With COVID and immunity, ‘conventional medicine only takes some COVID-19 survivors and especially ‘long haulers’ so far.’
This year was our first full 12 months of dealing with COVID following the March 2020 lockdowns in the U.S., and as the virus has surged and waned, COVID and immunity has remained front and center on the minds of patients and the general public.
From the perspective of wellness chiropractors treating COVID and immunity issues with their patients, the most popular COVID and immunity articles on Chiropractic Economics in 2021 featured summer vs. winter immunity, natural or herbal immunity boosters and pain-relieving plants, caring for COVID-19 “long haulers,” and controlling immunity by focusing on the human host, among other topics.
Caring for long-hauler patients is fast becoming an industry in the U.S. while doctors continue to learn about the disease’s long-term impact.
“For example, myocardial injury, thromboembolic disease, myocardial inflammation, myocarditis, and cardiac arrhythmias will translate into ‘weakness,’ ‘I look pale’ or exertion ‘tiredness,” writes Jeffrey Tucker. “Adverse pulmonary consequences from interstitial thickening, fibrosis, diminished respiratory muscle strength, and decreased lung function will translate to ‘I’ve had to stop most (sports) activities,’ shortness of breath, chest tightness (moderate or mild), fatigue and headache. If the virus infiltrated the nervous system, symptoms will translate into ‘body aches,’ ‘brain fog’ and ‘concentration’ challenges. Direct invasion of the olfactory nerve leads to anosmia (loss of smell).”
Patients with weight issues or suffering from obesity remain at the greatest risk.
“While you can’t control the virus, you can control the host,” writes Robert Silverman. “Lifestyle improvements should be strongly encouraged, including a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet that is mostly plant-based. Those with metabolic issues should be helped to learn ways to control their glycemic load … In addition to all its other benefits, regular exercise has been shown to raise the production of the natural antioxidant extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD), which helps prevent or reduce the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) … As chiropractors, we are best-suited to teach, coach and support our patient base toward these significant health-improving modifications.”
Here are the Top 5 most popular COVID and immunity articles from 2021:
5. Summer vs winter and holistic chiropractic care for boosting patients’ natural immunity
By MICHELE WOJCIECHOWSKI
“Everyone’s immunity is different,” says Reimers. “It may also come with age. Adults tend to have stronger immunity, but older people may have a weaker immune response. Respiratory illnesses, migraines and autoimmune diseases are some of the conditions that get worse in the summer, aggravated by the rising temperatures.”
4. Chiropractic Economics Buyers Guide: natural or herbal immunity boosters, pain relieving plants
BY CE STAFF
You’re likely familiar with the top-of-the-list herbal immunity boosters and pain killers, but what about pain relieving plants and the lesser-known substances that have a positive effect on immunity? It is well-accepted that vitamin C and zinc can help bolster the immune system. And if you want to lower inflammation, garlic and curcumin are two top-of-the-list herbal immunity boosters.
3. Caring for COVID-19 survivors, recovery solutions for health care practitioners
BY JEFFREY TUCKER
Conventional medicine only takes some COVID-19 survivors and especially “long haulers” so far. I’ve consulted numerous long haulers, and unconventional therapies are not only a reasonable option, but a necessity. Especially with long-term symptoms like aches and pains, exhaustion, shortness of breath, lack of energy and fatigue, neck pain, shoulder pain, joint swelling and pain, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, headache, loss of smell, poor sleep quality and cognition challenges.
2. eBook: Top supplements for immune support
By TRUGEN3 (sponsored content)
Learn about maintaining healthy immune function, sleep and mental health, the one-two punch for pain and inflammation, four ways to provide a virus-season boost and maintaining a healthy gut microbia, and essential vitamins and minerals for overall good health.
1. COVID immunity: focus on what you can control, the human host
BY ROBERT G. SILVERMAN, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, MS, CCN, CNS, CSCS, CIISN, CKTP, CES, HKC, FAKTR
These Americans are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection because a primary pathway for the virus to enter the body is through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on the surface of cells in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, brain, epithelial cells and fat cells. The primary role of ACE2 in the body is to break down angiotensin II (ANG II), a protein that increases blood pressure and inflammation.
For more articles or information on COVID and immunity go to chiroeco.com/?s=covid+immunity.
