CBS: Blood types may play role in which COVID patients get sickest; Isaiah: Eat what is good.
Blood research (US government photo)
CBS reported the following:
Blood types may play role in which COVID patients get sickest
June 18, 2020
A genetic analysis of COVID-19 patients suggests that blood type might influence whether someone develops severe disease.
Scientists who compared the genes of thousands of patients in Europe found that those who had Type A blood were more likely to have severe disease while those with Type O were less likely.
Wednesday’s report in the New England Journal of Medicine doesn’t prove a blood type connection, but it does confirm a previous report from China of such a link.
“Most of us discounted it because it was a very crude study,” Dr. Parameswar Hari, a blood specialist at the Medical College of Wisconsin, said of the report from China. With the new work, “Now I believe it,” he said. “It could be very important.” …
There are four main blood types – A, B, AB and O – and “it’s determined by proteins on the surface of your red blood cells,” said Dr. Mary Horowitz, scientific chief at the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research.
People with Type O are better able to recognize certain proteins as foreign, and that may extend to proteins on virus surfaces, Hari explained.
During the SARS outbreak, which was caused by a genetic cousin of the coronavirus causing the current pandemic, “it was noted that people with O blood type were less likely to get severe disease,” he said.
Blood type also has been tied to susceptibility to some other infectious diseases, including cholera, recurrent urinary tract infections from E. coli, and a bug called H. pylori that can cause ulcers and stomach cancer, said Dr. David Valle, director of the Institute of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University.
Bottom line: “It’s a provocative study. It’s in my view well worth publishing and getting out there,” but it needs verification in more patients, Valle said. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-blood-types-may-play-role-in-which-patients-get-sickest/
While you cannot change your blood type, as far as COVID goes, notice the following:
A mysterious blood-clotting complication is killing coronavirus patients
Increasingly, doctors also are reporting bizarre, unsettling cases that don’t seem to follow any of the textbooks they’ve trained on. They describe patients with startlingly low oxygen levels — so low that they would normally be unconscious or near death — talking and swiping on their phones. Asymptomatic pregnant women suddenly in cardiac arrest. Patients who by all conventional measures seem to have mild disease deteriorating within minutes and dying at home.
With no clear patterns in terms of age or chronic conditions, some scientists hypothesize that at least some of these abnormalities may be explained by severe changes in patients’ blood.
The concern is so acute some doctor groups have raised the controversial possibility of giving preventive blood thinners to everyone with covid-19 — even those well enough to endure their illness at home.
Blood clots, in which the red liquid turns gel-like, appear to be the opposite of what occurs in Ebola, Dengue, Lassa and other hemorrhagic fevers that lead to uncontrolled bleeding. But they actually are part of the same phenomenon — and can have similarly devastating consequences.
Autopsies have shown some people’s lungs fill with hundreds of microclots. Errant blood clots of a larger size can break off and travel to the brain or heart, causing a stroke or heart attack. On Saturday, Broadway actor Nick Cordero, 41, had his right leg amputated after being infected with the novel coronavirus and suffering from clots that blocked blood from getting to his toes.
Lewis Kaplan, a University of Pennsylvania physician and head of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, said every year doctors treat people with clotting complications, from those with cancer to victims of severe trauma, “and they don’t clot like this.” c. 04/23/20 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-mysterious-blood-clotting-complication-is-killing-coronavirus-patients/ar-BB1336g0?li=BBnbcA1
Because of my family history, for years I have periodically taken a nattokinase supplement as I believe it can help keep the blood more healthy. But, we are not seeing the CDC or others recommending something like that. Note: Nattokinase is an enzyme fermentedly extracted from a slimy, smelly soy ‘cheese’ often eaten in Japan called natto. Natto itself, in my view, is not in the same category as nattokinase.
Notice also something I posted at (which is a media I do not use much) at my company’s page a few weeks ago:
‘Thousands’ Of Dutch COVID-19 Survivors Likely Have Permanent Lung Damage According To Top Pulmonologist
Saw that headline today. Here is some of what the related article (https://www.zerohedge.com/…/thousands-dutch-covid-19-surviv…) states:
“COVID-19 may be far less deadly than originally projected – and asymptomatic cases may be even more common than first suspected, but for those who have caught it and come down with symptoms, the disease can result in lasting symptoms, including shortness of breath, lethargy, recurrent fevers, headaches, itchiness and other mystery problems that aren’t going away.
“To that end, a top pulmonologist in the Netherlands says that thousands of Dutch residents who have recovered from COVID-19 may be left with permanent lung damage, resulting in decreased lung capacity and difficulty absorbing oxygen.
“According to Leon van den Toorn, Chairman of the Dutch Association of Physicians for Pulmonary Disease and Tuberculosis NVALT, people are underestimating the consequences of the coronavirus.
“In severe cases, a kind of scar formation occurs, we call this lung fibrosis. The lungs shrink and the lung tissue becomes stiffer, making it harder to get enough oxygen,” Van den Toorn told Dutch newspaper AD (via the NL Times), adding that “there may be thousands of people in the Netherlands who suffered permanent injury to the lungs from corona.”
When I first saw the headline, and then the article, what came to mind is that many people who have had COVID-19 may find it beneficial to take freeze-dried bovine lung tissue. It is the one substance that contains lung enzymes and peptides which are used to rebuild, as well as support, healthy lung tissue.
This is something health care professionals should keep in mind.
Yes, I believe that there are substances that can help some people reduce damage caused by the coronavirus.
Sadly, instead of focusing on how people can improve their health and strengthen their immune systems, we are seeing fear and the expansion of government control over people’s lives as the official means to deal with aspects of the coronavirus.
