Facing Reality and C19

If you have chosen to have the vaccine, or not.. 
You can still get Covid, and pass it on.
So what ELSE can you do?
First, don’t panic. Second, don’t panic.
Third, stay connected, stay positive and find some ways that work for you around managing stress.

Feel what comes up for you, find healthy ways to express your fears and concerns with those who can listen with compassion. 

Keep that vibe high.
Get into the sun each day that you can, connect with nature, get out and move your body. 
Hug your loved ones and find your JOY.

If you have ‘comorbidities’, now is THE time to take a look at your life choices and investigate ways that you can become well.
We know that you reduce your risk of hospitalization from Covid DRAMATICALLY if you do not have pre-existing chronic inflammatory conditions.
Taking responsibility for making some changes can be hard work, but long term, this will provide greater health benefits than from any gained by quick fix interventions. 

Now is the time to reduce the toxins in your life (chemicals in food, water, cleaning products etc). Also consider limiting exposure to toxic people (and fear based media that can send our delicate physiology into a continuous state of 'fight, flight, freeze)'. 
Maybe get creative, meditate or try some Yoga?
Maybe find some support or interest groups in your area?
Perhaps plan a project that contributes to building the world you wish to see for future generations? 

Get in touch for a Zoom consultation if you need support in making a Wellness Game Plan.

Okay, so, now you are hopefully not panicking, and know that you need to keep LIVING..

What ARE some synthetic and natural products that you can consider gathering for your medicine kit and pantry, knowing that there is a nasty bug in circulation?

I have been looking at what has been shown to be effective in international studies, clinics, communities and medical practices, and have compiled some ideas (with references for further reading). 

To start with here are some items you could consider having in your supply kit, (and pantry) that generally help your system fight off parasites and viruses;
Oregano oil, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, wormwood, papaya seeds, garlic, coconut products (including coconut oil, for ‘oil pulling’).
Also, consider eliminating sugar (as much as you can), refined grains and refined oils to help keep the body free from parasites and inflammation than weaken the immune system.

Make sure you are looking after your gut health, a good probiotic is never a bad idea.
Get some support to manage stress and overall wellbeing with a good B complex supplement.

If you suspect you have been in contact with someone infectious, or feel a little under the weather consider an antiviral mouthwash, they are considered first line therapeutics against covid infection. Gargle 3 x daily (do not swallow; these mouthwash products should contain chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, or cetylpyridinium chloride). Iodine nasal spray/drops are also used to prevent viral load building up in the nasal passages. You should be able to find some options at your pharmacy, (or online). 

Aspirin, is yet another first line therapeutic against covid infection. 
Ask your GP to look up the data on dosages for Covid.
They should discover that 325mg daily (unless contraindicated) is an effective dose.

In your daily life, and nutrition plan, you can also use;
Turmeric, ginger, omega 3 fatty acids (in high doses during infection) to manage inflammation and improve circulation.  

Some more HIGHLY effective first line therapeutic supplements you can consider taking include;
Vitamin D3 5,000 IU daily.
Quercetin 250mg 2 x daily
Zinc 100mg/day (elemental zinc)
Vitamin C 500–1,000mg 2 x daily
Curcumin (turmeric) 500mg 2 x daily
Berberine 500mg daily
Nigella Sativa (black cumin seed) 80mg/kg daily
Manuka Honey 1gram/kg daily

The above doses are recommended for acute infection.

Natural Anti Androgen Therapies may protect against severe covid; 
Reishi mushrooms, spearmint, peppermint, organic soy, saw palmetto, and licorice root. Berberine is also anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and androgen-inhibiting. 

Fluoxetine, is another second line therapeutic being used with some success
Consider asking your GP to explore options, and see if this could be right for you. 

St John's wort and echinacea could be considered as additional therapeutics, (when not taking medicines that interact with St John’s Wort, such as SSRI antidepressants).
​
NF-kappaB plays a pivotal role in cytokine storms through transcriptional activation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6 and IL6ST.
“Studies provide evidence supporting the use of fluoxetine (and St John’s Wort) to decrease NF-kappaB signaling and thereby decrease the IL6ST signal transduction pathway driving cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME THERAPEUTICS 

Berberine
Berberine is a natural active ingredient extracted from plants belonging to the Berberidaceae family. It is found in large quantities in barberry, to which it owes its scientific name Berberis vulgaris. However, it is also found at high levels in goldenseal, coptis, the turmeric tree, oregon grape, and philodendron.
Berberine lowers cholesterol, helps with weight management, helps to treat infertility and help to prevent the onset of diabetes.
Berberine also holds promise in terms of protecting the nervous system.
In particular, it protects neurons by preventing the formation of harmful amyloid plaques. It has anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties that naturally reduce the risk of developing alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown to be useful in fighting cancer (lowering inflammation), UTI’s, parkinson's disease, healing acne, alleviating depression, reducing joint pain and of course, it massively boosts up the immune system. 

