COVID-19 & Our Immune System

This week, Governor Cuomo announced that up to 80% of New Yorkers may contract COVID-19. Whether or not this is accurate remains to be seen, but in any event, if we don’t contract the virus ourselves, we’ll most likely know someone who did. Advisories on how to evade this virus are everywhere now, but what is lacking is reliable info on how to boost our immune systems. In this newsletter, my intention is to provide you with ways to enhance your immune system both in a general way, as well as vis-a-vis COVID-19.
 
“Take this, it will boost your immune system”
We’re perennially bombarded with advice on what to take for our immune system. But the immune system is complex, and remedies must be chosen with care. The next time someone says “take this, it helps your immune system” ask them ‘which part?’ Will this stimulate lowered immune function? Will it dampen down an overactive immune system? What do I take if there are combinations of both overactive and underactive immune function?
 
What’s best for one person can harm another, so the one-size-fits-all packages are usually ineffective. It takes skill and knowledge to diagnosis immune system imbalances then provide the best remedy. Practitioners of Applied Kinesiology have the edge because clinical reasoning is backed by muscle testing. This enables the practitioner to diagnose accurately in real time and prescribe accordingly. 
 
Innate vs. Adaptive Immune Systems
The two main divisions of the human immune system are the innate and the adaptive (acquired) immune systems. The innate immune system responds to pathogens immediately, while the adaptive immune system ramps up after 5 to 7 days. That’s why colds lasts about a week. 
 
With regard to COVID-19, there is evidence to suggest that by supporting the adaptive immune system we can make things worse because it would exacerbate “cytokine storms.” During these “storms”, the immune system is responding to the virus with such ferocity that it begins to attack its own tissues. In some cases, the consequences are grave. As such, nutritional support should be directed primarily toward the innate immune system, not the adaptive immune system.
 
Supporting for the Innate Immune System 
Vitamin B12 and Folic acid are needed to produce white blood cells; the very foundation of our immune system.  Once these are in place, we may consider the following:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc (lozenges)
• Andrographis
• Reishi
• Astragalus

Healthy Lifestyle
Even the healthies human body is not immune to all viruses. However, in staying healthy, we decrease our chances of suffering and are more likely to rebound. 

We all know exercise is good for us, but when it's done wrong it can cause harm. High-intensity workouts, so common in our society, often lead to chronic inflammation and impaired immune function. Esteemed colleague, Dr. Phil Maffetone, sums it up well in this article:  MAF 180 heart rate. 
 
Eating in moderation, and keeping a balance between proteins, natural fats, complex carbs, and plant food is essential. The adverse effects of sugar and refined carbs cannot be overstated. Increased insulin = inflammation = stress to the immune system.
 
Finally, mental and emotional stress are often the primary causes of poor immunity. Our current crisis is particularly trying. One sure way to mitigate stress is by getting enough sleep: 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. Some benefit by regularly scheduled naps. 
 
Don’t allow fear and dread to bring you down. Remain in the present, and take one day at a time.