infections and autoimmune diseases.” |
| Sulforaphane — Helps boost type 1 interferon response |
A 2005 study32 in The Journal of Infectious Diseases also found resveratrol has the power to inhibit the replication of influenza A virus, significantly improving survival in influenza-infected mice. According to the authors, resveratrol “acts by inhibiting a cellular, rather than a viral, function,” which suggests it “could be a particularly valuable anti-influenza drug.”
Suggested Daily Dosages
The provisional daily dosage suggestions offered by McCarty and DiNicolantonio to help control RNA viruses, including influenza and coronavirus infection, are as follows:33
| Nutraceutical | Daily dosage |
|---|---|
| Ferulic acid | 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) |
| Lipoic acid | 1,200 to 1,800 mg (in place of ferulic acid) |
| Spirulina | 15 grams |
| NAC | 1,200 to 1,800 mg |
| Selenium | 50 to 100 micrograms (mcg) |
| Glucosamine | 3,000 mg or more |
| Zinc | 30 to 50 mg |
| Yeast beta-glucan | 250 to 500 mg |
| Elderberry extract | 600 to 1,500 mg |
The Importance of Vitamin D Optimization
Solar ultraviolet-B radiation and supplemental vitamin D have also been shown to reduce pandemic fatality rates, which makes sense considering how important vitamin D is for controlling infections and lowering your risk for influenza and the common cold.
As detailed in “Vitamin D Prevents Infections,” research shows high-dose vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of respiratory illnesses and lung infections in the elderly by 40%. As noted by an author of that study, “Vitamin D can improve the immune system’s ability to fight infections because it bolsters the first line of defense of the immune system.”
Research34 published in 2009 pointed suggests fatality rates during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic were influenced by season, with greater numbers of people dying during the winter than the summer. According to the authors:35
As a general guideline, get your vitamin D level tested twice a year, in the winter and summer, to make sure you’re in a healthy range of 60 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL year-round. (A compelling body of research suggests 40 ng/mL is the cutoff for sufficiency.)
Take Control of Your Gut
Last but not least, should the inclusion of Prevotella bacteria in COVID-19 turn out to be accurate, prebiotics, probiotics and sporebiotics may be of significant use. A number of studies36 have shown Bifidobacterium bifidum strain probiotics can help reduce Prevotella, while Lactobacillus strains tend to increase it.
Sporebiotics may be particularly beneficial. As explained in “How Spore Probiotics Can Help You,” which features an interview with Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, spore-based probiotics consist of the cell wall of bacillus spores — the protective shell around the DNA and the working mechanism of that DNA — not the whole, live bacterium.
Bacillus spores have been shown to dramatically increase immune tolerance, which means they help repair damage in your intestinal barrier. Since they’re not “live,” they’re also unaffected by antibiotics.
The bacillus very effectively modulates cytokines — anti-inflammatory cytokines are upregulated while inflammatory cytokines are downregulated, thereby restoring balance between the two.
Research has also shown that sporebiotics massively increase reproduction of acidophilus, bifidus and other microbes in your gut via the electromagnetic messages they send out. This is entirely unique. When you take a regular probiotic, they primarily take care of themselves. Bacillus spores, on the other hand, actually enhance many of the other beneficial microbes.
Bacillus spores also create 24 different substances that have strong antimicrobial properties. However, they do not kill indiscriminately like antibiotics do. They specifically suppress pathogens that do make a valuable contribution to the whole.
As COVID-19 continues to take its toll, taking measures to strengthen your immune system would be a wise strategy as a strong immune system is your No. 1 defense against all types of infections, both viral and bacterial, and the nutraceuticals discussed in this article can all aid you in that effort.
For the Full Article, Click Here
Lecture Herbal Medicine – COVID-19
Consulting Herbalist, Naturopath, Iridologist, Lecturer, Author
Course leader in Herbal Medicine and Academic Director at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM)
VIDEO: DR ANTON VAN RENSBURG
Covid-19 has weaknesses. This is how to exploit them.
CLICK HERE for the Video
Dr Anton Janse van Rensburg is a practising medical doctor from Pretoria (MBChB degree University of Pretoria 1997). He is trained in the field of metal toxicology and has a master’s degree in Applied Human Nutrition (MSc University of Pretoria). He currently fulfils the role of Chief Medical Officer for the Executive Wellbeing Company which specialises in the health of company leadership. They have centres in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
As an author Dr Anton published an eBook in 2006 entitled ‘The Health Mentoring Programme’ which enjoys an international readership. In 2009 he co-authored the book ‘Diamonds in the Dust – crafting your future landscape’. His contribution to this publication deals with the use of nutritional & supplemental approaches in the treatment of mood disorders.
Dr Anton is an established public speaker and he specialises in motivating audiences to adopt healthier habits through well researched lifestyle and food approaches. He is very involved in the wellness programmes of numerous South African companies like Sasol, The Reserve Bank, Nedbank, ABSA, SARS to name a few.
Additional Video’s from Dr Van Rensburg:
Examples of Covid-19 success stories.
How successful ICU teams are treating COVID-19 and saving lives!