“Recent studies have demonstrated therapeutic activity of BBR and its derivatives, especially against viral entry and replication.
“BBR has the ability to inhibit infection of various viruses including influenza virus, HSV, HCMV and CHIKV, and to reduce virus production. For some of these viral infections (e.g. CHIKV) there are still no approved drugs or treatments. Many viruses can target the MAPK pathway to manipulate cellular functions and control viral replication, leading to host cell death. These pathways are also involved in inhibitory effect of BBR. In addition, BBR can inhibit inflammatory responses triggered by viruses. Interestingly, in recent years, many scientific reports have reported immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory activity of BBR. Recent research suggests that BBR and its derivatives are active plant biomolecules that can be applied successfully for antiviral pharmacological strategies, possibly and hopefully also against SARS-CoV-2, which is currently a major problem worldwide”

Quercetin 
Quercetin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral substance found in certain foods, including red onions, apples, berries, red wine, green tea, buckwheat, peppers, dark cherries and berries (blueberries, bilberries, blackberries and others), tomatoes, cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, cabbage and sprouts, leafy green veggies, including spinach and kale.
Citrus fruits, cocoa, cranberries, raw asparagus, capers, raw red onion, olive oil, black and green tea, beans and legumes.

Many people take Quercetin in the autumn and spring to help their allergies around tree and weed pollen. Quercetin has been shown in many studies to have fairly broad anti-viral properties against most viruses.
In a recent analysis published by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Labs, they used high-powered computer modeling to look at which compounds or supplements might best prevent the coronavirus from binding to our cells.
One of the top 5 virus-fighting natural compounds is Quercetin. 
Quercetin statistically shortens the timing of molecular test conversion from positive to negative, reducing at the same time symptoms severity and negative predictors of COVID-19

“According to researchers at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute “A cell has a lock, and the virus has a key [to enter and infect the cell];” Chrétien said, “But quercetin puts glue in the lock. Therefore, we anticipate that Que could be a therapeutic tool to be assayed against COVID-19, either alone or in combination with other nutritional substances, antivirals, or other drugs. With well-known pharmacokinetic and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion-toxicity (ADMET) properties, Que can be considered as a good candidate for further optimization and development or repositioned for COVID-19 therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, the known pharmacophore structures of bioactive substances can be useful in the elaboration of new anti-COVID-19 formulations.”

Curcumin 
Curcumin is the active ingredient in the ancient spice turmeric.
Studies have shown curcumin to have powerful health benefits, and it is recommended by many as a treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory.
Much attention has been given to curcumin’s use as an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain. Studies have suggested that curcumin is more potent as an anti-inflammatory than ibuprofen and aspirin. Curcumin may prevent and aid in the treatment of cancer, can help reduce the effects of arthritis and several studies have shown a correlation between taking a curcumin supplement and reduced pain and more mobility in those living with osteoarthritis.
Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is well known for its value as an antioxidant. It seems the effect is so strong it may prevent toxins from damaging your liver and help those who have health issues requiring the use of strong drugs that may, over time, cause liver problems. Apart from adding colour and flavor to food, curcumin may also help your gut to digest it. Researchers show that curcumin reduces inflammation of the gut and improves its permeability leading to improved digestion.
“Curcumin  is a well-tolerated natural compound in humans, even at high concentrations (Dhillon et al., 2008; Kanai et al., 2011; Gupta et al., 2013). Thus, its combination with drugs that are already approved for use appears logical. The first results from the studies regarding the effect of curcumin in patients with COVID-19 are promising.”

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that’s popular in Ayurvedic medicine. (helping the body adapt to various stressors)
It has been used for more than 2,500 years. It’s actually the most commonly used and extensively researched adaptogen herb.
Ashwagandha is highly valued for its thyroid-modulating, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti- stress and anti-inflammatory properties, which are just some of its benefits.
In India, it is known as the “strength of the stallion” because it has traditionally been used to strengthen the immune system after illness. It’s also been referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of its ability to enhance your stamina and work as a natural stress reliever, and those aren’t the only benefits of ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha has shown incredible results around lowering cortisol levels and balancing thyroid hormones, it’s been used for mood disorders and in the prevention of degenerative diseases, as it appears to help with these conditions as well.
And when it comes to covid? 
"In the present study, we evaluate the potential of 40 natural chemical constituents of Ashwagandha to explore a possible inhibitor against main protease of SARS-CoV-2 by adopting the computational approach"
During MD runs, the trajectories analysis of the studied complexes displayed structural stability. 
From this study, we may conclude that above stated active phytochemicals, predicted to have the potential to be repurposed as anti-COVID-19 Ayurvedic therapeutics

