Since there are currently no clinically researched natural treatments specific for COVID19, my recommendations to this point have been based upon what is typically helpful to support a strong and healthy immune system – including remedies that are known antiviral agents.
I now have very important new information from immunology research that I wanted to share as it could be extremely helpful – for prevention and treatment. I think it’s critical to share this information widely and as quickly as possible as it has the potential to turn the course for those who are immune compromised and elderly.
Most of this information comes from a couple of webinars and from this excellent podcast I recently shared on Facebook. I will summarize the important points below. The podcast is heavy into immunological science but it is chock-full of critical information and I’d dare say potentially life-saving information.
Avoid with COVID-19 infection:
ACE-inhibitors. These medications work on the very receptors that that the virus binds to- so they stress the very biological system the virus attacks. Because ACE inhibitors increase the amount of receptors the virus binds to, those who are on this medication will invariably have a higher viral load. Better to utilize other types of blood pressure lowering medications than ACE inhibitors now.
Ibuprofen – switch to acetominophen instead. It is thought that Ibuprofen exacerbates the illness as it puts more stress on the very system (renin-angiotensin) implicated in infection.
Things to add in for prevention:
Vitamins: C, A, D3 – These vitamins shut down the biochemical cascade responsible for the severe lung inflammation. Preventative doses to consider:
2-4,000 mg of Vitamin C
20,000 IU Vitamin A (not beta-carotene)
2-4,000 IU Vitamin D
Good quality sleep to boost melatonin which also reduces inflammation
Herbs to consider adding in for prevention:
Andrographis has been indicated becasuse it inhibits the furin protease on the cellular membrane which is necessary for viral binding, also – Elderberry, Astragalus.
What to do when/if infected:
Increase Vitamin C levels – It down regulates the inflammatory markers that cause the severely uncontrolled inflammation in the lungs. Increase C levels to bowel tolerance – which basically means taking upwards of 10,000 mg per day or higher or until your have looser stools
Add in stress reducing herbs:
Passionflower, Feverfew, Ashwagandha– Not only are these herbs powerful for reducing stress (which is so depleting to the immune system) they reduce IL6 (interleukin 6) a key modulator of inflammation implicated in this disease.
One last note about prevention = Quality sleep important
Lastly, sleep and stress reduction are both extremely important. Because melatonin levels are inversely correlated with illness, sleep is critical now. This is thought to be the reason why children are less susceptible because they have higher melatonin levels.
Consider: meditation, limiting your news consumption and including some deep breathing that will not only promote relaxation, it will power up your lungs. I really like ‘5 for 5’ breathing. Inhale for a count of 5, hold for a count of 5, exhale for a count of 5 and hold again for a count of 5. Repeat this 5 times.
I will be offering another healing meditation at 1 pm EST Wed March 25th:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/651310235