Preventing COVID-19: Supporting the immune system holistically
COVID-19 is unfortunately still a topic that keeps us all on our toes worldwide. Therefore, we at WISE MEDICINE would like to give you some tips on how you can support your immune system naturally and holistically and hopefully get through this time well!
Our natural protection concept
First of all, we would like to tell you about our natural "protection concept" with vital substances. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, there are other vital substances that support our immune system in its important work.
Per day to support the immune system and for disease prophylaxis:
Vitamin D: 4000-8000 IU
Omega-3 Vida: 10 ml
Magnesium Vida: 2x 1 capsule
Zinc Vital, Burgerstein: 2x 15 mg
Artemisia PET capsules (only in case of illness)
If, despite everything, you get symptoms of a viral infection (cold, flu, COVID-19 ...), start immediately (at the first signs) with Artemisia PET: 5-6x 2 capsules per day until the symptoms disappear. It is important to take the Artemisia capsules outside meals (one hour apart) to get the full effect!
How does COVID-19 actually cause severe disease?
The main causes that can be responsible for severe courses of the disease are a weakened immune system and severe chronic pre-existing diseases. In a severe course of a COVID-19 infection, the immune defense gets out of control. This results in the dreaded "cytokine storm"; it is an excessive release of inflammation-triggering messenger substances, so-called cytokines. Cytokines are special proteins that play an important role in the coordination of the immune defense. When a pathogen enters the body, inflammation-promoting cytokines ensure that immune cells dock at the site of infection. Tissue becomes more perfused and the immune response is activated. This is an important process in the body and normally this system is also "shut down" at the right time. However, under certain circumstances this does not happen, as can be observed in severe COVID-19 courses. This can lead to acute lung failure (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). However, the excessive inflammatory process can also spread outside the lungs and ultimately lead to multiple organ failure.
That is why it is so important to support the immune system holistically in its work!
Support the immune system with vital substances
Vitamin D
As already mentioned, people with certain underlying diseases have an increased risk of a more severe course of COVID-19 infection. These diseases have one thing in common - they are often accompanied by low vitamin D levels. Especially in elderly people, who also belong to the risk group, vitamin D levels are often measured to be far too low. This is because the most important source of vitamin D is the formation in the skin by sunlight, which, however, only functions to a limited extent in old age. However, vitamin D is basically in short supply in our latitudes, and very many people suffer from a deficiency. Meanwhile, there are dozens of studies that identify vitamin D deficiency as a possible indicator of severity and mortality in COVID-19 disease. Vitamin D has many important functions in the body, one of which is the regulation of the immune system and inflammatory processes in the body. That is why we recommend taking vitamin D as a dietary supplement, especially during the winter months and more specifically during the pandemic.
Omega-3 fatty acids
The essential fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the most important omega3 fatty acids. Not only are they important for brain and heart function, but they also have an anti-inflammatory effect, causing inflammation to resolve more quickly. These fatty acids also cause a lower cytokine response ("cytokine storm"). Regarding COVID-19, numerous intervention studies with EPA and DHA are ongoing for prevention and therapy. There are still few data, but these indicate that people with higher omega-3 levels have a smaller risk of suffering a severe COVID-19 course or dying from it than those with lower levels. The so-called HS-Omega-3 Index® is measured in the red blood cells with special analytics and should optimally be between 8 and 11%. In this country, the values measured are often far too low, as omega-3 fatty acids are mainly found in fatty sea fish or krill, which are rarely found in our diet. (see blog on COVID-19 and Omega-3)
Magnesium
There are now over 800 known reactions in the body that require the essential mineral magnesium as a co-factor! Not only is it important for nervous system, muscle function and bone health, but it also plays an anti-inflammatory role. There is also a widespread deficiency of magnesium.
Zinc
The trace element zinc has a regulating effect on the innate immune system. This provides a first line of defence against pathogens before the adaptive immune system then forms targeted antibodies and T cells. In the monocytes, which belong to the leukocytes (white blood cells), a special metabolic pathway is activated, which plays an important role in the defence against germs. At the same time, however, there is also increased formation of a zinc transporter, which in turn promotes the absorption of zinc in the cell membrane. It is assumed that excessive inflammation can be prevented by the regulation of the trace element zinc.