Nigella Sativa and Honey
Nigella (or black cumin) is not only DELISH, it’s super good for you!!
I sprinkle on salads all the time. And we don’t even need to mention how amazing honey is.  
NSO supplementation was associated with faster recovery of symptoms than usual care alone for patients with mild COVID-19 infection. These potential therapeutic benefits require further exploration with placebo-controlled, double-blinded studies. HNS significantly improved symptoms, viral clearance and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Thus, HNS represents an affordable over the counter therapy and can either be used alone or in combination with other treatments to achieve potentiating effects against COVID-19. 
​
Vitamin D 
Vitamin D is important for bone health, muscle strength, gut health and is pretty much MAGICAL when it comes to pumping up your immune system! It can support weight loss, reduce hypertension and prevent diabetes. VitD can help relieve depression, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Aside from the sun (20 min at least a few times each week), you can also get extra vitamin D through a few foods, like fatty fish (including salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines) and mushrooms (some of which are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light to increase vitamin D levels). Foods like milk, orange juice, yogurt, and breakfast cereals can also be fortified with vitamin D.
Vit D is fat soluble, and best consumed with fat (or taken with a high quality Omega supplement)   

45 of 53 treatment studies report positive effects on covid.
Studies vary significantly in terms of treatment delay, treatment regimen, patients characteristics, and (for the pooled effects analysis) outcomes, as reflected in the high degree of heterogeneity. However treatment consistently shows a significant benefit. The treatment studies not showing positive effects are mostly prophylaxis studies, mostly with unknown dosages
Conclusion: Random effects meta-analysis with pooled effects using the most serious outcome reported shows 81% [65‑90%] and 45% [37‑53%] improvement for early treatment and for all studies.
Results are similar after restriction to 47 peer-reviewed studies: 84% [68‑92%] and 44% [35‑52%], and for the 31 mortality results: 79% [61‑88%] and 50% [34‑62%]. Statistically significant improvements are seen in treatment studies for mortality, ventilation, ICU admission, hospitalization, and cases. Late stage treatment with calcifediol/calcitriol shows greater improvement compared to cholecalciferol: 78% [67‑85%] vs. 45% [24‑60%]. 

ZINC 
Zinc is a powerful immune booster, improves cardiac, ocular and thyroid health. 
Eggs, fatty fish, and animal proteins contain ZInc. (Because of factory farming, be careful to find wild or ethically raised organic animals if you choose to eat meat).
Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, kale, and garlic, legumes, nuts and seeds, raw dairy products, dark chocolate contain zinc.
Zinc supplementation improves the mucociliary clearance, strengthens the integrity of the epithelium, decreases viral replication, preserves antiviral immunity, attenuates the risk of hyper-inflammation, supports anti-oxidative effects and thus reduces lung damage and minimized secondary infections. 

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 
​N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of cysteine. NAC is a precursor of glutathione, and helps to replenish intracellular glutathione, a vital cellular antioxidant. Most protein-rich foods, such as chicken, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds and legumes, contain cysteine, some people choose to supplement with NAC to increase their cysteine intake.
NAC is relatively  inexpensive, has very low toxicity, has been FDA approved for many years, and has the potential to improve therapeutic strategies for COVID-19. NAC administered intravenously, orally, or inhaled, may suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication and may improve outcomes if used timely. Potential therapeutic benefits of NAC include, extracellularly scavenging ROS radicals, replenishing intracellular GSH, suppression of cytokine storm, and T cell protection, thus mitigating inflammation and tissue injury. NAC administration in combination with other antiviral agents may dramatically reduce hospital admission rate, mechanical ventilation and mortality. 

Reishi
Ancient Chinese physicians discovered the multiple properties of Reishi and it has been used for centuries to promote health and longevity. The complex compounds in Reishi have been shown to safely modulate an aging immune system, combat cancer, and reduce some of the causes of cardiovascular disease. Scientists are now providing evidence backing more than 2,000 years of traditional use in China.
Reishi mushrooms contain a multitude of the pharmacologically active compounds that may ward off various factors of aging.
Reishi maintains a strong immune system, preventing infection by bacterial, viral, fungal, and other organisms, and also supports immune surveillance to track, identify, and destroy abnormal molecular patterns that might indicate an early cancer.
An optimal immune system is capable of slowing (or even stopping) the inflammatory response to an invader once the threat had been neutralized
The numerous chemical components of the Reishi mushroom exert subtle, but powerful effects that may reverse many of the impacts of immunosenescence. Reishi extracts boost the function of dendritic cells, which help other immune cells recognize foreign antigens and destroy them.
Reishi also promotes development of B and T lymphocytes, immune cells involved in the production of antibodies and the regulation of immune function. Extracts of Reishi enhance development of specialized “natural killer” cells that target viral invaders and cancer cells for destruction.

I supply some of the products mentioned (practitioner grade).
Shipping to NZ only at this stage 

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