The Flu
The Flu Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Flu season, the dreaded time of the year when it seems like everyone has the flu. Flu season or the time of the year when the flus is at its peak usually occurs from October – May in …
Tag: immune health
COPD
COPD
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In COPD there is damage to the airways and our lungs. This damage can block the airways and make it hard to breath. COPD often entails production of mucus, which triggers a cough. COPD is considered to be a chronic, progressive disease that worsens over time. In the US COPD refers to emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most people who have been diagnosed with COPD have a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. (1)
Just a quick rehash on chronic bronchitis. This is a condition that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is characterized by a chronic cough and mucus production. For more details please see my blog on bronchitis. Emphysema, the other part of the equation of COPD is a condition where the alveoli (part of the lungs) are destroyed due to expose to irritating gasses, cigarette and particulate matter. (2)
People who have CODP develop a chronic, smoker – like cough that is chronic and does not subside even after months or even years. COPD also involves excessive mucus formation that may be transparent, white, pale green or yellow in color. One of the symptoms that most people with COPD find to be the most problematic is shortness of breath. The shortness of breath usually worsens with physical exertion. Another common symptom is a feeling of tightness in the chest, usually when you are inhaling. There may also be wheezing, which can impact speech as well as breathing. As the COPD becomes more advanced it can begin to affect oxygen levels and thus can lead to cyanosis or blue lips and nails. This can also lead to mental confusion. As the heart tries to get oxygen rich blood around the body it will try to compensate for the lower oxygen levels by pumping faster to get more blood to circulate. Thus you will feel a rapid heart rate. In later stages there may be weight loss. (3) Lastly there may be a lack of energy and even swelling of the ankles, feet or legs. (2)
In the US one of the leading causes of COPD is smoking. In the developing world one of the most common causes is actually air pollution. Another causes of COPD is a rare genetic condition called Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency. (1) Risk factors for developing COPD include exposure to things such as tobacco, fumes from burning fuel, and exposure to dust and chemicals. Having asthma is also a risk factor. Lastly having the genetic disorder Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency is also a risk factor. (2)
COPD can have severe complications. Having COPD increases your risk of respiratory tract infections such as colds. COPD also increases your risk of heart disease such as heart attack and even high blood pressure. COPD also increases the risk of lung cancer. Lastly COPD can increase the risk of developing depression. (2)
Just like with bronchitis we want to concentrate on our overall lung and immune system health. How can we do that? Well there a number of things that I will review.
- Wet socks! I have mentioned this before as being helpful in reducing mucus. In my clinical experience this is one of those things that sounds weird but really does help. I’ve included a link with directions how to do this helpful protocol. (4)
- Menthol rubs have been found to help with the symptoms of bronchitis. (5) I am sure everyone remembers a family member using menthol rubs to help them when you were younger. And you know what? That’s because it works.
- NAC has been found to be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of bronchitis and studies suggest that it should be considered in the management of bronchitis. (6) Please see Invite’s NAC, Detox Hx and Daily Detox Powder!
- Black Seed has been found in studies to help improve our lung function and overall lung health. (7) Please see Invite’s Black Seed formula
- Green tea has been found to be helpful in promoting our lung health. Everyone knows how soothing tea is when you have a cough. I personally recommend 2 full droppers of Green Tea Tx in tea with honey and lemon to help sooth your throat when you are coughing. (8) Please see Invite’s Green Tea Tx!
- Vitamin C has been found in studies to help boost our immune health and to help fight off infections. (9) This is important when you have COPD because it increases your risk of infections. Please see Invite’s Buffered C 500, 1000 mg and even our Immunity Hx!
- Vitamin D has also been found to help boost our immune system and help fight off different viral infections. (10) Please see Invite’s Vitamin D3 in 1000 and 3000 IU as well our Immunity Hx.
- Mushrooms have been found to help modulate our immune systems. (11) Please see Invite’s Mushroom Hx and Black Seed formula!
- I also want to point out that since smoking is one of the most common causes of COPD it is important to stop smoking to help eliminate this risk. (2)
Our next product highlight will be L Lysine!
Sources:
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
- https://draliciacole.com/wet-sock-treatment/#:~:text=The%20treatment%20involves%20wearing%20a,in%20the%20head%20and%20chest.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/030006057800600614#:~:text=It%20is%20concluded%20that%20Vaporub,effects%20of%20petrolatum%20without%20aromatics.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9487680/#:~:text=The%20results%20of%20the%20present,although%20this%20protective%20effect%20was
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7452452/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9405266/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/
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COVID-19
COVID-19
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to take the time to review COVID-19. As government safety guidelines and regulations slowly relax I wanted to go over some ways that can be helpful in keeping us healthy. Like any contagious virus COVID-19 is something we should be aware of and work towards keeping ourselves healthy to help reduce the spread.
