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A HOLISTIC APPROACH AT DISCOVERING YOUR OPTIMAL STATE OF HEALTH DISCOVER AN OPTIMAL STATE OF HEALTH
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THE ALCHEMIC HEALTH BLOG

All Covid-19
August 25, 2020

Immune System Optimisation – Part 2

Following up on my last article, I want to continue providing you with ways to increase your immune system to keep you protected and healthy during these current times.

Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is important for immune system function, inflammation, cognitive performance and fertility in both males and females. Adequate levels of selenium are important for initiating immunity (through its incorporation into selenoproteins), but it’s also involved in regulating excessive immune responses and chronic inflammation(1). Selenoproteins play a crucial role in regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox status in nearly all tissues(2). Deficiency in selenium has recognized to negatively impact immune cells during activation, differentiation and proliferation(1).

Supplementing with selenium has been proposed to have health benefits for patients suffering from viral diseases, specifically HIV and influenza A infections(3). It’s also been shown to improve several clinical and lifestyle variables in patients with these infections. It affects the functions of both adaptive and innate immunity, promotes proliferation and favors differentiation of naive CD4-positive T lymphocytes toward T helper 1 cells, which supports acute cellular immune response(3).

Studies have shown that in Hubei Province where COVID-19 is said to of originated, that this is one of the most selenium deficient areas in all of China(4). Due to this selenium deficiency, many of the population were affected dramatically due to not having the antiviral properties that selenium supports. Investigations hypothesize that selenium status was associated with COVID-19 disease outcome(4).

Therapeutic doses of selenium are 200mcg-300mcg per day, which can be taken in the form of capsule or drops. Foods that contain selenium include Bazil nuts, walnuts, grains, beef, poultry and fish such as tuna, cod and red snapper.

Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata, generally known as “king of bitters” is a herb that is part of the Acanthaceae family which is predominantly found in China, Thailand and Malaysia(6).
Andrographolide (a major bioactive chemical constituent) known for its anti-inflammatory effects, is isolated from various parts of the Andrographis herb(6). This compound has been tested for its effects in conditions such as arthritis, asthma, stroke, hepatic and neural toxicity, carcinoma, ischemia and oxidative stress(5). Apart from this, andrographolide also has immunomodulatory effects by enhancing cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)(5). All these properties form the foundation to restrain virus replication and virus-induced pathogenesis(5).

One study has investigated Andrographis’ antiviral activity against dengue virus (DENV). This virus is the most prevalent arthropod-transmitted viral illness with an estimated 100 million symptomatic infections occurring each year and more than 2.5 billion people living at risk of infection(7). Results showed that andrographolides had significant anti-DENV activity in both HepG2 and HeLa cell lines, which reduced both levels of cellular infection and virus output, demonstrating its potential role as an anti-viral agent(7).

The dosage of andrographolides is 60mg for adults and 30mg for children per day, this is usually consumed with food to avoid any gastrointestinal side effects.

Echinacea
Extracts of the Echinacea species have traditionally been used in North America against colds, influenza and other diseases. Recent studies show that preparations derived from certain species and parts of the plant possess potent antiviral properties working against membrane-containing viruses(8). Avian influenza, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus and rhinoviruses were all very sensitive to Echinacea purpurea extracts(8). Some extracts displayed anti-inflammatory activity in virus-infected cells and numerous other effects on the expression of cellular genes(8).

Other experimental studies show that the biological properties of Echinacea purpurea are antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and larvicidal activities(9). The pharmacologically active metabolites of the plant such as alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides and glycoproteins are believed to be responsible for the therapeutic actions(9).

Echinacea purpurea extracts inhibit virus replication if consumed prior to infection(10). The studies that demonstrate this were done using human H1N1-type IV, highly pathogenic avian IV (HPAIV) of the H5- and H7- types, as well as swine origin IV (S-OIV, H1N1). This was achieved by inhibiting the receptor binding activity of the virus, which suggests that extracts interfere with viral entry into cells(10).

Recommended dosing is 300 mg of dry powdered extract (standardized to echinacoside 3.5%), 0.25 to 1.25 mL of liquid extract (1:1 in alcohol 45%), 1 to 2 mL of tincture (1:5 in alcohol 45%), 2 to 3 mL of expressed juice of E. purpurea, and 0.5 to 1 g of dried root or tea (all administered 3 times daily). Long-term use of echinacea is not recommended, so please use in an acute manner.

This brings us to the end of Immune System Optimisation – Part 2. I hope both articles (part 1 and 2) help you make the right choices in how to increase your immune systems capabilities. These are just some of the ways you can use vitamins and herbs to protect yourself during these times but there are many other avenues available. If you would like more information or have a program tailored specifically for you, please feel free to book an online appointment for a full assessment and treatment plan.

