AVOID PROBLEMS WHEN TAKING IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTERS

by Robel Mengistu | Mar 10, 2020 | Vitamins and Nutrients

First, I would like to wish all the wonderful women out there a happy and healthy International Women’s Day! Wishing you lots of health, happiness, and love!

Women’s health, especially digestive health is the topic I love to get into but today it is more important to talk about immune system support, supporting the body against viruses and understanding that overdoing it can possibly hurt you. 

A lot of patients with chronic digestive problems, inflammatory bowels, and irritable bowels can get in trouble with certain immune system boosting supplements. Simply because their immune system response is already overstimulated, they can be on immune system suppressants or other reasons. But it is now common to take immune system natural support and it is generally a great idea. 

You are probably bombarded with ads, emails and social media posts that want to sell you their best supplements for Coronavirus or flu. The truth is not much is known and documented that supports any of the speculations that one supplement would work over another. 

I’m asked at least a few times a day about what supplements can I recommend or sell, and I want to stay in full integrity and simply go over the facts. 

The facts are: Coronavirus is a virus, and as of now, the medical data is still evolving. What’s pretty clear is that we face an easily transmitted, flu-like virus. It does look more dangerous than the normal seasonal flu, especially to the elderly and people with other health conditions. And it is still spreading. The US appears to be a few weeks behind other countries where the situation is already much worse. But it looks like it’s subsiding in the original place. Where can we get into trouble? 

Getting extra stressed out about this is going to make you more susceptible to catch any kind of viral OR bacterial infection right now. Whatever methods you use to de-stress use it now, please. Yoga, meditation, self-hypnosis, whatever works for you. 

I see a lot of my peers recommending this vitamin over the other and while we have absolutely no supporting data on what natural option works here as an anti-viral (meaning a product that kills the virus) we do know that supporting the immune system is theoretically a good idea. 

I generally recommend a trio of Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc for immune system support and great sleep. And this is where I would draw the line for now unless you are seeing a health care practitioner. I see a lot of posts about several suggested supplements including elderberry syrup and it’s great, but I am not so sure it’s a go-to supplement in this case. 

Some older data suggest that it can further increase the chance of the cytokine storm which is more of this viral picture to damage the lung, kidney, and heart vasculature. If you are taking elderberry syrup for flu prevention you can consider holding it for now until more information and this epidemic subsides.

And generally, if you are grabbing immune system supporting supplements please make sure they don’t serve as major immune system boosters to avoid overstimulation of the immune system especially locally in the lungs since this virus affects those the most. Stay tuned as I get more RELIABLE information and the keyword is reliable because I’ve seen so much nonsense in the past few weeks. 

References:1.   Cell. 2020 Mar 4. pii: S0092-8674(20)30229-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.052. [Epub ahead of print] SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry Depends on ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and Is Blocked by a Clinically Proven Protease Inhibitor. Hoffmann M¹, Kleine-Weber H², Schroeder S³, Krüger N⁴, Herrler T⁵, Erichsen S⁶, Schiergens TS⁷, Herrler G⁸, Wu NH⁸, Nitsche A⁹, Müller MA¹⁰, Drosten C³, Pöhlmann S¹¹.2.   Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001 Apr-Jun;12(2):290-6. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Barak V¹, Halperin T, Kalickman I.3.   Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11). pii: E1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. Vitamin C and Immune Function.Carr AC¹, Maggini S².

Missing Nutrients

by Robel Mengistu | Feb 24, 2020 | Vitamins and Nutrients

As our soil becomes more depleted and our food has fewer vitamins and nutrients to offer, we are facing possible problems regarding our micronutrients.

Many of you are now supplementing vitamins and nutrients so blindly and it’s not your fault. No great nutritional education was offered to your doctor and your pharmacist to offer great advice.

You are doing your best researching and learning about the wonderful benefits of different supplements. And all that is great…until you face overdoses, interactions, side effects and more.

There are those that are on the opposite spectrum and are so afraid to take vitamins and supplements claiming that there are not many studies to support safety.