Artemisia annua
An antiviral activity of the Artemisia plant has already been proven in numerous studies. More than 240 different secondary plant compounds have been isolated and detected in the leaf tips to date, including artemisinin. The medicinal plant and the artemisinin it produces have been used successfully for over 2000 years to treat a number of diseases (not just viral), particularly malaria. In 2005, a study demonstrated that Artemisia annua was also effective against SARS-CoV-1, the pathogen responsible for the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak. In addition, Artemisia leaves with all their active ingredients, as well as artemisinin alone, have been shown to reduce levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in vivo. These cytokines may be problematic during the "cytokine storm," as mentioned earlier. The results of a recent study suggest that the active component in Artemisia annua leaves is likely something other than artemisinin, or a combination of components that act synergistically to block viral infection after entry. Therefore, it makes sense to utilize the leaves as a whole, rather than isolating individual active compounds. In our opinion, Artemisia is a safe, effective, and inexpensive alternative to vaccines.
Eat a balanced diet and drink a lot
Even if you take vital substances as a dietary supplement to support your immune system, it is still imperative to still pay attention to a healthy diet! Eat as balanced and varied a diet as possible and give preference to plant-based foods. If possible, use seasonal and regional products and look for organic quality. On the other hand, you should avoid products with granulated sugar or greatly reduce their consumption. Many people, especially older people, drink too little. In general, it is recommended to consume about 2 litres of fluid per day. In certain situations, however, the fluid requirement can increase significantly. Particularly in winter with the often dry heating air, but also at high temperatures or during sporting activities, the body is urgently dependent on a sufficient fluid intake. The immune system is also directly affected by dehydration. When there is a lack of water, the body secretes histamine so that the water that is still available is kept in the body and not excreted. The activity of the immune system is hindered in the bone marrow by histamine-sensitive white blood cells, and immune defenses are suppressed, as well as less functional antibodies are produced. Drink, even if you do not (yet) feel thirsty. If the body reacts with a feeling of thirst, this is actually already an alarm sign; it then already has a fluid deficit. Also make sure that you supply your body with fluids at regular intervals and drink unsweetened beverages. Get creative and find your (new) favourite drinks.
Provide exercise (preferably in the fresh air)
Our body is made for movement; a physically active lifestyle is also important for the immune system. Light endurance training, with at best three to four training sessions per week, are ideal for the body to support the immune system. Even people who have a weakened immune system can achieve a positive effect through moderate training. Choose a sport that suits you and that you also enjoy so that you stick with it for the long term. It is best to choose a sport that you can do outdoors in nature, even in the cold season. Because nature, fresh air and daylight promote our well-being and the function of the immune system! Yes, even a 30-minute walk is far more beneficial for your general well-being than slaving away in the fitness centre. A healthy balance between training and regeneration is also crucial and achieves the best effect in the long term.
Also consider the mental state
It has been proven that constant stress (distress, i.e. negative stress) damages our immune system! We are challenged all year round, in this time of crisis even more than usual, and often forget to give ourselves a break. Especially in a stressful everyday life, breaks need to be planned, otherwise they don't happen. Why don't you put such feel-good moments in your agenda just like all your other commitments? Find out what is good for you. A walk in the woods? A cup of tea by candlelight? Reading a good book? A relaxing bath? It doesn't always have to be hours either! Even if you can regularly schedule half an hour that you consciously spend in a way that enhances your well-being, it can work wonders. By the way, fear and negative thoughts also have an extremely negative effect on the immune system! Therefore, try to get your fears and dark thoughts under control; talk to someone about them or seek professional help if necessary. During this time, consciously avoid too much information from the media, which can unsettle, worry or frighten you. Such a "constant bombardment" with negative content can weaken your immune system. Inform yourself, but in a targeted way! Consciously look for positive news and deal with good thoughts. Gratitude, but also a willingness to forgive, also have a positive effect on our health. Be aware of all the good things and develop a gratitude for them and forgive as quickly as possible. You will quickly feel how good this does you.
Our position on the COVID-19 vaccination
As a public health centre, we are obliged to follow the instructions of the Health Department of the Canton of Zurich, the FOPH and the Medical Association of the Canton of Zurich. However, since vaccination can also be understood as bodily harm in the broadest sense, we must leave the decision for or against vaccination to each individual patient. Some scientists had insight into the documents of the company Biontec/Pfizer, which they had submitted to the FDA (US health authority). In it, the short-term side effects were significantly higher than those of a flu shot. As far as the long-term side effects are concerned, we probably won't be able to make a judgement for a few months. The important phase 3 clinical trials in humans were conducted in an extremely short period of time or not at all before approval. Patients with allergies and autoimmune diseases as well as immunosuppressed individuals should certainly wait at this time. It is also important to mention that the manufacturing companies deny any responsibility for possible vaccine damage and the governments have accepted this in the contracts.
We hope to have helped you with these tips and sincerely wish you good health!