I told the only person that I knew who for sure had COVID-19 to increase consumption of high vitamin C foods and also sent herbs, vitamin D, and food zinc. And he recovered quickly. I have also sent my parents nattokinase and bovine lung tissue supplements in case either of them get COVID-19.
There are also other things people can do.
Here is something I posted on Facebook at my company’s page related to the mineral zinc:
“Zn(2+) inhibits coronavirus and arterivirus RNA polymerase activity in vitro and zinc ionophores block the replication of these viruses in cell culture.”
So says the titled of a MEDLine published study (PLoS Pathog. 2010 Nov 4;6(11); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2973827/) that I saw in a link that someone forwarded to me today.
Here is the abstract from that paper:
“Abstract
Increasing the intracellular Zn(2+) concentration with zinc-ionophores like pyrithione (PT) can efficiently impair the replication of a variety of RNA viruses, including poliovirus and influenza virus. For some viruses this effect has been attributed to interference with viral polyprotein processing. In this study we demonstrate that the combination of Zn(2+) and PT at low concentrations (2 µM Zn(2+) and 2 µM PT) inhibits the replication of SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and equine arteritis virus (EAV) in cell culture. The RNA synthesis of these two distantly related nidoviruses is catalyzed by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is the core enzyme of their multiprotein replication and transcription complex (RTC). Using an activity assay for RTCs isolated from cells infected with SARS-CoV or EAV–thus eliminating the need for PT to transport Zn(2+) across the plasma membrane–we show that Zn(2+) efficiently inhibits the RNA-synthesizing activity of the RTCs of both viruses. Enzymatic studies using recombinant RdRps (SARS-CoV nsp12 and EAV nsp9) purified from E. coli subsequently revealed that Zn(2+) directly inhibited the in vitro activity of both nidovirus polymerases. More specifically, Zn(2+) was found to block the initiation step of EAV RNA synthesis, whereas in the case of the SARS-CoV RdRp elongation was inhibited and template binding reduced. By chelating Zn(2+) with MgEDTA, the inhibitory effect of the divalent cation could be reversed, which provides a novel experimental tool for in vitro studies of the molecular details of nidovirus replication and transcription.”
Now, that study DID NOT involve the novel coronavirus called COVID-19 as it was not known to exist then. But the paper was of interest.
Anyway, one problem people have with supplemental zinc is that it does not enter the cytoplasm of the cell very well.
Though inorganic mineral salt forms are often used in supplements, researchers acknowledge that organic zinc is better absorbed than inorganic zinc [Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 8th ed. Lea & Febiger, Phil.,1994; Cunnane SC. Zinc: Clinical and Biochemical Significance. CRC Press, Boca Raton (FL), 1988).
Zinc itself is generally found in the human body attached to a peptide (Ibid). It is often attached to albumin [1,2] or alpha2-macroglobulin or exists as part of one of the many zinc metalloenzymes (Ibid). Zinc is not naturally found in the body in forms such as zinc citrate, zinc chloride, or zinc picolinate. Generally speaking, these two-word descriptions indicate a mineral salt (rock) and not zinc as is found in food.
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of zinc because, “fermenting organisms produce phytases that break down phytate and increase the amount of absorbable zinc” (Shils ME, et al. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 10th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Balt., 2006:273). Nutritional yeast also contains certain amino acids (Leavening agents, yeast, baker’s, compressed. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 18, 2005) that enhance the absorption of zinc (Shils, p. 273).
Zinc in yeast-containing foods is better absorbed and is a better form for humans than inorganic forms (Andlid TA, Veide J, Sandberg AS. Metabolism of extracellular inositol hexaphosphate (phytate) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Int J. Food Microbiology. 2004;97(2):157-169; King JC, Cousins RJ. Zinc. In Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 10th ed. Lipponcott Williams & Wilkins, Phil., 2005:271-285).
Since diabetics seem to need zinc, but their deficiencies are refractory to zinc salts (Cunningham JJ. Micronutrients as nutriceutical interventions in diabetes mellitus. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17(1):7-10), food forms of zinc should also be a better choice for absorption for this population.
Zinc in foods appears to have a smaller particle size than that which is found in inorganic mineral salts. Nutrition scientists understand that smaller particle size improves bioavailability; the main point of digestion is to get food particles small enough to be absorbed by intestinal villi (Shils; Whitney EN, Hamilton EMN. Understanding Nutrition, 4th ed. West Publishing, NY, 1987). This may partially explain why food zinc is superior to zinc found in inorganic mineral salts. Most zinc is absorbed in the small intestine, with the majority of it believed to be absorbed in the jejunum; only small amounts are believed to be absorbed in the stomach or large intestine.
High zinc-containing foods include pumpkin seeds, forms of yeast (S. cerevisiae), wheat bran, beef, miso, spinach, mushrooms, alfalfa sprouts, brewer’s yeast, turkey, lamb, bean sprouts, tofu, and to a lesser degree in whole wheat bread (Whitney).
Studies led by Dr. J. Vinson of the University of Scranton (PA) indicate that food zinc (as found in specially grown S. cerevisiae) appears to be 1.72-1.75 times more absorbed in the blood than zinc sulfate (1.71 times more than zinc chelate; 6.46 times more than zinc gluconate; 3.11 times more than zinc orotate) and 1.75-1.87 times more retained in the liver than zinc sulfate and is 1.45 times more than zinc amino acid chelate; 3.68 times more than zinc gluconate; 1.50 times more than zinc orotate (Vinson J, Bose P, Lemoine L, Hsiao KH. Bioavailability studies. In Nutrient Availability: Chemical and Biological Aspects. Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge (UK) 1989:125-127; Vinson JA, Bose P. Comparison of bio-availability of trace elements in inorganic salts, amino acid chelates, and yeast. Mineral Elements 80, Proceedings II, Helsinki, Dec 9-11, 1981; Vinson J. Rat zinc bioavailability study. University of Scranton, Scranton; Note: Some of these studies may not conform to peer review standards. Therefore, the results are not conclusive. Professionals can, and often do, come to different conclusions when reviewing scientific data. None of these statements have been reviewed by the FDA.).
