Low carbohydrate dietary considerations for COVID
Ketones (spefically beta-hydroxybutyrate) have shown to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which is a key pathological mechanism in COVID-19.
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Low serum potassium in COVID-19 and thoughts on interventions
In a study of 175 COVID-positive patients in collaboration with Wenzhou Hospital in China, nearly all were identified as having hypokalemia (low serum potassium), likely due to the mechanisms of COVID-19 on ACE2 receptors and the renin-angiotensin system.
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Hypovitaminosis D: An underlying factor in influenza, ARDS mortality. What about COVID19?
There has been quite a bit of kerfuffle about the workhorse nutrient vitamin D. We are getting pinged daily on whether it should be used or avoided in the COVID19 pandemic. I believe this question was fueled by a recent write-up mentioning an in vitro study showing that D can up-regulate certain cytokines.
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Zinc’s relationship with viruses and chloroquine
Zinc is needed to slow viral RNA replication and it also regulates inflammatory cytokines. Anosmia and ageusia, as reported in COVID-19 and also common symptoms of flu, are classic signs of zinc defficiency.
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Quercetin for COVID19?
Quercetin is a great flavonoid for many reasons: It’s a known anti-histamine. It’s considered essential in anti-aging protocols.
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Humidity helps your nose eliminate viruses
The nose and sinuses are designed to protect us from viruses using small, finger-like projections called cilia that literally beat back infections. Cilia love humidity; when your sinuses and nasal passages get too dry, the cilia have a hard time doing their job and microbes get stuck in there. This is why pediatricians love humidifiers…
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Role of Fat-Soluble Vitamins A and D in the Pathogenesis of Influenza: A New Perspective
Role of Fat-Soluble Vitamins A and D in the Pathogenesis of Influenza: A New Perspective So here’s a topic I’ve wanted to dive into: the idea that it’s the ratio of D:A (D must be greater than A) for effective influenza tx/prophylaxis (and SARS in this hypothesis)… Vitamin A is essential, but if we dose…
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Younger adults are also impacted by COVID in the US
While older individuals and those with underlying health conditions are still most at risk from COVID-19, more than one-third of those who have contracted the virus are aged 44 years and below. This age group also accounts for 20 percent of all hospitalizations and 12 percent of ICU admissions. None of us can be complacent…
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COVID-19 *MAY* present with digestive symptoms
Digestive symptoms may be the first signs of COVID-19 infection, for some people. While a dry cough and fever are typically conveyed as the symptoms to watch out for, this new study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology reports that some individuals may also/predominantly experience loss of appetite, loose stool, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, together…
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Why are we considering palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for COVID19?
Why are we considering palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for COVID19? We have been interested in this molecule for years and have used in our allergy patients (it has well-documented mast cell stabilizing properties), in our pain patients and as influenza treatment and prophylaxis. In this most recent COVID19 pandemic, I think PEA is worth considering, although we…
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COVID in Italy – One physician’s FxMed approach
Dr. Manuel Salvadori, Functional Medicine physician in Italy, is addressing those with COVID19 in his practice using the following protocol. To quote him directly in response to me asking how his patients were faring with what he’s prescribing: “It’s not possible to evaluate results on the CoVID-19, as you can’t really tell if people are…
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COVID-19 Pharma Treatment Shows Promise
Promising pharmaceutical treatment (a repurposed flu drug) for early-stage COVID-19 could be available as early as May. Testing in 340 patients in Japan appears to reduce the median duration of infection from 11 to 4 days. 91% of those treated showed improved lung condition compared to 62% without treatment. Early intervention may be key as…
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Peanut IgE+ B Cells Aren’t Just in Blood
The gut is a major site for IgE-producing B cells in peanut-allergic patients, defined for the first time by new research. The authors also found evidence suggesting that isotype switching can occur in GI tissue – including switching from IgA and IgG to IgE immunoglobulin types. This new understanding presents opportunities for future interventions to…
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Have You Heard of Experience Extinction?
Can we describe experiences as becoming extinct? How many of us are lacking the following: time spent in nature, and contact with biodiverse environments and microbes? Children especially, occupied by homework and screens, can miss out. Jeff Bland and Susan Prescott coauthored this new peer-reviewed paper that paints an expansive and remarkable view of the…
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Research and News February 2020
FDA Approves First Standardized Powder for Allergy Desensitization
Non-Stick Chemicals Found in Drinking Water Across US
Smoke-Damaged Cells Can Be Replaced – It’s Never Too Late To Quit
APOE4 Gene Carriers at Greater Risk for Memory Deficits from Soccer Headings
Antibodies Found in Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
Fish Oil May Improve Testicular Function
