Why Am I Still Waiting to Get Covid-19 Antibody Testing?

by Robel Mengistu | May 12, 2020 | Functional Medicine

Why Am I Still Waiting to Get Covid-19 Antibody Testing?

First, Happy Mother’s Day to All Amazing Women! Wishing you to be healthy and happy!

This week I was asked a lot about antibody testing and some of my clients and friends already tested with positive and negative antibody results. And we do know, or at least we think we know, that around 20% of those who had the virus do not develop antibodies according to Lancet. That is 2 out of 10 will not show positive antibodies. Can those people get sick with it again? The answer is “we don’t know”. You probably heard a lot of “we do not know” from the healthcare practitioners. Please, be patient, there is a lot of research going on.

What testing options do we currently have:

1. Oral and Nasopharyngeal (NP): Testing is done to identify COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory samples. This test is currently available only to hospitals and public health institutions and uses RT-PCR technology to id SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal (NP) or oral swab.
2. Blood and Plasma: The COVID-19 Antibody Test is a simple blood test that uses superior ELISA technology to detect the qualitative presence of the human Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the novel virus that causes COVID-19). The test can be used in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients – making it a useful tool in identifying patients who have been exposed to COVID-19. The COVID-19 IgG/IgM Antibody Test is a critical tool in helping practitioners understand the trajectory of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its spread. The Role of IgG and IgM Antibody Testing in COVID-19IgG and IgM antibodies indicate two different stages of the immune response to the COVID-19 virus. Understanding the IgG/IgM response to SARS-CoV-2 can help practitioners identify patient exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and determine whether patients may have developed levels of immunity to it. IgG and IgM antibodies both play key roles in the progression and management of COVID-19.
   • IgM antibodies are typically detected earlier in the course of an infection than IgG antibodies. Studies published to date indicate that IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are usually detected within the first week after symptom onset, peak within 3 to 4 weeks, and then begin to decline.
   • IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are often detected after the first week of symptom onset. Although the longer-term trends for IgG antibodies in COVID-19 have not yet been established, previous studies in SARS indicated that IgG antibodies peaked within a few months after symptom onset, and gradually declined thereafter.
3. Coronavirus Stool Test/Screening and Surveillance. Coronavirus stool tests can help practitioners screen for SARS-CoV-2 and monitor and surveil patients who have tested positive for the disease.

Research from around the world indicates that as many as 50 percent of patients who are positive for SARS-CoV-2 experience gastrointestinal complaints.

Furthermore, evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in stool and its presence in stool may last for up to five weeks after clearance from the respiratory tract. A recent article published in Lancet states:

“Our data suggest the possibility of extended duration of viral shedding in faeces, for nearly 5 weeks after the patients’ respiratory samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Although knowledge about the viability of SARS-CoV-2 is limited, the virus could remain viable in the environment for days, which could lead to faecal-oral transmission, as seen with severe acute respiratory virus CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV. Therefore, routine stool sample testing with real-time RT-PCR is highly recommended after the clearance of viral RNA in a patient’s respiratory samples. Strict precautions to prevent transmission should be taken for patients who are in hospital or self-quarantined if their faecal samples test positive.”

The following are those patients who can benefit from stool testing:

• Patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, including:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Gastrointestinal Complaints
• Asymptomatic Patients Concerned about Having or Transmitting the Virus
• Surveillance of patients who previously tested positive for COVID-19 by respiratory sample

Although I think I might have had Covid-19 sometime in February and I would love to be sure if I developed the antibodies, I am still looking into the most reliable COVID-19 panel that is highly sensitive and accurate assay for viral antibodies. I am yet to see convincing data. I think I’m getting close to picking one particular functional diagnostic lab but will still verify some more data before I jump in and will make recommendations to you, my amazing tribe. Sit tight, I will be updating you soon.

Most of the supplement deliveries are business as usual now. I am now using a different dispensary called FullScript.They seem to handle things quickly and they ship with 2 days shipping. Just click HERE to REGISTER and ORDER. ALL the supplements mentioned above are also available through FullScript.

Or you can simply send the orders via email to us, this way it will be addressed in the timely manner.

We restocked on:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Quercetin
• Liver Support Supplements
• Gut Support Supplements
• Adrenal Support Supplements
• Immune Support Supplements

Simply reply via email and we will send you the products that you need ASAP. If you’ve ordered and waited for weeks, you have an option to cancel with those websites, just thought you wanted to know. 