Written by Luke Pavasovic
Director and Naturopath at Alchemic Health
facebook.com/alchemichealth
www.alchemichealth.com

References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277928/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723386/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4288282/
4. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/111/6/1297/5826147
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27896563/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619690/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28034742/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058675/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441164/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19912623/

August 19, 2020

Immune System Optimisation – Part 1

Isn’t it funny, during this pandemic we are all worried about our health and ways to protect ourselves but no one is actually giving any real health advice? It puzzles me why there has been no mention of proper health or nutrition which is the fundamental basis for a strong immune system and overall well-being. Yet we are told about other interventions that really have nothing to do with health and are more in the classification of medical care. Well today I want to bring forward some information that will help you make the right choices to support your immune system.

Vitamin D3
Currently during this pandemic, many people are being isolated with minimal chances to get out and into the sun as much as we are used to. This will inevitably lead to people suffering from lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient (technically a steroid-like hormone), it helps decrease inflammation and enhances the pathogen fighting effects of macrophages and monocytes(1)

Being deficient in vitamin D can have a negative effect on the immune system, specifically increasing the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including allergic asthma and influenza(2). A 2019 study demonstrated that supplementing with vitamin D decreases the risk of respiratory infection in those who are deficient and lowers infection risk for those with adequate levels(3).

More recently a study from this year demonstrates that vitamin D could lower infection rates for influenza and COVID-19. It does this through inducing cathelicidins and defensins that lower viral replication rates, decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause inflammatory injuries in the lining of the lungs and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines(4). If you are deficient or worried you are, consider supplementing vitamin D at 10,000iu per day for a few weeks, followed by 5000iu per day as a maintenance dose. The goal is to raise concentrations above 40-60ng/mL(100-150nmol/L)(4).

Please note, to metabolise vitamin D you must also have adequate magnesium levels to support this process(5). I consider it mandatory to supplement both together, for more information on magnesium and dosage please refer to prior posts.

Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that has numerous benefits, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions along with being essential for immune system function(6). Being deficient in zinc decreases the immune system’s ability to function properly, leading to increased risk of disease, including pneumonia(7). Low levels also cause growth retardation and cognitive impairment, so by this we can see it is a vital mineral for numerous aspects in the body(8). Studies show that deficiency greatly inhibits the activation of many zinc-dependent enzymes and transcription factors, which is the culprit for decreased immune function(8).

Zinc status is a critical factor that influences antiviral properties, it stimulates the antiviral processes of the immune system which help ward off viral infections, via numerous mechanisms. Over 50 years of evidence demonstrates zincs therapeutic use against viral infections such as herpes simplex and the common cold(9).

Interestingly, most people at risk of COVID-19 have been shown to be associated with zinc deficiency, this is because zinc is essential to preserve natural tissue barriers in respiratory epithelium which prevents pathogen entry(10).

We can see zinc is highly beneficial for anyone wanting to boost their immune system, especially those with sub-optimal zinc status. Therapeutic doses are between 20-40mg being the upper limit per day, anything over this may lead to toxicity side effects.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most popular micronutrients for humans due to its protective role against infection and vital importance in immune function. It is a potent antioxidant and cofactor for a family of biosynthetic and gene regulatory enzymes(11). It supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens and promotes oxidant scavenging of the skin which protects against environment oxidative stress. It accumulates in immune cells and enhances functions through microbial killing mechanisms(11).

Deficiency in vitamin C results in impaired immunity leading to a higher susceptibility to infections.  In turn, infections significantly impact vitamin C levels due to enhanced inflammation and metabolic requirements. Supplementation appears to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections(11).

Vitamin C is a well-known antiviral agent, especially against the influenza virus. It increases antiviral immune responses at the early stages of infection due to the increased production of interferon (IFN)-α/β(12).

Additionally, high dose vitamin C administered intravenously has shown to significantly improve symptoms in people with viral infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)(13).

All in all, we can see that supplementing with vitamin C plays a significant role in immune function and people who do not get enough in their diet can greatly benefit from increasing consumption. It is advised to supplement between 1000mg-2000mg per day, anything over this may induce gastrointestinal side effects.

This brings us to the end of Immune System Optimisation – Part 1, please keep an eye out for Part 2 with more information on vitamins and herbs that can further help protect you and increase your immune system naturally.

Written by Luke Pavasovic
Director and Naturopath at Alchemic Health
facebook.com/alchemichealth
www.alchemichealth.com

References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164750/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738984/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30675873/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7231123/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471760/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2820120/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854541/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2277319/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31305906/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32754164/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659258/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070236/

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