COVID-19: The Need For a Balanced Immune Response

Dear Doctor

The Covid-19 (Coronavirus) enters the respiratory track primarily through the nose. (Dr. Martin S. Hirsch, senior physician, Infectious Diseases, Mass General Hospital).

Once inside the body, it begins its journey of destruction, first infecting the nasal sinus on its way to the respiratory tree. Covid-19 moves fast into the air sacs of the lungs causing pneumonia for the affected person, unless it is stopped by the host’s immune system.  Younger patients have a more vigorous immune response compared to older patients.  No matter how healthy and active you are, your risk for getting pneumonia increases with age, although we are learning that younger people can suffer as much as older people.

Bottom line, we need a balanced and competent immune system response no matter how old or young we are.  A capable immune system quickly identifies and kills this viral intruder. As important, the immune system also needs to effectively manage its inflammatory response, so that it doesn’t overwhelm the lungs with collateral damage from using too much of its inflammatory weaponry. Balancing our immune response is key in the healing process of this flu.

How do we balance the immune system so it is healthy and appropriately responds to any viral invaders?

First, we need to pay attention to building a healthy mucous barrier against pathogens.  70% of our immune system resides around the outer walls of our intestines in the gastro-intestinal lymphoid tissues (GALT). The mucous membrane of our sinuses, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract are all connected to the blood system which carries immune system cells (e.g., natural killer cells, lymphocytes etc).

Probiotic organisms convert undigested soluble fibers (e.g., inulin, beta glucan, and pectin) into short chain fatty acids like butyric acid to energize the colon’s lining to healthily regenerate its cells and tighten up the junction (space) between the cells with the membrane. That is one of our goals – achieving a smooth and healthy mucosal barrier.

When these junctions are too wide, the loose space between the cells allows particles to get through and cause a chronic immune response. And as we know, immune response of any kind causes inflammation, and a chronic ongoing reaction weakens the immune system.

Second, Probiotic organisms love plant polyphenols and break their molecular chains so the phenolic molecules can be absorbed into the systemic circulation and turn on the repair and regenerative power of our cells. That is our second goal – to turn on the repair mechanism in our bodies, lower inflammation, and bring our system into balance (homeostasis).

For a measured combination of polyphenols and probiotics we suggest the High ORAC Synbiotic

And the No. 7 Systemic Booster

To add weaponry that is known as the Russian Penicillin due to its anti-microbial abilities, we suggest:   Garlic as a foundational supplements to support the immune system.

If you are prone to respiratory conditions add the Fructo Borate Complex.

References

• Abbas, H. M. K., Kong, X., Wu, J., Ali, M., & Dong, W. (2019). Antimicrobial Potential of Genes from Garlic (Allium sativum L.). In Studies on Garlic. IntechOpen
• Biagi, E., Candela, M., Turroni, S., Garagnani, P., Franceschi, C., & Brigidi, P. (2013). Ageing and gut microbes: perspectives for health maintenance and longevity. Pharmacological Research, 69(1), 11-20.
• Boor, P. P., De Ruiter, P. E., Asmawidjaja, P. S., Lubberts, E., van der Laan, L. J., & Kwekkeboom, J. (2017). JAK-inhibitor tofacitinib suppresses interferon alfa production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells and inhibits arthrogenic and antiviral effects of interferon alfa. Translational Research, 188, 67-79.
• Catarino, M. D., Silva, A., & Cardoso, S. M. (2017). Fucaceae: A source of bioactive phlorotannins. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(6), 1327.
• Ding, S., Jiang, H., & Fang, J. (2018). Regulation of Immune Function by Polyphenols. Journal of immunology research, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1264074
• Hunter, J. M., Nemzer, B. V., Rangavajla, N., Biţă, A., Rogoveanu, O. C., Neamţu, J., … & Mogoşanu, G. D. (2019). The Fructoborates: Part of a Family of Naturally Occurring Sugar–Borate Complexes—Biochemistry, Physiology, and Impact on Human Health: a Review. Biological trace element research, 188(1), 11-25.
• Lamarche, B., Paradis, M. È., & Couture, P. (2010). Study of the acute impact of polyphenols from brown seaweeds on glucose control in healthy men and women. The FASEB Journal, 24(1 Supplement), 209-4.
• Mehta, P., McAuley, D. F., Brown, M., Sanchez, E., Tattersall, R. S., & Manson, J. J. (2020). COVID-19: consider cytokine storm syndromes and immunosuppression. The Lancet.
• Ritchie, A. I., & Singanayagam, A. (2020). Immunosuppression for hyperinflammation in COVID-19: a double-edged sword?. The Lancet.
• Salehi, B., Zucca, P., Orhan, I. E., Azzini, E., Adetunji, C. O., Mohammed, S. A., … & Armstrong, L. (2019). Allicin and health: A comprehensive review. Trends in Food Science & Technology.
• Singanayagam, A., Glanville, N., Girkin, J. L., Ching, Y. M., Marcellini, A., Porter, J. D., … & Zhu, J. (2018). Corticosteroid suppression of antiviral immunity increases bacterial loads and mucus production in COPD exacerbations. Nature communications, 9(1), 1-16.
• Takemura, M., Matsumoto, H., Niimi, A., Ueda, T., Matsuoka, H., Yamaguchi, M., … & Nakamura, T. (2006). High sensitivity C-reactive protein in asthma.European Respiratory Journal, 27(5), 908-91
• Thomas, B. J., Porritt, R. A., Hertzog, P. J., Bardin, P. G., & Tate, M. D. (2014). Glucocorticosteroids enhance replication of respiratory viruses: effect of adjuvant interferon. Scientific reports, 4(1), 1-11.
• Wilson, E. A., & Demmig-Adams, B. (2007). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of garlic and onions. Nutrition & food science, 37(3), 178-183.

To your health,

Seann

We have developed our products based on scientific research and/or the practical experience of many healthcare practitioners. There is a growing body of literature on food based nutrition and supplements and their application in support of our health. Please use our products under the advisement of your doctor.

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