Immune and Inflammatory Conditions

COVID-19 brought immediate attention to the importance of a healthy, resilient immune system. Today, it is estimated that over 65 million worldwide are suffering from Long Covid.

We know that individuals with preexisting medical issues were and continue to be at the most significant risk of COVID-19 complications. They have greater complications, poorer outcomes, and increased mortality risk. Understanding COVID-19 entails a depth of knowledge in the role of the innate immune system and the NLRP3 inflammasome, the response of the immune system to these infections (cytokine storm), and balancing and promoting products of our immune system, such as Natural Killer Cells.

Long Covid

Long Covid is a multisystem, chronic condition that can be persistent (greater than 3 months), relapsing, or progressive.

It is elusive. No laboratory test confirms or excludes the diagnosis of long COVID, but current findings suggest that an elevated spike protein antibody level may be an indicator. Many patients have elevated spike protein antibodies for months or years after contracting the disease or receiving the vaccine. It affects the young and the old; initial responses to illness or vaccine do not correlate with Long Covid.

Symptoms of Long Covid

Fatigue, inability to exercise, and shortness of breath

Persistent respiratory symptoms such as a persistent cough, congestion, and shortness of breath

Neurological symptoms such as cognitive impairment (severe brain fog), inability to concentrate, insomnia, headaches,

Mood issues like panic attacks

Joint aches and pain

Dysautonomia, like POTS, or abnormal sweating

Smell/Taste alterations including a phantom smell

Rashes or itching

Treatment

In our experience, treatment is multifactorial, focusing on restoring immune dysregulation. Innovative Health uses a Functional approach to long COVID that addresses all underlying immune contributors. For example, many of our long COVID patients have underlying biotoxin illness (from mold or Lyme exposures) or a heavy metal burden. Treatment options must focus on inflammation, support of mitochondria (cells that make energy), and optimizing the proteinaceous aspects using natural nutraceuticals such as nattokinase and low-dose nicotine (in a patch or tincture). Other potential therapeutic benefits include low-dose Naltrexone, Methylene Blue, Vitamin D, Resveratrol, and probiotics. Treatment includes addressing mast cell activation and comorbidities such as diabetes and obesity. Our Holistic approach addresses cognitive and behavioral aspects of the condition, including therapy targeted to the vagal nerve and limbic system. Additionally, vibration, light medicine (sunlight is a great therapy), and meditation are part of a treatment plan. Finally, opening detoxification pathways is essential.

Negative influences on the immune system

• A Standard American Diet
• Obesity
• Stressors (emotional and physical)
• Sleep disruption
• Lack of regular exercise
• Environmental chemical exposure (pesticides, heavy metals, chemicals found in personal care products, cleaning products, water, etc)
• Medical issues like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, asthma, autoimmune, and natural aging
• Immune-depleting exposures to bacteria, viruses, mold exposure, Lyme, and other tick-related diseases
• Disruption of the GUT Biome

Current immunity comprises the individual's history, genetic makeup, and environmental and lifestyle factors.

Navigating the multitude of nutraceuticals and herbs can be overwhelming. Patients wonder what specific botanical agents support the immune system. Are they safe? Can they be used in combination with medications and other nutraceuticals?

Functional Medicine providers are specifically trained to understand the various nutraceutical and botanical agents that support the immune system. As a network of Functional Medicine providers, we understand and embrace the importance of continual, in-depth review of studies of these agents.

The Functional Medicine approach is about YOUR effective personalized plan to boost immune resiliency and includes:

• A thorough review of your health history, including potential chemical, bacterial, and biotoxin exposures, past illness, life stressors, etc.
• Assessment and optimization of your current health status, disease states, and comorbidities.
• Development of a plan to modify lifestyle influences such as diet, exercise, stress, sleep, and GUT Biome health.
• Personalized recommendations for nutraceuticals and botanicals to support immune health.