Coronavirus is also known as COVID-19. This virus is caused by the SAR-COV-2 virus. Like any virus it is spread on respiratory droplets. In other words when someone who has the virus like Bob for example coughs, sneezes, speaks or even breaths the virus can spread. If the droplets land on a surface and you touch it and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose then the virus can infect you! (1)
While anyone can become infected with COVID-19 there are some risk factors you may have that make you at risk for more severe disease. The greatest risk factor for severe disease is age. Anyone who is over 65 years old is at a higher risk of severe disease. Another risk factor for severe disease is having an underlying medical condition. For example those with asthma, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes and even heart disease are all at risk factor for severe disease. Anyone who smokes or is exposed to 2nd hand smoke is also at risk for severe disease. Having a BMI equal to or above 30 is also a risk factor for severe disease. Additionally use of corticosteroids or other immune suppressive medications is also a risk factor for severe disease. If you have a chronic condition talk to your doctor to determine if it places you at an increased risk for severe disease. (2)
Let’s review some of the more common signs of COVID-19. First you may have a fever, cough, fatigue and a loss of taste /smell. Less common symptoms include a sore throat, headache and aches/ pains. You may also experience a skin rash or discoloration as well as red or irritated eyes. Lastly you may have diarrhea. More severe symptoms include shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility or you may even be confused. In some cases there may be chest pain. (1) For a comparison of COVID-19 vs. viruses with similar symptoms please see the attached chart. (3)
COVID-19 can have some very series complications. While many people will not have complications I want to review some of the more common complications that can occur. These include acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress. Next to the lungs the liver suffers the biggest injuries from COVID-19. Many people who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 develop heart problems. While not as common as liver damage those with severe illness may also experience kidney disease. Having COVID-19 may also lower our immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens leading us vulnerable to secondary infections. Blood clots are also a complication found in those hospitalized for COVID-19. One complication that you may have heard about is “Chronic or long hall COVID” which is where those who have had COVID-19 develop chronic fatigue like symptoms such as bran fog, fatigue, pain, trouble thinking or dizziness. (4)
What can you do to help reduce the spread of COVID-19? Well 1st it’s important to keep good hygiene! Wash your hands and clean regularly touched surfaces. Don’t touch your eyes, mouth, or nose! Stay away from anyone who is sick. If you are sick stay home! Don’t’ forget to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. (5) Now what can you do to help boost your overall immune system?
- Life style – Make sure you have a healthy diet full of fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins! Work to reduce stress and get enough restful sleep. If you smoke quit smoking. Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. All of these life style hacks if you will can help to boost our immune system. (6) At this point many people have chosen to be vaccinated however if you are not vaccinated just like with any vaccine such as the FLU vaccine or shingles vaccine this is an excellent conversation to have with your doctor to determine if this is a good option for you.
- Olive Leaf has been found in studies to help reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 and to even help reduce the length of hospitalization for those with COVID-19. Using Olive leaf extract has also been found to reduce the length of a virus. (7) Please see Invite’s Olive Leaf Extract and Renalaid.
- Garlic has been found in studies to help boost the function of our immune system. (8) Please see Invite’s Aged Garlic! Also feel free to add a few capsules of Aged Garlic to the mix the next time you make pasta sauce!
- Probiotics have been found in studies to help reduce the symptoms of COVID-19. (9) Please see Invite’s Core Probiotic, Probiotic Maintain, Probiotic Hx, Women’s Probiotic and Probiotic Weight. In addition we have our chewable Prozyme Digest.
- Vitamin D has been found to be very helpful in studies when it comes to reducing the spread of COVID-19. (10, 11). Please see Invite’s D3 1000, and 3000IU formulas as our Immunity Hx!
- Our next product spotlight will be on Green Tea!
Sources:
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/underlyingconditions.html
- https://www.nfid.org/resource/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-flu-rsv-covid-19-and-the-common-cold/
- https://www.webmd.com/covid/coronavirus-complications
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
- https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/enhance-immunity/index.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9617633/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4417560/
- https://asm.org/articles/2024/january/are-probiotics-effective-against-covid-19
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35487792/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35004568/