In our first meeting of Winter quarter, our president Wenting Hu talked about Integrative Medicine and COVID-19. Here’s what we learned during her presentation.
What is COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses whose appearance is characterized by a crown of spike proteins on its shell. They enter our cells via the ACE2 receptors, after which they release their messenger RNA (mRNA) and hijack the mechanisms of our cells to replicate. The current COVID-19 vaccines use mRNA, which enters our cells and creates spike proteins. These are detected by the immune system as intruders, and antibodies are made in response.
4 ways Integrative Medicine can be used to prevent COVID-19
*disclaimer: research results marked with an asterisk were obtained through studies done on cells and rats. Human trials examining the effectiveness of these methods on COVID-19 have not yet been completed. Furthermore, please talk to your doctor before consuming dietary supplements.
Preventing infection
One way to prevent COVID-19 is through our diet, or through dietary supplements. The followings extracts or supplements have been shown to decrease ACE2 activation: *astragalus membranaceus, Quercetin, Vitamin D3.
Reducing viral replication
Zinc inhibits the activity of viral proteases, which in turn reduces viral replication. Sources of zinc include onions, apples, and tea leaves (especially green tea).
Preventing the cytokine storm
When the virus progresses in the body and moves from the upper respiratory tract to the lower respiratory tract, it impedes the function of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. While trying to remove this infection, our immune system can overreact, flooding the bloodstream with inflammatory proteins called cytokines that can kill tissues and damage organs. This is the cytokine storm.
Improving the body’s innate immunity may prevent the cytokine storm. Vitamin D activates innate immune cells which also secrete an antiviral peptide, but excess Vitamin D can lead to sustained inflammatory response.
Reducing inflammation
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and vegetables, can reduce inflammation and also shortens the severity of the common cold.
Curcumin, which is a flavonoid found in turmeric, has been shown to reduce viral attachment, entry, and replication, suppress cytokines involved in the cytokine storm, and inhibit inflammation.
Melatonin, quercetin (onions and apples), garlic, and green tea can also reduce inflammation
What else can we do?
It’s well documented that chronic stress suppresses our immune system. During times of uncertainty and turmoil, it becomes increasingly important to take care of ourselves and find healthy outlets to manage our stress. Here are a few suggestions: attend virtual social gatherings, take online exercise classes, practice mind-body approaches like meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi, help each other virtually, get a good night’s sleep.
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