Peak Immunity to Help Limit COVID-19

TOP HEALTH PRIORITY: Actions and nutrients that might help you survive Covid-19 

With the arrival of new variant or mutant strains of the COVID-19 causing virus SARS-CoV-2, maintaining peak immunity should be everyone's top priority. article ref ref Viral drugs have not yet been discovered to kill viruses. The vaccines work by stimulating the immune response antibodies made by B cells to attack and kill the spike proteins on the viruses as the viruses try to gain access and get into body cells where viruses duplicate. T-cells remember antigens and respond by telling B cells to make antibodies and when viruses enter cells to begin duplication, the T-cells attack the viruses and also destroy infected cells. There are a number of ways vitamins and other supplements might help this immune process to further limit or slow down Covid-19 symptoms. ref ref ref Check out this one on Vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium. ref

After vaccination, the vaccine generated immune response, B and T cells, works to stop viruses before they get inside body cells and helps maintain lower numbers of viruses than are able to cause severe symptoms, but this still allows for the nose and throat to accept viruses. The question is if these are enough at this point to spread the viruses to others if coughing, sneezing, or (breathing?) them out. It appears they are enough sometimes. The new Delta variant was evaluated and this senario could be a reality. This unfortunately would end the possibility of herd immunity since all people could still spread the virus.

• For a virus to cause disease symptoms, it first has to significantly grow in numbers by hijacking cells in the body for this purpose.
• Preventing viruses from attaching to or entering through cell membranes represents one way drugs and food nutrients help control this build up of more viruses. (Aids research helped here)
• Another way is to kick start immune cells to become more aggressive in attacking viruses. This is what the Covid-19 vaccines do. ref 
• Mainstream medicine has been mainly hapless to address any treatment protocols for Covid-19, except expensive drugs given far to late, after oxygen started.
• The time to attack covid-19 is at the early stages, first 6 days. 
• Here is the official view about vitamins and herbals on Covid-19 from the NIH. Some really good reports on studies with nutrients and Covid-19. Worth the read. This article lists studies about the following nutrients.

Peak Immunity: The idea here is not just to increase if low the number of immune white blood cells like macrophages, T-cells and B-cells, it is more to increase the potential activity level of these cells. This means their level of readiness to attack viruses and bacteria and other invaders in the blood. The five Immune White Blood Cells have a balance point or ideal ratio between them that needs to be respected. Doctors measure these levels to determine how the immune system is functioning and to see if the immune system is currently responding to a body crisis, such as inflammation. Inflammatory processes are directly linked to immune activity.** T-cells and B-cells work together against bacteria and viruses. But first, other helper immune cells in the blood immediately attack the invading pathogens. The T & B cells represent the big guns of the immune system and work against the pathogens after they have overwhelmed the first line of defense, the macrophages. T-cells attack and kill viruses and bacteria inside cells while the B-cells build up antibodies against them and work in blood stream to kill viruses, plus store memories to prevent future attacks. ref ref

Here is another reason to maintain a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. From years of HIV research, it was discovered that healthy cell membranes made up of good fats are better able to stand up against virus attempts to attach and enter. ref ref  Another avenue for drugs is to attach to viruses in the blood to prevent viruses from attaching to receptors that later facilitate their entry into cells. ref ref

The IMMUNE SYSTEM: How to Limit Exposure and Possibly Reduce Severity of Virus Infections

Question:  How could vitamins and other supplements impact viral diseases?  Here is info sheet from the NIH about vitamins and Covid-19 <VERY IMPORTANT MUST READ.

FYI: More or less one of the official views on alternative and OTC Covid-19 myths and treatments  Check out some of the references below that now reveal some of the mentioned myths are not really false.

IT IS VITAL TO SLOWLY BUILD UP LEVELS OF EFFECTIVE NUTRIENTS as starting to take nutrients at first sign of disease is often too late. These nutrients help to prevent and slow virus penetration and attachment before viral replication starts in cells. Here are some common sense proactive tips. ref First thing is to protect against exposure and begin building up the immune system. ref Once an outbreak occurs in your area, put in place the necessary related actions following:

• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with hot water and soap, plus work at not touching face with hands. Viruses enter mainly through mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Avoid crowds, keep distance between, and limit touching surfaces that people regularly touch: Door knobs, gas station pump nozzles, shopping cart handles, drinking fountain buttons, sink faucet handles, money, ATM keypads, etc. Use back of hand or knuckles when possible and back through swinging doors. Ideally carry a couple of paper towels folded up to use over hands when you have to touch something common, then discard the towel. 
• If exposed to unsanitary situations or places, use sani-wipes or similar to clean hands and surfaces, like after children play on park equipment, etc.
• Wear sunglasses or other type to help prevent touching eyes and to protect them from people who cough or sneeze in your direction. Separate and remain at a safe distance, at least over 8 feet. Of course all coughs and sneezes are not virus related, but when situations warrant, precaution rules. Viruses can remain suspended in the air for far too many minutes and on some surfaces for over a day. 
• Shop early (best) or late to avoid crowds if you can. 
• When eating take out, change food to your own dishes and discard wrappers and containers in bags the food came in. Then wash hands before eating.  If you can, order food you don't have to eat with your hands, although probably a low method of exposure. (Precautions depend upon your age and health factors.)
• Limit sugar foods and increase vegetables and fruits. (body fluid pH regulation)
• Get enough rest and sleep.
• Exercise to increase lung strength but not in excess since that lowers immunity for short periods. 
• Take a moderate dose (5-20 billion) probiotic bacteria with strain codes listed after scientific names to aid intestinal health as well as a prebiotic fiber blend to feed your native bacteria. (pH of digestive system) ref
• Moderately low vitamins: Vitamin C (250 mg article (High dose vitamins antioxidant overkill destroys immune system ability to kill attacking viruses) article
• Quercetin, from the vitamin C family member Rutin, is used for it's ability to increase zinc uptake by cells, a process known as a zinc ionophore. This is the same action performed by the drug hydrochloroquine *(see below), just with almost no side effects.  See zinc actions below. Can rotate quercetin with green tea extract caps (ECGC) which have same ionophore function.
• Zinc at 15-30 mg. with 1 mg copper. Zinc is an immune stimulator, but has opposite actions at much higher dosages. ref  A Zinc lozenge might help protect mouth as a virus entrance when in crowds or at increased exposure areas, but not needed at home unless someone there is ill. Limit combined dosages to under 40mg. Chelated Zinc in cell culture test tubes is very effective at stopping virus production. But, Covid virus incorporates free zinc into it's cap structure. article 
• Vitamin K2 is measuring low in Covid-19 cases. Vitamin K2 has vital roles to play against the covid viruses as an antioxidant and in protecting tissue integrity, especially blood vessel walls. ref ref
• A low dose B complex vitamin or a Multiple Vitamin that contains some of the other nutrients mentioned as well. Keep Folic Acid at or below 200 mcg.
• Magnesium to balance calcium. Magnesium is needed also to activate Vitamins D into its hormone active form.

• Vitamin D helps macrophages in the blood produce immune peptides called LL-37. These not only fight pathogenic viruses and bacteria, they work to limit viral attachment to cell membranes. Vitamin D levels need to be built up over time from summer sunshine exposure or modest supplements, 400-1000 IU to maintain levels over winter. Taking vitamin D at first sign of cold or flu is rarely effective as this is not how vitamin D works. Still questions remain. ref ref ref
• Older people (over 50) might benefit from supplemental CoQ10 as increased levels could offer protection by building energy for cells to strengthen lung functions. ref ref ref ref Selenium at only 50 mcg (rotated on and off) ref
• Elderberry extract has value. Scientists have discovered an element elderberry contains which helps stop viruses from attaching onto cells. Plus it also wakes up immune cell cyctokines to be more aggressive in attacking pathogenic microbes, such as viruses. (herbals should be rotated on and off to keep the body's response from getting to a set point of less desirable or reduced actions)
• Oil of Oregano and Olive Leaf Extracts also may have antiviral properties. Of course, these and other nutrients are only part of the approach. They can be rotated and not all used at same time.
• Grape Seed Extract is helpful for virus control as well as for other functions such as skin and blood vessel integrity. It protects elastin and collagen fibers. ref
• If you become ill, stop taking your regular multiple-vitamins. Chances are they contain higher dosages of many antioxidant vitamins. This antioxidant activity stops the free radicals produced by the immune system blood cells that kill viruses. Vitamin C, zinc, and some others mentioned here are OK separately.
• Stay hydrated (mainly water) to help flow of secretions out of the body. article
• Regarding facial mask: ref  Social distancing and avoiding people who are exhibiting flu symptoms are 10 times better than relying on a face mask to prevent virus spread. Probably a good idea when indoors with people you do not know. Thus, masks may make people feel like they are protected, but science is lacking on complete effectiveness. Stopping or limiting your own cough or sneeze may be the real influence. But, then it is in the cloth, with a little spread around any mask gaps or through the material. If you are ill, do not go out into public. But remember there are a few days before symptoms manifest. Mask info. Wash masks often and replace when necessary. Go maskless as much as possible when outdoors or in safe conditions. Children need frequent outdoor maskless breaks if required to wear masks in school rooms.
• REMEMBER: All people, regardless of vaccination status, can be infected with enough of the virus to contaminate others. The vaccination is more of a treatment to prevent serious disease conditions and death. It does not stop viruses from entering the body. It just initiates immune response antibodies to attack and kill the viruses before they can enter cells and duplicate enough to cause major symptoms.
• Since viruses might remain in nasal tissues for a couple of days, a nasal wash might be prudent to use daily to help flush out (use only distilled or sterile water). Adding a little OTC antiviral could also help. Check with Pharmacists at drugstores for help. Studies underway adding small amount of baby shampoo to help overcome enveloped covid-19 virus cap. ref
• Some mouthwash use might help as well. ref 
• Older individuals exhibit lower melatonin levels, and might benefit from supplements of melatonin to protect mitochondria functions by antioxidant actions. ref