Anyway, for better absorption, I have long taken food zinc (from pumpkin seeds and specially grown S. cerevisiae) as a supplement–and currently still do.
Governments around the world, including the USA, have been loath to tell the public that they can do more than hide and wash to help themselves with COVID-19–that is a disgrace that should shame most public health officials (there are a few that have had the integrity to tell some scientific facts about nutrients that can help, like zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, etc.).
Here is something I also posted at my company’s Facebook page related to vitamin D:
‘Vitamin D Determines Severity in COVID-19: Researchers Urge Government to Change Advice’
Saw the above headline today. I have been urging the government to change its advice related to nutrition and the novel coronavirus for some time.
Facebook posts here have covered vitamin C and zinc. Plus, because of the involvement in blood clots and COVID-19 deaths, nattokinase is something that many who get COVID-19 should consider taking.
Anyway, the vitamin D article (https://scitechdaily.com/vitamin-d-determines-severity-in-…/) had the following:
“Researchers from Trinity College Dublin are calling on the government in Ireland to change recommendations for vitamin D supplements.
“A new publication from Dr. Eamon Laird and Professor Rose Anne Kenny, School of Medicine, and the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), in collaboration with Professor Jon Rhodes at University of Liverpool, highlights the association between vitamin D levels and mortality from COVID-19.
“The authors of the article, just published in the Irish Medical Journal, analyzed all European adult population studies, completed since 1999, which measured vitamin D and compared vitamin D and death rates from COVID-19.
“The correlation between low vitamin D levels and death from COVID-19 is statistically significant.
“The authors propose that, whereas optimizing vitamin D levels will certainly benefit bone and muscle health, the data suggests that it is also likely to reduce serious COVID-19 complications. This may be because vitamin D is important in regulation and suppression of the inflammatory cytokine response, which causes the severe consequences of COVID-19 and ‘acute respiratory distress syndrome’ associated with ventilation and death.”
Instead of mainly using fear and fear tactics, governments should encourage people to boost their innate immunity. This can be done by encouraging people to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, foods high in zinc, and getting, when appropriate, sunlight exposure to increase vitamin D levels.
In my case, in addition to all of the preceding, I take also take 100% food nutrient supplements high in vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, selenium, and other nutrients which I believe supports a health immune system.
Here is something I posted at my company’s Facebook page related to vitamin C:
Notice the following headline and article from “LiveScience.com”:
“Why vitamin C won’t ‘boost’ your immune system against the coronavirus
“It poses little risk but is very unlikely to help.
“March 10, 2020
“The myth, the legend“Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, became known as an immune-boosting supernutrient after two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling touted the substance’s supposed benefits in a series of books, …
“Since Pauling published his books, in the 1970s, his bolder claims have not stood up to scientific scrutiny. However, recent research does suggest that vitamin C supplements reduce the duration of colds in the general population, according to a 2013 review of several dozen studies.
“The review found that vitamin C supplements taken during a cold can reduce the duration of the illness by 8% in adults and 14% in children. …
“Several of the reviewed studies included people under intense physical stress, including marathon runners and soldiers training in the Arctic. Among these individuals, those who took vitamin C were about half as likely to catch a cold as those who did not take such supplements. But in the general population, the supplements did not prevent the common cold.
“Likewise, no evidence suggests that vitamin C supplements can help prevent COVID-19, Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, told New York Times Parenting.
“If there’s going to be an advantage, it’s going to be very modest,” Schaffner said. https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-vitamin-c-myth.html“
Notice that the headline stated “Why vitamin C won’t ‘boost’ your immune system against the coronavirus,” yet some of the article details actually suggest otherwise. Also notice that right after stating a study found a 50% reduction in getting a cold, the article claims that is “no evidence,” and that vitamin C could only help a “modest” amount.
Wouldn’t people want even modest protection?
Furthermore, note what else that same article contains:
“Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, meaning it neutralizes free radicals generated by the body’s normal metabolism and by exposure to environmental stressors, including ultraviolet radiation and air pollution. Free radicals are charged particles that can damage cells, tissues and genetic material if left unchecked, and thus trigger harmful inflammation. …
“Vitamin C may also bolster the fatty membranes in skin and connective tissue, thus protecting organs like the lungs from pathogens, according to cell culture and preclinical studies. When bugs do infiltrate the body, vitamin C helps direct immune cells called neutrophils to the site of infection and defends these cells against free radicals, the 2017 report noted.
“In short, the body relies on vitamin C to launch an effective immune response while sustaining minimal damage.”
So, the same article states that vitamin C helps protect the lungs and helps the human body launch an “effective immune response.”
Is that not what people would want when facing a respiratory pathogen like COVID-19?
The same article also has the following:
“Be wary of hype and headlines”
“While vitamin C supplements pose little risk to consumers, other so-called “immune-boosting” products could be harmful. …
“Note that no evidence suggests that other so-called immune-boosting supplements — such as zinc, green tea or echinacea — help to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections, Dr. Mark Mulligan, division director of the infectious diseases and vaccine center at NYU Langone Medical Center, told New York Times Parenting. “I do not recommend spending money on supplements for this purpose,” Mulligan said.
