COVID-19 Science & Supplements

Coronavirus Handbook - Dr. Leo Galland

A graduate of Harvard University and New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Galland is board-certified in internal medicine. He is listed in Leading Physicians of the World and America’s Top Doctors. 

​We have read Dr. Galland's article multiple times digesting his information and understanding some of the science behind COVID-19.  We wanted to provide a brief summary but most definitely encourage you to take the time to read the article in entirety!

You can find the full article here.  You can click "Read More" for our summary of Dr. Galland's abundant information.

The Science of COVID-19

Dr. Galland starts the article with an in-depth look into the science of COVID-19.  Some of the key points in the article include:

• Corona viruses are a family of viruses made of RNA instead of DNA.  COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China.  Data indicates about 80% of cases are asymptomatic or mild.
• COVID-19 spreads very easily from person to person, with an incubation period of about 2-14 days, averaging at 5 days.
• Many people with COVID-19 experience flu-like symptoms for the first 5 days of illness.  This includes fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, and fever.  As Dr. Galland describes, for about 80% of people, this phase is the only phase of illness.  
• For the other 20%, the illness progresses into a second, more serious phase.  This includes an increase in cough, shortness of breath, and symptoms of pneumonia.  
• Whether asymptomatic or severely ill, infected people shed the virus for several weeks.  You may be contagious more than a week after symptoms end.
  

Biology of COVID-19

Dr. Galland shares some very interesting biology that we have not read elsewhere which goes into how the virus attacks and proliferates within the body.  Some key takeaways directly from the article include:

• "COVID-19 enters human cells by attaching to a protein on the cell surface called ACE-2... In the words of one scientist, COVID-19 produces 'ACE-2 exhaustion.'  Some scientists believe that ACE-2 exhaustion is responsible for the severity of pneumonia and for catastrophic effects like heart failure, blood clots and circulatory collapse."
• "Once they have entered human cells, corona viruses produce damage and spread to other cells by creating an enzyme called 3CL protease... Some dietary flavonoids inhibit 3CL protease in laboratory studies and for that reason may limit severity of infection." 
  • ​There are several, but elderberry and quercetin are two flavonoids that may help!
• "Weakened innate immunity may increase susceptibility to illness, so measures to optimize innate immunity are warranted. Once pneumonia develops and disease severity increases, the role of the immune system changes. Much of the damage is due to over activity of immune responses, which is termed a 'cytokine storm.' Immune modulating therapies need careful handling during Phase Two of COVID-19 infection. "

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Protection Through Nutrition

Dr. Galland goes into great detail on some of the nutritional supplements that may be important in the pre-infection and early stages (Phase One) of the disease.  As is noted above, Dr. Galland believes extra care and caution is needed if the disease progresses into Phase Two due to the cytokine storm reaction. 

The goal of this pre-infection protocol is to keep you with the 80% and have the illness stop at Phase One should you become infected.

We looked in our cupboards to see what we had on hand that Dr. Galland recommended in his protocol and this is what we are currently utilizing.
ACE-2 Enhancement: Curcumin & Alpha Lipoic Acid
3CL Protease Inhibition: Elderberry & Quercetin

For pre-illness immune boosting support. we (Dr. Matt and Monica) are utilizing Vitamin D, low-dose melatonin, probiotics, and zinc.  Elderberry is dually effective in both specifically helping with 3CL protease inhibition and as a general immune boosting supplement.  

Progression to Symptomatic Infection

Dr. Galland notes that much of the lung damage in severe COVID-19 illness is due to an overreacting immune response (cytokine storm) and therefore advises that if you become ill with COVID-19, you should stop the use of elderberry and immune enhancing probiotics.  You may continue curcumin, quercentin, and melatonin.  Many other sources suggest increasing to higher dose zinc if you become ill.

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General Tips on Anti-Viral Hygiene

Dr. Galland concludes with some general tips, many of which we are all well aware of.  

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.  It is best to not use anti-bacterial soap (it won't kill the virus but it will damage your own good bacteria!)
• To kill viruses on hard surfaces, you should use a solution with at least 70% alcohol for at least 30 seconds of contact
• Wearing a mask when in public may help slow the spread of corona viruses.  Dr. Galland cites a review of 34 studies showing that even homemade masks have a significant protective effect on community spread of viral illness

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You Are Unique!

As you are probably well aware, the science behind prevention and treatment of COVID-19 illness is very new and rapidly changing.  Of course, your unique bio-chemistry and needs will be different from your neighbor.  Please read this general advice carefully and consult your medical provider should you want information targeted to your specific situation.

Dr. Matt has some of these supplements available in stock and can provide  help on sourcing others.  Please don't hesitate to call the office if you have further questions.  

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Some Final Thoughts

We know how stressful this time can be.  Please do your best to take care of your mental health!  We strongly encourage you to get outside and enjoy some of this gorgeous spring weather that has made an appearance this week.  

Take a walk and breathe in the beauty that you can.  Take some time for spring weeding and get your garden beds in shape. The boys are finding that sidewalk chalk is a fun way to pass some time. Perhaps you might even take a slow country drive like Dr. Matt's little Benjamin ("Benny") did.  Fresh air and sunshine does a body good!