Sending LOVE,

Dr. Inna

COVID-19 and What You Can Do To Boost Your Immune System

by Robel Mengistu | Apr 27, 2020 | Functional Medicine

As a functional medicine practitioner, I feel very responsible to make some statements. First, the information about Covid-19 keeps on changing even as I write this.

Also, many recommendations and sales pitches for certain supplements are not based on anything.

Functional medicine is mostly about getting the chronic patient out of the state of chronic illness and/or chronic inflammation. It is also about prevention. So, you can understand that acute, severe, life-threatening cases are not candidates for the functional medicine approach. That would be a straight forward ER situation that needs to be dealt with by emergency medical staff.

But most of us are still in a safe zone while some dealt with the virus and now recuperating or those who do not even know if had the virus or not. But the antibody testing is here, for those that want to know.

So many of us with autoimmune conditions are simply scared that this virus can affect them more than the general population and this keeps me on my toes as well. Although we are not conducting great studies, we are not yet seeing that IBD, IBS, and other chronic gut sufferers are in the worse ranking for disease prevalence. I have a bunch of theories why it could be, but I am still conducting research and will share with you when it becomes more clear cut.

ONE thing is for sure, those that follow great nutritional protocols, fill in the missing nutritional gaps with nutraceuticals, exercise, sleep, and do stress reduction exercises tend to fare well during these times. How can you move forward with this idea that it is possible for you to get there too?

Can you imagine that it is possible to be RESILIENT and not let the immune system fail when you really need it? If you are one of my clients already, you may feel comfortable about your wellness plan. But if you have not been given direction or really do not have the best approach for your case, these are some basic things that you can do in the meantime:

1. Sleep – Go to bed by 11 pm at the latest. I know there are professions that cannot do that. And for those, consider adding adaptogenic herbs to your wellness plan.
2. Eat your veggies – To support the liver detox process, eat veggies such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, etc.
3. Clear your space – Clear your workspace and clear your mind, especially if you are a healthcare professional that is in the front lines right now. Find your mind clearing technique that works, like EFTs, breathing methods, etc.

I was recently interviewed about killing germs and boosting immunity by Brentwood Home. Here are some of the main points I shared in that publication: Being inside for extended periods does not mean it is a good idea to stock up on unhealthy snacks. Stress eating is not wise when you want to develop a healthy resilience. Stick to a modest number of raw nuts, seeds, and small amounts of dry fruits. As for comfort foods, think lentil stews, chilies, and warming spiced soups with ginger and garlic. I advise saying no to junk food because it can only worsen the immune system. Eating garlic and lemons can only be good for your immune system, so load up on them. For more information, you can read the full article HERE.

Integrate superfoods into your diet. If you can get your hands on black or red currants, those are loaded with vitamin C, or at least grab some grapefruits. Additionally, reach for dark-colored berries that are antioxidant-rich, and the occasional bittersweet chocolate (If you know me, I have a thing with chocolate). While dark chocolate is healthy, it also contains large amounts of saturated fat, so limit your intake. And instead of packaged hot chocolate mixes, combine unsweetened raw cacao powder, stevia or honey, and nut milk of your choice, in a saucepan. And always keep your produce clean. You can clean with diluted vinegar, but do not expect vinegar to have anti-viral properties against COVID-19, it does not seem to have those.

At the moment we recommend simply sending the orders via my Contact page or emailing me at inna@realhealthsolutionsllc.com this way it will be addressed in the MOST TIMELY manner. We restocked on:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Quercetin
• Immune Support Supplements
• Adrenal Support Supplements
• Gut Support Supplements
• Liver Support Supplements

Simply reply via email at inna@realhealthsolutionsllc.com and we will send you the products that you need ASAP. If you’ve ordered and are waiting for weeks, you have an option to cancel with those websites, just thought you wanted to know. 

Sending LOVE,

Dr. Inna

A Must-See Interview with Dr. Moss, Experienced Researcher and Nutrition Expert

by Robel Mengistu | Mar 31, 2020 | Functional Medicine

Thank you, everyone, who listened to the interview with Dr. Moss, Experienced Researcher and Diplomate of Nutrition. Our Facebook Live broadcast had so many interruptions but I uploaded the interview in my YouTube channel for your uninterrupted view.

We talked about:

-Current issues with COVID-19 and ACE2 receptors

-Solutions for those who are immunocompromised during this time

-Supplements and nutrients that are helpful during viral infections

Dr. Moss stressed out the importance of eating protein to keep healthy now. We also went over the importance of eating fresh foods vs. canned and packaged foods.

