Air Quality, COVID-19 and Supplements Update

What We’re Learning About COVID-19

I really hit the wall with learning about COVID-19 a few weeks back. It’s overwhelming, right? But there are new developments in understanding of the virus, as well as new unsubstantiated claims, and new discoveries in the nutrition connection.

So I am back again to give you some interesting new research related to COVID-19, as well as some interesting supplement applications I learned.

COVID-19 Is Causing a Real Mess in the Body

What is really surprising to me is all the various ways COVID-19 seems to damage the body. We are now hearing reports of strokes and other neurological symptoms, strange rashes and an association with low testosterone. 

Sadly, the recovery after a severe COVID-19 can be quite long and draining. Prevention is key, through hand-washing, exercise, good sleep, a good diet, basic supplementation and stress management. 

Environmental Factors at Play

Air Pollution and COVID-19 Risk

As a detox export, when I heard a study about men being more at risk for COVID-19 thanks to a higher incidence of working as drivers, my attention piqued.

Living in a polluted environment, typically a city, increases mortality rates. Manhattan has a higher rate of airborne particulate matter than is recommended, as do parts of Italy, the UK, India and China.

Growing up in a city with excessive NO2 levels (nitrogen dioxide from diesel traffic) can prevent healthy lung development in children. (1)
Also...“tiny air pollution particles—known to researchers as PM2.5, which stands for particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers—are associated with burning certain material, including coal and gasoline. Inhaling PM2.5 for many years can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, premature death in people with heart or lung disease, worsened asthma symptoms, decreased lung function, and airway irritation that can lead to coughing or difficulty breathing, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.” (2)

“Black and Hispanic people are typically exposed to 56% and 63% more PM2.5 pollution than they produce through consumption and daily activities. In sharp contrast, non-Hispanic white people are typically exposed to 17% less pollution than they produce.” (3) African Americans, native Americans and Hispanic Americans also have a higher incidence of pre-existing conditions.

Outdoors: COVID-19 Carried by Pollutants?

A preliminary study out of Italy also shows COVID-19 dispersing on a different particulate matter related to pollution.(4) 

Ironically, air quality is improving in areas with COVID-19 closures. “According to this year’s Air Quality Index, cities with historically high levels of PM2.5 have witnessed a dramatic drop in pollution since enforcing lockdowns; 44% in Wuhan, 54% in Seoul and 60% in New Delhi.

But scientists have said the fall in polluting emissions is just a short-term result and that air quality is likely to worsen again as lockdowns are lifted if we return to business as usual. Pollution levels must be limited as much as possible to minimise the effects of a second wave of coronavirus, they warn.” (5) 

Indoors: Air Quality Associated with Immuno-Compromise

Unfortunately, outdoor emissions aren’t the only source of exposure. We are indoors more than out, and our air quality can be quite poor, stressing the lungs, liver and immune system. (6)

This can happen in any home or workplace, thanks to synthetic materials like carpet and pressed furniture, incorrect ventilation, toxic mold, gas stoves, off-gassing of equipment, artificial fragrances, pesticides and pathogens tracked in on shoes, and more.

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Headaches

• Eye irritation

• Dizziness

• Fatigue 

• Nausea

• Muscle pain

• Rashes

• Sore throat 

• Wheezing

• Nosebleeds (7)

Some steps that you can take to improve your indoor air quality include: (8, 9, 10, 11)

• Open windows and doors to let in fresh air

• Have your HVAC system professionally cleaned

• Run your stove vent while cooking 

• Take off shoes at the door

• Dust and deep clean your house, including drapes, baseboards and ceiling fans

• Use only natural products for cleaning and deodorizing, and avoid synthetic fragrances

• Run a dehumidifier if your indoor humidity is over 50%

• Clean out crowded closets 

Supplement Options, Backed by Science

Broccoli Sprout and Seed: One-a-day for Super Liver Support 

Broccoli sprouts are incredibly powerful at supporting the liver, which in turns supports your immunity. Here are just a few of the benefits: (12, 13, 14, 15)

Thyroid: The liver accounts for the activation of about 80% of our thyroid hormones. When it becomes bogged down and overrun by free radicals and toxins, we often experience hypothyroidism. The sulforaphane and other glucosinolates in broccoli can change that! 

