Alignment

The latest unsubstantiated rumor circulating the internet involves a claim that elderberry is unsafe when taken during the coronavirus.  The alleged danger is that elderberry may activate cytokines in the immune system.  According to the authors of the letter, since there have been reports of a “cytokine storm” in some Covid19 patients – elderberry, therefore, must not be consumed.     SUMMARY:  The primary issue is that the authors have conflated two very different physiological processes.  Cytokine activation DOES NOT EQUAL a cytokine storm.  To even have to say that, makes my head want to explode!  A healthy increase in immune activity is needed to prevent viruses from overtaking...

CONCLUSIONS:“Vitamin D supplementation was safe, and it protected against acute respiratory infections overall. Very deficient individuals and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the benefit. “     DR. GAETA COMMENTS:This article provides further evidence of the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining “resistance” to acute respiratory infection. However, the most important point to consider is simply that healthy levels of Vitamin D are essential to immune function. There exists no debate about that fact. We have a growing prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency(1) in the United States. That disturbing fact needs to be addressed as a public health...

Consistency is key! Try to go to bed the same time each night and get up the same time each morning. Even on weekends. Limit daytime napping to less than 30 minutes. Stay well adjusted! Chiropractic adjustments reduce pain, increase muscle relaxation, and help provide a sense of calm that will enable you to rest more easily. Expose yourself to adequate sunlight during the day. This will help your brain maintain a normal sleep-wake cycle. No caffeine past 3pm. Earlier, if sensitive. Make sure that the bedroom is cool (60-67 degrees). Consider the use of blackout curtains, eye shades, and...

People who get the flu may have lower levels of vitamin D. Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Influenza (flu), 2015. Laaksi, I., Ruohola, J.P., Tuohimaa, P., et al., An association of serum vitamin D concentrations < 40 nmol/L with acute respiratory tract infection in young Finnish men. Am J Clin Nutr, 2007. 86(3): p. 714-7. Sabetta, J.R., DePetrillo, P., Cipriani, R.J., et al., Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d and the incidence of acute viral respiratory tract infections in healthy adults. PLoS One, 2010. 5(6): p. e11088.    Vitamin D can help reduce the inflammatory cascade initiated by the influenza virus and increase...