By now, you’ve heard about coronavirus. Your Facebook newsfeed will have undoubtedly been filled with articles from prominent publications concerning the global ‘pandemic’ that is 2019-nCov. News headlines have been dominated by discussions on newly discovered cases and the prospects of finding a vaccine cure. And, Twitter users may even recall coming across some incredibly alarming footage of one man apparently dropping dead in the street in China after contracting the virus. It seems that Coronavirus has gone more viral than the disease itself.

So, what is Coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.” Unlike its predecessors in SARS and MERS - which had mortality rates of 10% and 35% respectively - 2019-nCov has a mortality rate of only about 2- 3% (thus far).

The primary objective surrounding the latest pandemic of coronavirus has been containment, whilst the secondary objective has been to come up with a cure in the form of a vaccine. In terms of preventive measures, WHO recommend the following; regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs and washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly, and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. In the instance of a viral outbreak, this is absolutely the appropriate course of action, and such recommendations all have merit as they reduce the likelihood of exposure. While vaccines give us hope, they are limited to the ability of the organism to evolve, which viruses can do with ease.

However, they also seem to gloss over one of the most essential preventative measures of all; strengthening the immune system. And, how do we strengthen the immune system? By balancing body chemistry - giving the body what it needs to get well and stay well.

To put this into more context, we must first understand what a virus is and how it affects the body.

Unlike bacteria, viruses are not living cells - meaning, without a living host (human or animal), they cannot multiply. When a virus enters the human body, it does so encased within a ‘capsid’ - which is essentially a protein shell in which the virus exists. In order for a virus to infect the human body, it must first escape this capsid. This occurs when the capsid is bound to a cell and activates its ‘neuraminindase’ enzyme, which then allows the virus to be inserted into the cell. Once this occurs, the virus multiplies within the cell and then ultimately ‘bursts’ the cell. At this time, the virus escapes from the cell and infects the body.

When a virus is introduced to the body (in the form as a capsid), the typical response in a healthy individual is to combat it with antibodies and mustering up a white blood cell response - both of which ensure that the virus does not bind to a cell and remains contained within its capsid before being safely escorted out of the body. Any time a virus is introduced to the body, it attempts to provide an environment that works to counter the purpose-driven life of the virus.

A weakened immune system, on the other hand, is defined by a low white blood cell count and oftentimes will struggle to produce adequate white blood cells. It will, therefore, encounter difficulties in escorting the capsid out of the body. So, what is the primary cause of weakened immunity? Nutrition. Specifically poor nutrition, which results in deficiencies and chemical imbalances in the body. These imbalances manifest themselves in any of what are known as the ‘six subclinical defects’, and oftentimes in chronic illnesses. Viruses, bacteria, cancers and parasites all thrive in the instance of any subclinical defects, which are outlined in further detail below.

Acid Stress

Where the body is more acidic than it is alkaline (seen in chemistry as an imbalanced pH). Acid stress often affects the lungs and kidneys, which in the case of influenza is problematic as the influenza virus targets the respiratory system (lungs).

Anaerobic Metabolism

This is where the body is delivering a lack of oxygen to the tissue, resulting in weakened cells. In the cased of influenza, weakened cells will be more susceptible to attack from the virus.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to shut down infection. If the body is chronically inflamed, as it is in the instance of influenza (which is the normal bodily response), it will not have the desired effect as the body’s resources are depleted due to being in a state of chronic inflammation. Think of it like an army deploying all of its troops to one region and therefore not being able to defend another.

Oxidative Stress

This is where the body’s cells are damaged due to oxidation, and is indicative of an imbalance between free radicals (toxins) and antioxidants in the body. In the instance of influenza, a toxic footprint means a reduction in glutathione - an antioxidant, which is required to defend against viruses.

Free Calcium Excess

Where calcium is not bound to protein, it is deposited in the joints, arteries and organs. Free calcium excess also results in alterations in cell signaling which, in the instance of influenza, impedes the body’s ability to bind antibodies to viruses.

Connective Tissue Breakdown

Connective tissue breakdown occurs where the body is unable to make repairs or build new tissue (bone and muscle) due to a lack of quality protein. Connective tissue breakdown does not directly drive influenza itself, however is indicative of a low protein and iron status, which impedes the body’s ability to defend against viruses.

Aside from the six subclinical defects, poor nutrition will often result in a lack of glutathione (GSH) - an antioxidant that is capable of preventing cellular damage caused by toxins. Glutathione is particularly pertinent to discussions on coronavirus as one of its most important functions is to maintain the integrity of the viral capsid - ensuring the virus does not penetrate the cell and infect the body. Glutathione is inextricably intertwined with body chemistry. The more toxic footprints seen in your body chemistry, the lower your glutathione status. Similarly, glutathione is inextricably intertwined with the diet as it is derived from protein-rich foods like; avocado, asparagus, parsley, veal and lamb. Glutathione, can also be synthesized from three amino acids; glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine.

So, what does this mean in a practical sense - how can you bolster immunity and protect yourself from the latest outbreak of coronavirus?

Our late mentor often said, “Medicine is what the Dr does for you, while health is essentially what you do for yourself."

Balancing body chemistry should be your primary objective, however efforts to do so will never bear immediate results. Things that you can do in the immediate term are; improving your nutrition with a focus on adequate protein and focusing on glutathione rich foods, as stated above.

Foods rich in glutathione (GSH):

• Veal
• Lamb
• Beef
• Liver
• Eggs
• Un-denatured Whey
• Asparagus

Additionally, supplementing to bolster your immunity. 

Supplementation is to correct an imbalance until the target is reached. The numbers don’t lie, and we have been in the position to watch over decades what transpires with people who fail to balance their chemistries.

At Nutrition Diagnostics, we have formulated a range of supplements that are designed to do exactly that - balance chemistry.

Bio Vitamin C

Glycine is a key ingredient in Nutrition Diagnostics’ Bio Vitamin C, which also contains other immune boosting ingredients such as; vitamin C, lysine, proline, bioflavonoids and green tea extract. Glycine is one of the amino acids found in glutathione, and is essential in inhibiting viruses from escaping the capsid.

Glutathione

Glutathione when derived through the diet is mostly degraded by protease enzymes (as the amounts that can be obtained through diet is minimal), however when taken in more concentrated doses (in the form of supplementation), there is insufficient protease activity to destroy it. Glutathione, as discussed above, is essential in maintaining the integrity of the viral capsid.

Bio Whey

Protein aids in the production of white blood cells and lymphocytes - meaning an uptake in protein is particularly beneficial when trying to defend against viruses. Nutrition Diagnostics protein has 100% natural, containing no sugar or artificial flavours, preservatives or sweeteners.

Bio Omega 3-6-9

Omega 3 essential fatty acids (specifically EPA and DHA) are important structural components of cell membranes, and therefore aid in the maintenance of healthy cells that are able to better defend themselves against viruses. 

Formula 1, 2 and 3

Cellular function and the maintenance of cellular health are integral in the defence against viruses.  Formula 1 is designed to produce energy and aid in cell processing, Formula 2 is designed to support cell integrity act as an antioxidant and aid in detoxification, whilst Formula 3 is designed specifically for those who are low in iron - allowing them to produce energy and detoxify. Energy is fundamental to all cell processes and life itself.