I can understand both sides for sure. And I’ve seen the damage from either problem (too much of the vitamin or too little of the vitamin in the system) can create. If you are familiar with my work and know that I try to dig to find the root cause of any problem.

For example, a 50-year-old woman is low on Iron and Hemoglobin. After taking her history and reviewing her doctor’s notes and recommendations, it becomes more apparent that the root causes are IBD (ulcerative colitis in her case) and large uterine fibroids, both contribute to blood loss. We know the root causes, yes, and once both conditions are under control there will be no more blood loss and no more low iron. But since it’s not clear how long this will take, maybe the surgery will be necessary, so in this case, this woman is a great candidate for iron supplementation until other things get resolved.

Another example, 45-year-old woman with a recent H.Pylori infection (bacterial stomach infection) that caused occult blood in her stool and while there’s occult blood and risk of worsening of the bleeding and lowering of iron, she may not need iron supplementation if H.Pylori infections are resolved quickly with the use of anti-microbials.
Each case needs to be addressed with deep knowledge of the patient’s history, symptoms, wellness goal, and labs. Great functional diagnostics can uncover hidden issues and prevent chronic problems.

Micronutrient testing can be so helpful when you are not sure if to supplement or not. And of course, a good practitioner should be on your side helping and guiding you through the process.

Micronutrient Test (MNT) measures specific micronutrients—vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and metabolites—and how they affect cellular function in a person. If someone is deficient in a nutrient, the MNT will uncover this deficiency so that it can be effectively treated, thus facilitating real prevention. Not only will correcting intracellular deficiencies slow aging and degenerative disease progression, but it can also prevent as well as repair cellular dysfunction, and by extension disease.

Contact me if you are ready to dig and finally break free from your chronic problem.

Natural Flu Remedies to Boost Your Immune System

by Robel Mengistu | Feb 3, 2020 | Vitamins and Nutrients

Most of us are concerned with the new coronavirus and the flu. And I always stress the importance of great immune system support. Ideally, you want to support your immunity with natural options.

I am grateful to be featured as an expert in the latest Eat This, Not That article.

Here are some natural flu remedies we discussed in the article:

1) Garlic.

Garlic may keep more than just sparkly vampires away. The aromatic ingredient has compounds that help the immune system fight germs. One small study showed the number of colds were cut almost in half by those who took a daily garlic supplement. Old-fashioned home cold remedies with fresh garlic, freshly squeezed lemon, cayenne pepper, and honey are helpful. This combo is a potent vitamin mix and immune booster.

2) Honey.

Since ancient times, people have known about the antibacterial and healing properties of honey. Research suggests that honey can be an effective cough suppressant in children, too. A Pediatrics study of 300 children with upper-respiratory infections found that a single dose of 10 g of honey relieved nocturnal cough and helped them sleep. Just never give honey to a child under one year old—it often contains botulinum spores, which can cause a rare kind of poisoning of the nervous system in infants.

3) Saltwater Gargle.

It’s an anti-inflammatory hero that actually draws fluids from the tissues and reduces inflammation. A clinical study from Japan showed that gargling salt water can reduce the chance of catching a cold up 40 percent. And it’s easy to make—add half a teaspoon of table salt to warm water. Then take a big sip and gargle by swishing in your throat and mouth for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out. Keep going until your cup is dry. I use Himalayan salt for the gargle.

4)Sleep.

When you have a stuffy head, a runny nose, and a sore throat all you want to do is sleep. You should! If you’re feeling the first signs of a cold coming on, like the telltale tickle in the back of your throat and a cough that won’t quit, that means your body needs rest to heal, so go ahead and snuggle in under the covers all day. The CDC recommends rest for recovery, so technically it’s doctor’s orders to take a nap. 

5)Vitamin C.

The first thing I grab and give my family members I feel a cold coming on is vitamin C. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C within the first 24 hours of symptoms can lessen the length and severity of the cold.

6) Zinc, but careful.