And after my interview with Dr. Moss, I reconsidered eating raw foods and will only be eating cooked foods and even cooking all my greens for now just to be safe. So as you can see things are changing rapidly and I’m staying on top of all valid and evidence-based news related to integrative, holistic and functional medicine.

I was considering to do a webinar to discuss the best types of solutions to keep your digestive and immune system health in the great shape right now to be able to fight the virus with no complications because the way things are looking right now, most of us will catch the virus in one form or another (mildest cases of COVID-19 were hardly even symptomatic). I know I want to be able to recover very quickly if I get it, and the chances are that I will eventually get it. And I’d love the same for you.

I know this is a very stressful time for people. I figured this would be a great time to support your digestive and immune system health more than ever. So after many of you asked me to do a challenge I decided that it is best to have my guidance rather than the information. And I’ll replace the webinar I was going to do with something better. I want to invite you to a FREE 7 Day Digestive Reset® Challenge (Fun 7 Day Interactive Challenge) where:

• What immunocompromised patients should look into at the times of this pandemic?
• I describe in detail what I’m doing to keep my immunity in good shape.
• The challenge will follow the principles from my best selling books: “Crohn’s and Colitis Fix” and “Digestive Reset”.
• The books will be uploaded into the group for your FREE upload.

I’d be coming on my private Facebook Group for 7 straight days starting on Sunday, April 5th at 2 pm and all you need to do is to request to join my Facebook group or reply to this email for me to add you. All the challenges will be easy to follow and you should have all the foods and things at home. The winner of the challenge will get a free initial personal consultation with me (valued at $997). JOIN THE CHALLENGE in my FACEBOOK GROUP.
I’d like to apologize for most of the orders that are currently delayed. The demand is enormous and I’m working with three distributors and many, many companies directly. We are doing our best. I really appreciate your understanding! At this moment we restocked Vitamin D, Zinc, Quercetin and Immune support. We are still waiting for vitamin C. Should be in soon.

Sending LOVE!

Dr. Inna

Must-See Interview with A World-Renowned Microbiologist regarding COVID-19

by Robel Mengistu | Mar 24, 2020 | Functional Medicine

Thank you, everyone, who listened to the interview with Kiran Krishnan, world-renowned microbiologist and since we were not able to broadcast the Live Stream that day due to the overwhelming of Facebook, I’d be happy to share this interview with you. It was recorded and now is on YouTube. 

I had a chance to ask Kiran questions you guys sent, we didn’t get a chance to talk about all of them because if the time restrains. If you are looking to order any supplement he mentioned, we are offering a generous discount this week of 15%. Reply to me via email and we will send it to you since many of those products are not available on my Wellevate dispensary. 

Some of the things we talked about:

·      What are the best options to prevent coronavirus from coming into your house?

·      What are the best supplements for the immunocompromised?

·      The importance of raising your body temperature daily

·      The importance of not loading your body with toxins right now

·      The silver lining to this pandemic 

This is a very timely interview and very much to the point. And it’s important to take things seriously when even microbiologists like Kiran who is the biggest supporter of natural health, probiotics, and holistic options all of a sudden grabs Lysol and alcohol for his home.

It is important to stay calm and informed and not listen to every post and every share that spreads fears only. Choose an expert you trust and follow their recommendations. I would love to support you all in this period and I feel like I’ve been called more than ever to help. 

All your questions are welcome, and I will try to address them in the Facebook Group or in my newsletters. In the next few weeks: 

-I’ll be interviewing a brilliant researcher, Dr. Moss, on the best ways to keep your immune system in the best shape(on Tuesday 3/24/2020). 

-I’ll be sharing what I am doing to support my immune system (the immune system of a Crohn’s patient, yes, I’m in remission but the predisposition is still there. 

-I’ll be holding a FREE webinar on how to support the immune system of the immunocompromised patient and to be resilient). 

-I’ll be doing a Facebook live answering your questions. 

The current situation with medications is not looking great either. Hydroxychloroquine (the drug originally prescribed for malaria cases and now tried for COVID-19 cases) is not available in many, if not most pharmacies because some people filled the prescriptions “just in case” causing the shortage and will leave those who can benefit from the drug at the moment when they truly need it. It might get to the point of “life and death” for someone and someone else may just have the drug at home “just in case”. Watch the next drug Zithromax become unavailable in the next few days. This isn’t toilet paper, people. NOT OK. 

I will be keeping you updated. I’d like to apologize for most of the orders that are currently delayed. The demand is enormous and I’m working with three distributors and many, many companies directly. We are doing our best. I really appreciate your understanding! 

Sending LOVE!