“COVID toes” seen in children
Dermatologists are reporting an increase of a skin symptom affecting extremities such as hands and feet.
Details
Skinny fat increases the risk for heart disease in young adults
“Skinny fat”, otherwise known as ‘normal-weight obesity’ (NWO), describes the condition of having excess body fat, as a percentage of body mass, even as body-mass index (BMI) is normal.
Details
Potassium’s Role in Reducing Hydroxychloroquine Side Effects and Supporting COVID Patients
Recently, we discussed the role of zinc in optimizing hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) antiviral benefit. We’ve also been talking about profound potassium (K+) deficiency (hypokalemia) apparently being caused by CoV-2 hijacking of ACE2 receptors.
Details
Air pollution is linked with higher coronavirus death rates – a new Harvard analysis
A new Harvard-led analysis finds that COVID-19 patients that live in areas with higher air pollution, such as New York City, have experienced a higher death-rate from the infection than those who lived in areas with cleaner air.
Details
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.
Details
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.
Details
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.
Details
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.
Details
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.
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details