Zinc lozenges and syrup may be able to diminish the symptom duration of a cold by about a day if taken early enough. The theory, according to the Mayo Clinic, is that zinc may interfere with the virus’ ability to multiply. When taken in lozenge or syrup form, zinc is thought to be even more effective because it stays in the throat longer and comes into contact with the rhinovirus. But there can be too much of a good thing—high doses of zinc can lead to anemia and other health problems. But stay away from sprays. The FDA warned against using zinc gel sprays and nasal swabs after more than 130 people reported losing their sense of smell after using them.

7)Bone Broth.

Bone broth can be a great anti-inflammatory, mineral supplement and gut microbiome supporting food. Also, when you reduce solids and increase liquids like bone broth you reduce the burden of digestion process so your body will concentrate on the healing.

8)Elderberries.

It’s not as well-known as some of the other remedies out there, but there’s some evidence that elderberries can reduce how long you feel sick. Studies have shown that elderberry inhibits the binding of the influenza virus to the healthy cell, which blocks the replication of the virus and subsequently inhibits its actions. Elderberry will also activate anti-inflammatory molecules to reduce symptoms such as muscle aches and headaches.

9)Probiotics.

Eat your bacteria” is something you may find yourself telling your kids in the morning. Probiotics are helpful bacteria found in certain yogurts, even dairy-free ones and fermented drinks like kombucha. They live in your gut to help promote “good” bacteria to keep your body functioning the way it should. Probiotics are a great complementary treatment since they can help boost your immune system and also have been shown to reduce the duration of illness in children and adults. But just eating a Dannon won’t keep you from getting sick. How well probiotics work depends on their potency, the specific strain, the right dose, and proper storage. Check with your health care practitioner for the best one for you. I can make a general recommendation and recommend Trubifido.

10)L-lysine.

Lysine supplements may help prevent HSV-1 from replicating and reduce the duration of a cold sore. It’s thought that lysine blocks another amino acid called arginine, which HSV-1 needs in order to multiply.).One study found that a daily supplement of 1,000 mg of lysine resulted in fewer cold sores in 26 people who were prone to recurrent cold sores.

Benefits of Vitamin D

by Robel Mengistu | Feb 1, 2020 | Vitamins and Nutrients

There are so many benefits of vitamin D. And the list of vitamin D benefits is still growing after years and years of research. And although this sunshine vitamin is so important, I always believe in supplementing only when there’s a need for it.

Some like to try trendy supplements and vitamin D is as trendy as you could get right now. But I want you to fully understand the vitamin D benefits and be one empowered patient.

You need to know the most important thing: Check if you really need it first. That would be seeing a specialist and testing your vitamin D levels. Have your health practitioner monitor those levels for efficacy at 3 months, 6 months and one year.

Also, choose your Vitamin D supplements wisely. Choosing an appropriate vitamin D supplement will greatly improve your health and your vitamin d levels. Opt for vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), not vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol). And yes, I’ve seen some really great health improvement with vitamin d supplementation. 

Vitamin D benefits include:

It’s important to make sure you have adequate vitamin K going into the system to ensure good absorption of vitamin D. Please Note. Vitamin K may not be suitable for those taking anticoagulant medication therapy (such as warfarin and others). It also may not be suitable for certain health conditions and a medical doctor should be consulted before starting on any vitamin K supplement.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with other deficiencies like Magnesium deficiency or vitamin A to vitamin D ratio imbalance. You may want to consider having those vitamin levels checked also. Some of the really great natural supplement brands are now making a combination of vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium and vitamin A into one great supplement.
In general, it’s a good idea to check all anti-oxidant levels, anti-oxidant markers, nutrient markers as well as metabolic processes in your system before you add any additional vitamins. In my practice, I often implement micronutrient testing, organic acid testing all to assess the need for supplementation.

Now that’s a flu season, it’s especially important to ensure adequate vitamin D, consider getting Vitamin D supreme by DFH or Vitamin D complete by Allergy Research Group.