“The medical profession still doesn’t know exactly how to influence the immune system, despite what supplement products may claim,” Julie Stefanski, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, told The Washington Post.
“The FDA does not vet dietary supplements as it does pharmaceutical medications; that means that supplement manufacturers can place new products on the market without first proving that the substances are either safe or effective.”
Let’s look at some of the above as there are inaccuracies and misimpressions.
First, the claim that there is “no evidence” that certain substances, like Zinc can help is wrong. While there probably have not been specific studies for it against the coronavirus, low zinc levels do make one more susceptible to infection (Ross AC, et al, editors. Modern Nutrition in Health & Disease, 11th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Balt., 2014; Cunnane SC. Zinc: Clinical and Biochemical Significance. CRC Press, Boca Raton (FL), 1988). And as far as echinacea goes, there are many published studies pointing to it being helpful for respiratory viruses (e.g. Vimalanathan S, Schoop R, Suter A, Hudson J. Prevention of influenza virus induced bacterial superinfection by standardized Echinacea purpurea, via regulation of surface receptor expression in human bronchial epithelial cells. Virus Res. 2017 Apr 2;233:51-59).
Second, yes, there are major gaps of knowledge in the “medical profession” on how to influence the immune system. Part of the reason for that is that it looks to synthetic medicines as opposed to foods to do that.
Third, the FDA does NOT allow new ingredients for dietary supplements to go to the market. Only ingredients that were in use by 1994 are allowed without extensive FDA review. To suggest that the FDA allows supplement manufacturers to legally include ingredients it knows is unsafe is false.
It has been speculated that the inability to properly maintain vitamin C levels may increase problems associated with COVID-19:
“Oxidation of vitamin C
“While vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant itself by virtue of its ability to donate two electrons to unbalanced atoms, vitamin C is vulnerable to oxidation itself.
“While it is commonly said vitamin C blood levels are solely determined by dietary intake (fruits, vitamin pills), some is determined genetically by the type of haptoglobin that is predominant.
“Haptoglobin & vitamin C
“The type of unstable haptoglobin that leads to the oxidation of vitamin C is very prevalent among Asians.
“Unstable haptoglobin is prevalent in up to 56.4% of Chinese males and females, whereas the two more stable forms are distributed in 10% and 33.6% of genetic groups in Chinese populations. The more stable form of HAPTO-G is prevalent among 35% of Caucasians.
“Vitamin C blood concentrations are lower among Asians with unstable Hapto-G. Among individuals who don’t consume the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C from their diet, the likelihood a person will be vitamin C-deficient is ~3-fold greater among individuals who inherit the unstable form of HAPTO-G.
“Because unstable HAPTO-G does not as efficiently bind to iron, blood storage levels of iron (ferritin) are obviously higher among many Asians.
“Haptoglobin & viral growth
“Stable HAPTO-G controls growth of viruses and bacteria.
“Mortality rates are higher among virally-infected individuals with unstable HAPTO-G.
“Among virally-infected adults, median survival was 7.3 years in the unstable haptoglobin group vs. 11.0 years for the stable HAPTO-G group. 03/07/20 https://www.lewrockwell.com/…/health-inheritance-asians-ha…/ “
While I am not certain all the above is totally accurate (nor is it clear about the prevalence of disorders of vitamin C metabolism in subgroups of populations), it does give some additional speculation as to why some may be at greater risk of death from COVID-19 than others–though, from what I have seen, age seems to be a greater factor in mortality.
Now, notice another article warning about vitamin C and the coronavirus. This one was in the “Fact Check” column at Google News today:
“Coronavirus: it’s time to debunk claims that vitamin C could cure it
“March 9, 2020
“Vitamin C is a common remedy that some people believe will cure the common cold and flu. Although it helps us maintain good immune function, there’s little evidence that it can prevent or substantially reduce either of these diseases. But in the midst of the novel coronavirus outbreak, some “influencers” are claiming that taking mega-doses of vitamin C can cure COVID-19 (the disease caused by novel coronavirus).
“So let’s cut to the chase. Can vitamin C cure the coronavirus? Considering that novel coronavirus belongs to the same family of viruses – coronaviruses – as the common cold and flu, it’s unlikely that taking vitamin C will prevent or cure you of a COVID-19 infection. …
“Although vitamin C doesn’t have miraculous disease-curing properties, some research has also shown it can help the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Its role in protecting against viral infections was shown in a recent review which found that immune cells need vitamin C to produce proteins that activate the immune system throughout the body against virus attacks. …
“Vitamin C is plentiful in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, broccoli and potatoes. …
“Though I have said vitamin C is unlikely to be a dramatic cure for COVID-19, the fact that it can promote good immune function means it would be going too far to say there will be no effect. …
“Even if intravenous vitamin C works to shorten or cure COVID-19, it will likely only be a stop-gap before therapies directed at the virus, such as vaccinations, take over. The most effective way to avoid the virus still remains washing hands, not touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and keeping your distance from anyone exhibiting symptoms. http://theconversation.com/coronavirus-its-time-to-debunk-c… “
So, yes, vitamin C can be helpful. And the above article suggests that perhaps it should be used until the medical profession can come up with something else.
How helpful?
Well, although I do not consider taking a lot of the isolate known as ascorbic acid is optimal–as I believe it is much better in foods or supplements which are 100% food, without added USP isolates, the government in Shanghai, China officially sees a use for it:
“Shanghai Government Officially Recommends Vitamin C for COVID-19
“The government of Shanghai, China has announced its official recommendation that COVID-19 should be treated with high amounts of intravenous vitamin C. (1)
“Dosage recommendations vary with severity of illness, from 50 to 200 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day to as much as 200 mg/kg/day.