NOTE: Fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K, if consumed daily at higher amounts, can build up to detrimental action levels since they get stored in fat. These levels could be less then the amounts considered toxic. One prudent approach is to consume daily for about 2 weeks, then alternate every other day or even every third day if using higher amounts. Then, about every three months, consume daily for another two weeks and repeat alternations. Vitamin D needed more in fall and winter than in spring or summer. Obviously, tests that measure blood levels give guidance.

Some of the other supplements with values include mushroom extracts, beta glucans (ref ref), IP6 (ref), and Broccoli SGS (ref), a major detox element. Eating garlic and onions could help. Soup broth as well as bone broth are good for digestion and mineral balance. Maintaining hydration is important so drink some water early in day. Get a little sunshine each day (vitamin D). Relax and lower stress levels. Don't watch TV NEWS. Read a book. Think positive happy thoughts. The Brain and positive thoughts have a major impact on the strength of the immune system.

Of INTEREST: It is reported that one of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 disease is a loss of taste and small. These are classic signs of a zinc deficiency or zinc balance disruption. ref SARS-CoV-2 viruses use zinc as part of their structure. Over time, the genetic code of many viruses have adapted to manipulate zinc balance so more is available for virus growth. article

Everything about viral attachments and more> ref

**Inflammation is one of the processes the immune system uses for healing. Unfortunately, inflammation can also be a factor in overwhelming body homeostasis leading to compromised immune states. ref ref  ref

Be sure to notice that selenium is needed in a very narrow range of amounts in the last reference for proper immune system function. Both not enough or too much are negative for immune controls. It depends on the soil level of selenium in each area.

NOTE: There are many different kinds of viruses and they do not all process the same body pathways making it difficult to recommend one protocol for all types. The new SARS CoV-2 virus uses zinc as it's preferred metal ion to anchor the protein cap over the RNA coding material, the blueprint to make new viruses. Thus binding up zinc in cells helps slow down viral production. refThe bound form of zinc also helps stop the viruses, too.

With the current coronavirus crisis, here is a simple explanation about the strategy on lungs for proper immune functioning. ref

The above actions and nutrients will not prevent this disease if you are exposed to it. The goal or design is to give the body a chance to hopefully reduce the degree or severity of symptoms and allow the body a better fighting chance for survival. 

Interesting Update:  Yes, the NIH did announce that it suspended grants that might have included funds directed to the Wuhan Lab working on bat virus research recently. article The COVID-19 virus might have been accidentally released from this lab in China. It then could have been picked up and passed on from pets to bats and ended up in humans. A committee from the World Health Organization is investigating this possibility in China right now.  Food for thought.

*hydrochloroquine Most of the studies that found no benefit were conducted on hospitalized patients. But, when acting as a zinc ionophore, hydrocholoroquine presents greatest value before and at first sign of Covid-19 infection rather than later when people go into hospital and already have developed a high virus load.

STUDY last year July 2020 to test these 4 nutrients on covid disease: Zinc, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Vitamin C.  No results posted yet.

WHY take these precautions? Some Symptom reviews

When symptoms of covid-19 are analzyed, there are many different body areas attacked. One, thick blood has been found on autopsy indicating that blood clots are one factor, especially around the lungs. Supplements to control and maintain blood clotting mechanisms are important, like vitamin K2 which has often found deficient in covid-19 cases. Vitamin K2 is also involved with mGLA, matric GLA proteins, in blood vessel walls, to stop vascular calcification. This is a blood vessel integrity factor. OPC from grape seeds is one as well. Since the covid spike proteins attack to and bind up ACE2 receptors on blood vessel cells, this impacts the ability of the body to control blood pressure and is why people with hypertension are prime suspects for covid severe complications.

Inflammation of tissues around the heart is another factor. Many supplements work to control inflammation, such as curcumin and fish oils. 

Zinc helps stop virus duplication as well as works to maintain immune system. But it needs help to get into cells before the virus does. Ionophores help zinc do this such as quercetin and green tea extract. Plus, an added bonus is that quercetin has both anti-inflammatory and thrombin-inhibitory actions. This helps control clotting mechanisms.

Since covid viruses have to attach to cells walls, data gained from the aids virus research to maintain healthy membranes which offer greater resistance to virus attachments, helps, such as EYL, egg yolk lecithin. Good essential oils are vital as well. OPC's from grape seeds prevent the breakdown of elastin and collagen fibers in vessel walls could be beneficial. Vitamin C helps build collagen.

To be continued.