Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Over the past 5 years we have seen significant progress and understanding in how our Immune system plays a role in prevention and treatment of many diseases and disorders. Immunotherapy to treat Auto-Immune disorders with biologic agents has made a significant impact in the treatment and prevention of flares of Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma, Ulcerative colitis, Dermatomyositis, Psoriasis, Eczema etc. 

We have also encountered significant advances in Cancer therapy using Immunotherapy agents either alone, or in combination with chemotherapy. The synergy amongst using medications together enhances the effectiveness in many cases, as we have seen with the recent protocol of Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) & Azythromycin (Zithromax) to treat / prevent COVID-19.

Synergy is if you take Blood Pressure Medicine A, and it lowers your blood pressure by 10%, then if you take Blood Pressure Medicine B after stopping Medicine A, and it lowers your blood pressure by 10%; if you took them together you would expect a lowering of your blood pressure by 20%, however, with synergy between the two medications taken together, we observe a 30% drop in blood pressure.

Turmeric / Curcumin, along with Zinc & High doses of Vitamin C added to the above regimen of Hydroxychloroquine & Azythromycin, significantly enhances the Synergy and Efficacy of the regimen. Proper absorption of Turmeric / Curcumin is crucial, as it is difficult for our intestinal cells to absorb and thus deliver to our tissues via the blood. Combining the Turmeric / Curcumin with Quercetin, Resveratrol, Ginger & Black Pepper (BioPerine™), greatly enhances the Absorption (from your intestinal tract to your bloodstream), and Bioavailability (from your bloodstream to your tissues). See website listed above  for more info on my high potency, maximum absorption synergistic Curcumin / Turmeric Capsule, which has been in production for the past 3 years.

COVID-19, like all viruses require a host to function and replicate. They enter our cells through a protein on the cell surface, ACE2. This protein is abundant in our respiratory tract cells and upper oropharynx. However, it is much more abundant in lower respiratory tissues (bronchioles and small airways) in our lungs. Thus, once the virus starts replicating rapidly in our lungs, we fall behind the curve, and those with pre-existing conditions (Hypertension, Diabetes, Immune System dysfunction, Asthma, COPD), are more prone to develop an overwhelming flood of fluids and inflammation into the lung sacs (Alveoli), creating a barrier for oxygen to get to our blood, thus requiring a ventilator.

If the pressure builds too high in the lungs (ARDS)- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, the pressure placed on the chambers of the heart creates low cardiac output to the rest of the body, and the organs begin to shut down. There is also increasing evidence that COVID-19 causes direct injury to heart muscle (myocardial injury) or a Viral Myocarditis, in some patients, compounding an already stressed heart.

Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your immune system extremely healthy, as that is our main defense against any virus, especially COVID-19, which is new, and our immune systems need to program their mechanism of attack. Our Immune systems are overreacting initially to COVID-19, as this is a new virus, and thus we have a large surge of inflammation “Cytokine Storm”, and other inflammatory markers like Interleukins & Prostaglandins. Yes, Anti-virals and the above regimen are extremely valuable, however, we must not wait until we have symptoms, as staying ahead of the curve is vital for your health, not only with COVID-19, however relating to long term Health & Prevention  as well.

Unlike Bacteria, viruses do not get killed by an antibiotic, and anti-virals inhibit the viral load and replication, thus making it much more manageable for our immune systems to stop 

the active replication in our cells. A great example of this is the HPV virus, and Cervical Cancer; where the immune system plays a large role in how that virus will impact the cells on the cervix, and either cause them to mutate to cancer over years, or suppress the virus to inactivity, and thus stop damaging the cells on the cervix. Vaccines will be discussed in a later Blog.

There are many agents which can improve your immune system, natural & synthetic; also remember that 70-80 percent of your immune system resides in the GUT wall, MALT (Mucosal associated Lymphoid Tissue), therefore, improving your gut health with diet, and keeping inflammation controlled, is essential for a healthy Immune System.

Curcumin / Curcuminoids are the active agents in Turmeric Root. There are over 3000 studies confirming their healthy effect in dramatically reducing inflammation in our bodies, while improving functioning of our organs, and optimizing our Immune Systems significantly. Turmeric ROOT only contains 3-7% Curcumin / Curcuminoids, thus taking a high dose capsule, is crucial.

A very recent article / Study from March 12, 2020 reveals Curcumins effectiveness against COVID-19, as Curcumins effectiveness stems from its impact directly on the cell, via inhibiting or activating cellular surface proteins, specifically ACE2. With COVID-19, Via inhibiting / binding to this protein signaling molecule ACE2, the COVID-19 virus can’t bind and thus replicate, especially in the lower respiratory tract tissues, causing Pneumonia and ARDS. Thus, taking high doses of Curcumin/Turmeric can significantly improve the outcome of those who contract COVID-19, via inhibiting viral replication and inhibiting the surge of inflammatory markers- Cytokines, Interleukins, Prostaglandins etc.