Immunity: Broccoli sprout also boosts the immune system against viruses. A 2016 study “conclude(d) that nasal influenza infection may induce complex changes in peripheral blood NK cell activation, and that BSH (broccoli sprout homogenates) increases virus-induced peripheral blood NK cell granzyme B production, an effect that may be important for enhanced antiviral defense responses.” 

Detoxification: A 12-week period the participants taking the broccoli sprout drink increased their rate of excretion of benzene by 61%. Benzene is a known carcinogen. In the U.S. benzene exposure comes predominantly from car and truck exhaust, emissions from coal and oil combustion, evaporation from industrial sites, and gas stations. (Remember that report above on air pollution and COVID-19???) Smoking is another source of benzene exposure. 

I have gotten the question, can't I just eat broccoli sprouts? Of course they are great to eat whether home-grown or store-bought, but you won't really get the quantity as well as a daily supplement. 

Our Broccoli Seed and Sprout requires just one pill a day so one bottle is a three-month supply. Find it HERE!

GI Detox: A Toxin Binder with Immune Power

GI Detox contains fulvic and humic acids and we mainly sell this product to support detoxification. GI Detox binds organic and inorganic toxins in the digestive tract so that they don't recirculate.

I recently found out that this top-seller also supports immunity with its fulvic and humic acids. These are compounds found in sediment and soil humus that are mineral-rich and "multiple active functional groups." Remarkably these soil compounds increase nutrient absorption, are anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, neuro-protective, cancer-protective and antioxidant. 

As far as immunity, a compound derived from humic acid, OP-PCA, inhibited the activity of viral RNA, cell-cell fusion and virus-induced hemagglutination (red blood cell clumping). A 45- day trial using a humic acid supplementation increased gut microbiota population by an impressive 32%. And we know that a healthy gut microbiome provides great protection against viruses and we also know that COVID-19 can penetrate the gut and cause inflammation and immune dysregulation.

Sources: (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)

I would recommend 2 capsules at bedtime as tolerated. Add a second dose of 2 capsules upon rising if working on detox or an active virus or active gut repair program. Always start with the lowest dose before increasing and see my "Side Effects" ebook for more information.

Vitamin D: Now Connected with COVID Research

A recent study reviewed the severity of COVID-19 cases that required hospitalization. They compared blood levels of vitamin D over 30 ng/ml, 21-29 ng/dl and under 20 ng/dl.

In my opinion, any vitamin D levels around 30 are too low! I like to see clients at 80, or a minimum of 50-60 ng/dl. Perhaps that is one reason all these patients ended up hospitalized for COVID-19, among other factors. But nevertheless, this review showed that severity of COVID-19 symptoms correlated with vitamin D levels.

In a review of 212 COVID-19 patients, 49 had mild symptoms, and 47 of those folks had a vitamin D level over 30. Of 104 ‘severe' and 'critical' patients, 100 of them had vitamin D levels under 30 or under 20. (21)

Vitamin D is a big deal and most people are deficient. I just reviewed the test of an active woman here in Arizona who had a vitamin D level of 10. You'd be surprised how low levels can be even a sunny place. Skin color, obesity, genetics and inflammation play a part.

The best way to test for vitamin D is through a blood test. As this a common test run these days, you can go back and review a recent test. You can also test vitamin D with us through our Thyroid Plus testing package.

But if you don't know your status, I recommend vitamin D3 with K2 at 5,000 IU a day in most cases. You can take up to 20,000 IU a day to bring your numbers back up or if sick.

To support your health, our Daily D with K2 (for superior absorption) Each bottle is a 60-day supply. Purchase here. 

Ortho Iron: Iron with an Immune Bonus

One interesting compound identified for immunity is lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein contained in our Ortho Iron supplement.

We sell this supplement for superior iron absorption, but it has also been shown to inhibit viruses. 

An April 2020 review explains, "Particularly relevant to our review is the ability of Lf (lactoferrin) to inhibit pseudotyped SARS-CoV with a 50% inhibitory concentration since it is the human coronavirus that is most closely related with SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19.