“These dosages are approximately 4,000 to 16,000 mg for an adult, administered by IV. …
“An official statement from Xi’an Jiaotong University Second Hospital (2) reads:
“On the afternoon of February 20, 2020, another 4 patients with severe new coronaviral pneumonia recovered from the C10 West Ward of Tongji Hospital. In the past 8 patients have been discharged from hospital…
“[H]igh-dose vitamin C achieved good results in clinical applications. We believe that for patients with severe neonatal pneumonia and critically ill patients, vitamin C treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after admission…
“[E]arly application of large doses of vitamin C can have a strong antioxidant effect, reduce inflammatory responses, and improve endothelial function… Numerous studies have shown that the dose of vitamin C has a lot to do with the effect of treatment…
“[H]gh-dose vitamin C can not only improve antiviral levels, but more importantly, can prevent and treat acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress (ARDS).” 03/08/20 https://humansarefree.com/…/shanghai-government-officially-… “
While I am NOT recommending those amounts as a preventative, the Shanghai government sees this as a treatment. Shanghai is 4-5 hours away from Wuhan via a high speed train. Wuhan is where the first cases of COVID-19 seem to have been identified.
Considering what we DO KNOW about vitamin C and the immune system, the press and medical people should be telling everyone that they should at least consider eating two or three servings of fruit per day, as opposed to ‘debunking’ information about vitamin C.
Anyway, when I was asked in an interview for a new television program last month about supporting the immune system in the era of the novel coronavirus, I commented that I felt consuming foods high in vitamin C, such as citurs fruits, could be helpful. This morning, for example, I had two tangerines for breakfast. I also take a 100% food nutrient supplement of vitamin C each evening. Now this is NOT a change in response to COVOD-19 as I have tended to have citrus fruit or juice for breakfast for years and have consumed a food vitamin C supplement (https://doctorsresearch.com/fr-products/1192/c-complex/) for even more years.
Part of the reason is that I tend to touch sick people most days and want my immune system to function well. As I rarely ‘catch’ what sick people have, I consider that evidence of the wisdom of food vitamin C (I also take a 100% food zinc supplement, https://doctorsresearch.com/fr-products/1601/zinc-complex/, every evening and have done that for many years as well).
And, yes, I consider that vitamin C in foods, like citrus and acerola cherries, is superior than in products that have isolated USP ascorbic acid. And the supplement I personally take contains only citrus and acerola cherries for its vitamin C.
Anyway, the truth is that eating at least two servings of fruit per day is good for your health. I tend to think that three or more servings is better and tend to do that most days.
While that is NOT a guarantee that one will not get sick or not be infected with COVID-19, it, in my opinion is a wise thing to do.
People should be encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C.
So, yes, I believe that people can support their innate immunity with properly advised 100% food nutrients.
Prayer and fasting (by those who can) is something else I have been encouraging.
And what about herbs?
Several governments in Africa are looking at herbs (see ‘Ghanaians Look to Herbal Remedies for COVID-19’ ‘Enti wobԑdi Onyankopↄn Nna Kronkron anaa Ahonhommↄnee Ahomegyeԑ Nna?’).
Years ago, I wrote the following paper related to herbs and viruses:
There are numerous viruses and the number of them that affect human beings seems to increase each year. Historically, various oriental and occidental herbs have been used to support the immune system in order to help the human body cope with them, and sometimes drive them into “permanent remission.”
Consumption of combinations of herbs, such as those listed here, have been resulted in hearing clinical reports of driving herpes into “permanent remission,” greatly reduce symptoms associated with the common cold & pneumonia, eliminating/minimizing cold sores, help those with various forms of hepatitis, and otherwise cope with viruses. These herbs are generally not recommended for pregnant nor lactating women nor infants.
Angelica Bai zhi: In traditional Chinese medicine it is believed to “expel wind-cold, alleviate pain – supraorbital pain, congestion, toothache -clears swelling, expel pus – early stage, carbuncles, sores, ulcer -expel dampness – leucorrhea -opens nasal passages for nasal congestion” [1]. Because of its abortive potential, etc. it is not advised during pregnancy. One study found that a version of it “exhibited some anti-HIV activity” [2]. One of its components has been found to have a “synergistic effect with Combivir” [3], an anti-AIDS drug.
Bupleurum Chai hui: “Saikosaponins, the main active constituents of Bupleurum spp., have been shown to possess immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor and anti-viral activities… saikosaponin c exhibits anti-HBV activity” [4]. WebMD states, “Bupleurum is used for respiratory infections, including the flu (influenza), swine flu, the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia; and symptoms of these infections, including fever and cough” [5]. Based upon its effects on the H1N1 virus, one study concluded that an extract could “be developed as an antivirus agent” [6]. One variety was found to possess anti-viral effects against the coxsackie B virus type 1 [7].
Coptis Huang Lian: “Coptis is a small, perennial herb found in North America, Greenland, Iceland and Siberia… Coptis was originally used by Native Americans to treat canker sores and mouth sores. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, hypertension, and bacterial infections. The plant’s roots contain berberine, which can be used as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and berberine-like alkaloids which are believed to facilitate healing” [8]. It is sometimes called Canker root. Coptis has been found to have protective anti-viral effects on cells [2]. It also appears to have inhibitory effects on certain viruses [9,10]. One study reported that it reduced inflammation of the colon [11].
Forsythia Lian qiao: Forsythia has been found to work “by indirectly suppressing the virus proliferation via regulating the immune systems in hosts, and also, by directly inhibiting virus proliferation through targeting viral proteins essential for the viral life cycle” [12]. It contains a substance which “inhibits the avian infectious bronchitis virus” at least in vitro [13]. It also contains a substance that was found to have anti-respiratory syncytial virus replication effects in vitro [14].
