As the number of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections continue to increase, we are learning that the damage caused by the virus can extend well beyond the lungs, affecting the body from head to toe including the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems. Further, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are frequently co-infected with bacteria and other viruses.
As we begin to ease Stay at Home restrictions, we must continue to be vigilant and support our immune systems. If you are exposed, there are measures you can take, based on the biology of the virus, which may diminish the likelihood of severe illness. These are not treatments for disease; they are preventive strategies and have the greatest chance of succeeding if they are implemented before you are exposed.
Coronavirus Biology And Protection Through Nutrition
In order to cause disease, any virus must enter a human cell, replicate, and damage the cell, escaping to infect adjacent cells. For COVID-19, there are 3 enzymes that play a critical role in this sequence. They are named ACE-2, Furin and 3-CL protease.
ACE-2
SARS-Cov-2 enters human cells by attaching to a protein on the cell surface called ACE-2. The resilience of ACE-2 may explain the diversity of responses to coronavirus infections.
Natural substances shown to enhance ACE-2 function include:
Vitamin D
Curcumin
Resveratrol
Ginseng
Alpha-lipoic acid
Two herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine that directly stimulate the Mas Receptor (a cellular protein important in ACE-2 function):
Astragalus root
Scutellaria baiacailensis
FURIN
In order for SARS-Cov-2 to lock onto ACE-2 the surface of the virus must be altered by an enzyme called Furin.
Natural substances shown to block Furin include:
Andrographis paniculata
Luteolin
Morinda citrifolia
3 CL-PROTEASE
Once they have entered human cells, corona viruses inflict damage and spread to other cells by creating an enzyme called 3-CL protease.
Natural substances shown to block 3-CL protease include:
Elderberry fruit
Quercetin and Luteolin
Houttuynia cordata
Protection Through Nutrition
Pre-illness enhancement of innate immunity:
Vitamin D
Melatonin
Medicinal mushrooms
Prebiotics like beta glucans, arabinogalactans and galacto-oligosaccharides
Probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum and spore-forming bacteria of the genus Bacillus
Elderberry polysaccharides
Zinc
Vitamin A
Immune Modulation to down-regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome:
Resveratrol
Luteolin
Curcumin
Andrographolides
Melatonin
Black cumin seed
If you are interested in any of the supplements mentioned in this blog, they are available for purchase from our Wellness Store.
Looking for more support?
Visit the Immune Support section of our Wellness Store for immune boosting supplements
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Please contact our office for tailored intervention plans that meet your individual needs to optimize your immune system based on your underlying immune condition, unique immune function and immune reactivity, genetics, gastrointestinal health, microbiome balance, nutrient status, chronic infections and environmental toxins.
Make an appointment today: 310-553-4242 or online here.