The ability of Lf (lactoferrin) to inhibit viral entry may be via binding to cell surface molecules or viral particles or both.

In human oral supplementation studies against pathologic viruses, Lf (lactoferrin) given in the range of 100-1000 mg per day in humans was found to reduce the incidences of colds, and cold-like symptoms, as well as ameliorate rotaviral gastroenteritis." (22)

Iron overdose can be toxic to the body but if you are ARE a person who requires supplementary iron (per lab testing), try our Ortho Iron for a well-absorbed iron plus 200 mg of lactoferrin protection! 

Buffered Vitamin C Powder: A Vitamin C with the Right Dosage & Co-Factors

Vitamin C has been flying off shelves, but are you taking the right type or dose? Chances are you are not! 

Dosage: To actually prevent respiratory infections you need to take at least 5 gm (5,000 mg) a day. That's an awful lot of tablets, but our powdered formula covers you! I take one dose twice a day of our Buffered Vitamin C Powder for immune protection when I feel at risk. 

Bioflavonoids: Vitamin C is also proven to absorb better when taken with bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are the plant compounds found in citrus fruits and other whole foods. When you eat an orange, you get both the vitamin C and the bioflavonoids. So when you take vitamin C as a supplement, you want the bioflavonoids too as the body will better recognize and use this combination.

Bioflavonoids are powerful in their own right. The bioflavonoid quercetin has been studied to prevent free-radical damage of lung tissue during a viral infection. Another bioflavonoid, hesperidin, has been shown in vitro to downregulate the ACE2 receptors where a certain virus likes to bind. 

Note that I am not attempting to diagnose or treat any disease here! But there is solid research on both vitamin C and bioflavonoids for respiratory disease prevention at the right dosage. Rely on our Buffered Vitamin C Powder as you get back to business post quarantine!

Sources: (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)

Olive Leaf Concentrate: An All-Around Killer!

Olive leaf supplement is a little-known herb that is slowly becoming a favorite in our community. Olive leaf supplement benefits include potent antiviral and antibacterial properties. 

I first started to use it for my chronic Epstein-Barr infection (it flares up in the wintertime). But I also recommend having it on hand for acute environmental threats like viruses and stomach flu.

To encourage you to have it in your home 'pharmacy,' our Olive Leaf Concrete is now $5 off. I recommend you only use it when you are dealing with active symptoms and increase it slowly as it may cause some bacterial die-off. For this you can add GI Detox or just take less olive leaf. 

Two a day doesn't cause me any issue but if you are really sick you may want to do two capsules twice a day. Use this link to purchase.

Dry Brush Your Way to Health! 

Dry brushing is an easy thing you can do each morning for a burst of energy, vibrant skin and enhanced detoxification. In this time of pandemic, you also want to think about supporting immunity.

Each time you dry brush you move your lymph, the liquid garbage man of the body. Keeping this lymph moving out via your urine, sweat and stool--rather than stagnated in the body--helps keep correct communication of the immune system.

Moving this stagnant lymph also prevents a puffy, bloated look and weighted-down feeling. It also can help combat cellulite!

Our Dry Brush set is very high-quality and includes a softer brush for beginners and facial brush for beauty. Check it out here.

More Detox Education

Sauna for Detox

I just finished an interview with Connie Zack of Sunlighten, who has been in the sauna business for 20 years. Many folks who have been thinking about getting a sauna for a while are now ready to pull the trigger thanks to COVID-19!

I have owned a Sunlighten sauna for three years and I love it. It helps with stress, sleep, detoxification from mold and chemicals, and immune boosting.

Watch my new interview with Connie below, and get her special discount for the Hormone Detox community here.

The Best Home Mold Test

We recently began to sell the EMMA (Environmental Mold and Mycotoxin Assessment). I was so excited to interview Dr. Matt Pratt-Hyatt of RealTime Labs to discuss the efficacy and value of this test. 

When I went through my journey with a moldy home, I ran this same test, although it's much more sophisticated now. I'll talk about mistakes I made with my own home remediation and testing so that YOU can avoid them!

Watch the interview below:

Catch both the EMMA home test and the Ultimate Mold Package in our shop!

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.

Check out her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!

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