By Dr. Amy Davis, MD
Alot has been learned about COVID-19 since the onset. It is highly contagious and can be spread through asymptomatic individuals. Symptoms vary greatly. All body systems can be impacted resulting in respiratory, cardiovascular, immunological, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal, and neurological crises. Severity of the infection varies greatly from asymptomatic to life-threatening.
Inflammation enhances the binding and entry of the virus into cells. Coronavirus negatively affects the ability of the innate immune system to fight off the infection. COVID-19 can delay or destroy macrophages which are large white blood cells that locate and eat viruses. The impact on macrophages interferes with cytokine production (immune modulators) and antibody production against the virus. The result is a virus that has the ability to hijack your immune system making it more destructive.
Populations that are at risk of developing severe disease include: Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disease, and any chronic inflammatory condition. This puts people at higher risk because they are associated with a dysfunctional immune system which sets the stage for more serious outcomes. “Cytokine storm” is an overwhelming inflammatory response from a dysfunctional immune system and is seen in COVID-19 patients. Coronavirus is the trigger, but the immune response can be deadly.
Even before COVID-19 appeared we were facing a global health crisis of rising chronic inflammatory disorders associated with immune dysregulation. Metabolic syndrome in the United States affects one-third of the population. Understanding this can help us to approach COVID-19.
What you can do
- Reduce inflammation
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet rich in healthy fats, vegetables and fruits. Avoid sugars and reduce alcohol intake. Include high potassium foods.
- Reduce Stress – exercise, breathing, meditation.
- Maintain a healthy mucosal barrier which is your first line of defense – probiotics including Sacch B., colostrum, collagen, beta glucans and serum bovine immunoglobulins.
Support Immune Modulators
Vitamin D – level 50-80 ng/ml in blood is optimal;Vitamin C; Vitamin A – not more than 5,000 IU’s per day; Zinc; Omega 3’s; Quercitin;
Enhance Natural Killer Cell function
Olive Leaf Extract ; Astragalus / Andrographis; Medicinal Mushrooms; Tumeric – can help maintain a healthy inflammatory response and immune balance. Enhance TH1 Adaptive Immunity which produces antibodies Berberine; Echinacea; Scutellariae; Licorice Root
Anti-inflammatory support
Turmeric; Potassium; Bromelain; Resveratrol; Quercitin; Melatonin; Boswellia; Sulforaphane – phytochemical found in broccoli!
Antioxidant support
Glutathione; N Acetyl Cysteine
Protect yourself and others:
- Wear a mask.
- Wash and sanitize your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Social distance
- Stay at home if you are sick.
Please be careful and take steps to remain healthy! We are accepting new patients.
Dr. Amy Davis M.D.
Crossing Back to Health
11477 Olde Cabin Rd.
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
636 778-9158
www.crossingbacktohealth.com