Gardenia Zhi zi: “According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, gardenia …purges heat; dispels damp heat; disperses fire; and cools blood” [15]. One study found that gardenia had the most protective anti-viral effects on cells of various herbs tested [2]. One study found that components of it had moderate inhibitory affects against the H1N1 virus [16]. Gardenia has been found to have many substances that may contribute to its anti-influenza properties [17]. Another study found that at least one of its components had protective effects on cells exposed to an influenza-type virus [18]. An animal study concluded that at least one of its components may exert an inhibition effect of viral replication on herpes [19]. Another animal study found that “six kinds of viruses were inhibited significantly…influenza viral pneumonia” [20]. “Gardenia jasminoids Ellis (Rubiaceae), and has been widely used to treat acute hepatitis with jaundice” and in combination with other herbs has been found to protect cells from viral infection as well as “to inhibit infections by HSV-1 and HSV-2 and this effect was likely mediated through direct inactivation of the virus infectivity” [21]. Gardenia also contains a carotenoid called c rocetin which has been found to prevent retinal damage in vitro and in vivo [22].
Glycerrhiza Gan cao: Is also known as licorice. WebMD reports, “Licorice is used for various digestive system complaints including stomach ulcers, heartburn, colic, and ongoing inflammation of the lining of the stomach (chronic gastritis). Some people use licorice for sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and infections caused by bacteria or viruses” [23]. Licorice, even “low appropriate doses, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antimicrobial and anti-viral properties have been reported by researchers worldwide” [24]. Various forms have been found to be “effective against HRSV infection on airway epithelial cells. Radix Glycyrrhizae inhibited HRSV mainly by preventing viral attachment, internalization, and by stimulating IFN secretion” [25].
Lonicera Jin yin hua: Is also known as honeysuckle. WebMD states, “Honeysuckle is used for digestive disorders including pain and swelling (inflammation) of the small intestine (enteritis) and dysentery; upper respiratory tract infections including colds, influenza, swine flu, and pneumonia; other viral and bacterial infections; swelling of the brain (encephalitis); fever; boils; and sores. Honeysuckle is also used for urinary disorders, headache, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Some people use it to promote sweating, as a laxative, to counteract poisoning, and for birth control” [26]. Lonicera has been found to work “by indirectly suppressing the virus proliferation via regulating the immune systems in hosts, and also, by directly inhibiting virus proliferation through targeting viral proteins essential for the viral life cycle” [2]. Components seem to have anti-influenza virus effects [27]. Lonicera has at least one component that have been found to be effective in inhibiting chronic hepatitis C virus infection [28].
Magnolia Xin yi hua: “In traditional Chinese medicine, magnolia flower has pungent and warm properties, and is associated with the Lung and Stomach meridians. Magnolia flower is typically used to treat nasal conditions, such as stuffy nose, nasal obstructions, congestion, and sinus headaches” [29]. A substance contained in magnolia has “been shown to inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in vitro…It… inhibits HCV infection by targeting cell entry and replication” [30].
Moutan Mu dan pi: Also known as peony. One study concluded that a peony extract “could be beneficial at preventing HRSV infection by inhibiting viral attachment, internalization, and stimulating IFN secretion” (Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus) [31]. One or more substances in its root is believed to be an effective agent against the hepatitis B virus [32]. One study of herbs found that peony was amongst those that “possess the strongest anti-Coxsackie virus B3 activity on viral replication” [33]. Related to herpes simplex, an “extract of Paeonia suffruticosa prevented the process of virus attachment and penetration” [34].Olive Leaf Oleo europaea: Olive leaf extract (OLE) “inhibits acute infection and cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1 as assayed by syncytia formation using uninfected MT2 cells co-cultured with HIV-1-infected H9 T lymphocytes. OLE also inhibits HIV-1 replication as assayed by p24 expression in infected H9 cells. These anti-HIV effects of OLE are dose dependent, with EC(50)s of around 0.2 microg/ml. In the effective dose range, no cytotoxicity on uninfected target cells was detected” [36]. “The antimicrobial potential of eight phenolic compounds isolated from olive cake was tested against the growth of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The phenolic compounds included p-hydroxy benzoic, vanillic, caffeic, protocatechuic, syringic, and p-coumaric acids, oleuropein and quercetin. Caffeic and protocatechuic acids (0.3 mg/ml) inhibited the growth of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The same compounds apart from syringic acid (0.5 mg/ml) completely inhibited the growth of B. cereus. Oleuropein, and p-hydroxy benzoic, vanillic and p-coumaric acids (0.4 mg/ml) completely inhibited the growth of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and B. cereus. Vanillic and caffeic acids (0.2 mg/ml) completely inhibited the growth and aflatoxin production by both A. flavus and A. parasiticus, whereas the complete inhibition of the moulds was attained with 0.3 mg/ml p-hydroxy benzoic, protocatechuic, syringic, and p-coumaric acids and quercetin” [36]. Research has concluded that oleuropein “showed significant antiviral activities against” respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza type 3 virus” [37] and “can possess antibacterial action” [38]. It is believed that oleuropein from olive leaves is converted into elenolic acid in the body—elenolic compounds are believed to have “a killer effect against many viruses, bacteria and other microbes” [39]. “Upjohn found that one of the ingredients of olive leaf extract, calcium elenolate, destroyed every harmful virus, bacteria, yeast, fungi and protozoan it was exposed to in vitro,” but that it lasted only minutes in vivo [39]—that is one of the reasons why concentrated olive leaf Food should be better for humans than any of its isolated components.
Phellodendrum Huang bai: “The name “huang bai” comes from the bright yellow color of the plant’s inner bark, which is used in herbal preparations… In traditional Chinese medicine, phellodendron bark is considered to have bitter and cold properties, and is associated with the Kidney and Bladder meridians. Its main functions are to drain damp heat and kidney fire. Among the conditions it is used to treat are diarrhea, dysentery, swollen joints in the legs, and jaundice. Phellodendron bark is often used in conjunction with other herbs” [40]. Phellodendrum has been found to have “antiviral activity on herpes simplex virus” [41]. An extract was found to have anti-coronaviral effects [42].
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica: It has been used to support healthy lungs and sinuses [35,43]. “A study concerning a lectin present found in nettle suggest a potent and selective inhibitor for HIV and cytomegalovirus replication” [43].
Vitex Man jing zi: Also known as chaste tree. “Chaste tree is reportedly effective in treating endocrine disorders” [43]. Extracts have exerted “intracellular antiviral activity” and ” inhibited virus propagation” [44].
Wild Oregano Origanum vulgare: The PDR for Herbal Medicines states that its “essential oil, which contains carvacrol, is antimicrobial in vitro” and that “Oregano herb is used for respiratory disorders such as coughs, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and as an expectorant…In China, Oregano is used for colds, fevers, vomiting, dysentary, jaundice, and malnutrition for children” [45]. “Origanum oil…possesses a broad spectrum of in vitro antimicrobial activities attributed to the high content of phenolic derivatives such as carvacrol and thymol…Using Candida albicans in broth cultures and a micro dilution method, comparative efficacy of origanum oil…in vitro. Origanum oil at 0.25 mg/ml was found to completely inhibit the growth of C. albicans in culture…mice fed origanum oil exhibited cosmetically better clinical appearance compared to those cured with carvacrol. The results from our study encourage examination of the efficacy of origanum oil in other forms of systemic and superficial fungal infections and exploration of its broad spectrum effect against other pathogenic manifestations including malignancy,” especially with an olive extract [46].
Xanthium Cang er zi: “In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to dispel wind and damp, and is one of the most important herbs used for sinus congestion, chronic nasal obstructions and discharges, and respiratory allergies” [47]. Xanthium components have been found to have antibacterial and cytotoxic properties [48].
References
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[21] Cheng HY, Lin LT, Huang HH, Yang CM, Lin CC. Yin Chen Hao Tang, a Chinese prescription, inhibits both herpes simplex virus type-1 and type-2 infections in vitro. Antiviral Res. 2008 Jan;77(1):14-9
[22] Yamauchi M, Tsuruma K, Imai S, Nakanishi T, Umigai N, Shimazawa M, Hara H. Crocetin prevents retinal degeneration induced by oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses via inhibition of caspase activity. Eur J Pharmacol. 2011 Jan 10;650(1):110-9
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[44] Gonçalves JL, Leitão SG, Monache FD, Miranda MM, Santos MG, Romanos MT, Wigg MD. In vitro antiviral effect of flavonoid-rich extracts of Vitex polygama (Verbenaceae) against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1. Phytomedicine. 2001 Nov;8(6):477-80
[45] Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, editors. PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2 nd ed. Medical Economics, Montvale (NJ), 2000
[46] Manohar V, Ingram C, Gray J, Talpur NA, Echard BW, Bagchi D, Preuss HG. Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans. Mol Cell Biochem. 2001; 228(1-2): 111-117
[47] Xanthium Fruit (cang er zi). Acupuncture Today. http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/xanthium.php viewed 07/11/13
[48] Tsankova ET, Trendafilova AB, Kujumgiev AI, Galabov AS, Robeva PR. Xanthanolides of Xanthium italicum Moretti and their biological activity. Z Naturforsch C. 1994 Jan-Feb;49(1-2):154-5Some of these studies (or citations) may not conform to peer review standards, therefore, the results are not conclusive. Professionals can, and often do, come to different conclusions when reviewing scientific data. None of these statements have been reviewed by the FDA.
While the paper was not directed towards the coronavirus, it should be clear that there has been research on the use of herbs to help the immune systems of people battling various viruses. Including many not mentioned in my paper that we also have at our office.
Anyway, improving one’s diet, as well as avoiding biblically unclean meat, remains a wise thing to do (see also The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats).
The Bible teaches:
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).
Do not overeat. Avoiding artificial sweeteners, chemical additives, excess refined sugar, and some other items commonly associated with junk foods would seem to be consistent with the warning to eat what is good. Sadly, during the COVID lockdowns, many Americans ate more junk food and gained weight (see Using scale for weight loss? Americans gain weight during COVID-19 shut downs). That would tend to weaken, not strengthen their immune systems.
Instead of focusing on how people can improve their health and strengthen their immune systems, the approach most Western government leaders and ‘experts’ have been pushing is basically fear, ridiculing natural immune support options, and encouraging the expansion of government control over people’s lives. This has also been the means repeatedly pushed by the mainstream media to deal with aspects of the coronavirus.
While you cannot change your blood type, you can avoid overeating and eating a lot of junk food.
Although herbs, avoiding unclean meats, and increasing consumption of various nutrients will not assure you cannot get infected, supporting the immune system is logical. “Eat what is good” (Isaiah 55:2).
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Ten Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear This is a vastly expanded version of a shorter article by the late Dr. Herman Hoeh on getting past fear. Here is a link to a related sermon: Ten Plus Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear.
Christian courage vs. cowardice As you courageous? What biblically is cowardice? Do YOU really understand this? Two sermons related to this article are available and are titled Courage and Cowardice and Cowardice and Overcoming Fear. A Spanish language article is also available: Valor Cristiano vs Cobardía.
Does God Heal Today? This historical article is by Herbert Armstrong and provides his views on healing circa 1952, which he seemed to later modify, at least to some degree.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
The Bible, Christians, and the Environment How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? Here is a link to a related sermon: Christians and the Environment (there is also a YouTube video available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy and one titled Will Pollution lead to the End?).
UK Study Supports Daniel Diet Daniel and his companions looked better eating more vegetables and avoiding strange meats. Has modern science confirmed this?
The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous? There is also a sermon-length video on this: Christians and Unclean Meats; a short video is also available: Did Jesus declare all animal flesh food?
Ten Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear This is a vastly expanded version of a shorter article by the late Dr. Herman Hoeh on getting past fear. Here is a link to a related sermon: Ten Plus Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear.
Christian courage vs. cowardice As you courageous? What biblically is cowardice? Do YOU really understand this? Two sermons related to this article are available and are titled Courage and Cowardice and Cowardice and Overcoming Fear. A Spanish language article is also available: Valor Cristiano vs Cobardía.
Should Christians Smoke Tobacco or Marijuana? Is smoking a sin? What does the Bible teach? What have COG leaders written? Can smokers change? What about marijuana?
Marijuana: Should a Christian Get High? There is increasing acceptance of the use of marijuana. How should Christians view this? Here is a related video titled How Should a Christian View Marijuana?
Alcohol: Blessing or Curse? This is an article from the old Good News magazine that attempts to answer this question.
Binge Drinking, Health, and the Bible Many college students and others overindulge in alcohol. Are there health risks? What does the Bible teach? A related video is also available: Binge Drinking and the Bible.
Obesity, processed foods, health risks, and the Bible Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned? What diseases are associated with eating too much refined foods? A related video would be Eating Right, Eating Too Much, and Prophecy.
Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health Herbert Armstrong gives his opinions on this.
The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous? There is also a sermon-length video on this: Christians and Unclean Meats; a short video is also available: Did Jesus declare all animal flesh food?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation. Some shorter related videos may include Amphibian Apocalypse: Threat to Humans? and Zombie Deer Disease is Here! Are the 10 Plagues on Egypt Coming? Here is a version of the article in Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
COVID 19 is NOT the End, but could it be TEOTWAWKI? The novel coronavirus called COVID-19 is wreaking havoc around the world. Many states of the USA as well as countries in Europe are on lockdown with shelter in place /shelter in residence requirements. In France, a form is required when you are not at your house. In Spain, drones are being used to warn people who are outside to got back to their homes–does that bring up feelings of ‘Big Brother’? Italy, France, and other areas are using police and/or military force to encourage people to stay inside. According to the Bible could this be the end? If not, what has to happen first? Have the second and third of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse started their ride? Could COVID-19 be the fourth horseman? Why or why not? Could we be seeing The End of the World as We Know It (TEOTWAWKI) like the R.E.M.’s 1987 single song discussed? Do Christians need to fear? What did Jesus teach? What did the Psalmist teach? This is a video. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: Corona 19 no es el final PERO es el TEOTWAWKI.
COVID-19 Leading to 666? The novel coronavirus of Wuhan, China fame, is now called COVID-19. It has also been called the ‘Coronapocalypse.’ Does COVID-19 have any prophetic ramifications? What did Jesus teach about pestilences and sorrows in the Olivet prophecy in Matthew 24? Could COVID-19 be the ride of the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse? Why was this type of disease expected according to the O. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: ld Testament prophecies in Deuteronomy and Leviticus? What has the US Centers for Disease Control warned about? What has the CDC reported about the flu? Were there lessons about fear and infections in the 2011 movie ‘Contagion’? Because of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), nation of Iran, and certain French locations are telling people not to use cash, but instead electronic forms of payment. The US Federal Reserve is now quarantining money repatriated from Asia to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus on US currency bills. Is COVID-19 worse than we have been told or could this all be a ‘false flag’ event to encourage people to move towards a cashless society? If the thousands of deaths associated with COVID-19 are pushing parts of the world towards cashlessness, how much more likely will the ride of the fourth horseman and over a billion human deaths motivate people to move to making electronic payments that can be monitored? The Bible tells of a soon coming society that controls buying and selling to force allegiance to a coming European Beast power, known as 666 (Revelation 13:16-18). Does the ‘great tribulation’ begin before ride of the fourth horseman or with the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6? Do the words of Jesus helps us better understand the sequence of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and the start of the Great Tribulation? Will the ride of the fourth horseman help lead to the rise of 666? Is that ride very close? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: El COVID-19 ¿Conduce al 666?
Biological Warfare and Prophecy Is biological warfare possible? Was it prophesied? Scientists have long warned that pathogenic organisms like the coronavirus could be weaponized. Furthermore, back in 2017, there were concerns that the biological research facility being constructed in Wuhan, China was risky and that a coronavirus from it could be released. On January 25, 2020, China’s President Xi Jinping publicly stated that the situation with the Wuhan-related strain of the coronavirus was grave. Did Church of God writers like the late evangelist Raymond McNair warn that engineered viruses (the “Doomsday bug”) were consistent with prophecies from Jesus? Did a warning from CCOG leader Bob Thiel warn about risks of genetically-modified (GMO) mosquitoes come to pass? Could human research and/or the consumption of biblically-unclean animals such as bats and snakes be a factor in current outbreaks or coming future pestilences? What about famines? How devastating have pestilences been? How devastating are the prophesied ones going to be? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something? Here is a version in the Spanish language Escrituras sobre Preparación física para los Cristianos. Here is a link to a related sermon: Physical preparedness for Christians.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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