By Dr. Gary Null and Richard Gale
A hallmark of the COVID-19 is that it first infects the upper respiratory tract accompanied by shortness of breath and a chronic cough and frequently chills, fever, and fatigue. These are symptoms, however, similar but not limited to about 200 known respiratory viral infections, including other strains of coronavirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, rhinovirus, etc.
The conventional war chest for arming ourselves against viral respiratory infections is drugs, notably antibiotics and neuraminidase inhibitors, that questionably lessen the time and severity of symptoms. But we should not rely on pharmaceutical solutions only. There are also non-toxic remedies: supplements, medicinal botanicals, and common sense actions people can adopt to protect themselves. Even if infected with COVID or another respiratory virus, our immune system can be strengthened naturally to dramatically reduce the risks of serious complications.
The mainstream media and state and local health officials have been completely relying upon the CDC, the National Institutes of Allergies and Infectious Disease (NIAID), and the WHO for directions to inform or educate the public. What we do not hear is the clinical experiences and scientific advice from around the world. In China, Europe, Africa, and Asia, tens of thousands of physicians and medical professionals are using alternative modalities such as nutritional therapy, naturopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine to protect patients from respiratory infections alongside or complementary to conventional drugs.
None of these doctors and professionals are being asked for their consultation nor is the large body of scientific literature that supports their regimens being recommended. The question, therefore, is why has a contingent of people on the frontlines of prevention and complementary approaches to health been completely marginalized from the community of so-called “experts” who dominate the voices in the media?
Therefore, we want to share simple, natural ways to protect your lungs and respiratory system during this stressful period. These are not folk tales but based on research found in the National Library of Medicine and other professional medical sources.
Unfortunately, being cooped up indoors for long extended periods has health risks. Indoor air usually has higher concentrations of toxins than being outdoors. People who spend too much time indoors readily become Vitamin D deficient; this is especially true for people of color who have higher levels of skin melanin that blocks Vitamin D absorption. This vitamin is essential for immune protection to avoid contracting infections. It also disrupts our natural circadian rhythms thereby contributing to poor sleep patterns.
Sunlight not only increases our level of Vitamin D, but it also increases serotonin that can boost our moods. This finding was confirmed by researchers at the Baker Research Institute in Australia and published in The Lancet. Low serotonin, especially during winter months, has been associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is characterized by depression, fatigue, and a lack of concentration. And of course, these effects have been shown to adversely affect our immune system.
Therefore, making frequent efforts to get outdoors, while maintaining social distancing, not only raises our spirits but also helps clear our respiratory system from allergens and pollutants that accumulate indoors. A series of studies conducted by the University of Rochester found that being outdoors increased both physical and mental vitality. Getting a sufficient amount of outdoor exposure is one of the surest natural ways to cleanse our lungs. Other methods include steam therapy (inhaling water vapor) and exercise to clear airways and drain mucus from the bronchia.
There are also plenty of foods, herbs, and even supplements that can protect the lungs and keep the nasal and respiratory passages clear. Water is absolutely essential for maintaining healthy lungs. Dry lungs result in irritation that increases the risks for infection. Also, following the Mediterranean diet has been shown by Harvard epidemiologists to have protective effects for allergic respiratory diseases, largely due to the high intake of olive oil.
Potassium is a vital mineral for proper lung function. It is not uncommon for people who are potassium deficient to experience sporadic breathing problems. Therefore, including potassium-rich foods in daily meals, such as avocados, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, beets, bananas, and oranges, can raise and sustain healthy potassium levels.
Several studies have shown that apples can improve lung function. A study by St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London followed over 2,500 individuals between the ages of 45 and 59. Among the various vitamins and foods consumed, Vitamin E and apples were the most effective for slowing the decline in lung function. For people with a history of asthma, apples, which are rich in flavonoids, are inversely linked with asthma, decreased bronchial hypersensitivity, and positively improved general pulmonary health.
Celery contains two important antioxidants – apigenin and luteolin – that are associated with reducing inflammation associated with our nasal passages and lungs. It is particularly beneficial for those who have allergies that hinder respiration. Of course, it is important to know whether or not you have a rare allergy to celery itself.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that strengthens our immune system’s response to an invasion. One of the best sources to increase NO levels, in addition to improving endothelial cell function by decreasing oxidative stress, are red beets. Most of our respiratory passageways – from our nasal cavity to our bronchi – are lined with epithelium cells. Our lungs, on the other hand, are lined with a simple squamous epithelium or “goblet cells.” Beets are one important food that protects these cells to maintain the health of our entire respiratory system. Beets have also been shown by researchers at Southern Methodist University to help prevent common cold symptoms, especially during periods of increased psychological stress.
Other natural NO sources include dark greens, dark chocolate, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds. The amino acid L-arginine and Vitamin C increases NO activity.
Green tea and quercetin can promote healthy lungs due to their antioxidant properties. Both act as natural antihistamines that reduce respiratory irritation and inflammation. A study of 1,000 adults conducted by the medical school at Kyung Hee University in South Korea found that participants who drank two cups of green tea per day had better respiratory function than those who didn’t drink any. Japanese Matcha tea has been investigated thoroughly and is a more powerful antioxidant than regular green teas.
One can conclude that having a daily juice compromised of fresh apples, celery, beets, and garlic (which contains the powerful antimicrobial biomolecule allicin that kills human lung pathogenic bacteria) can have an enormous impact on cleansing and protecting our lungs. Matcha tea can be purchased as powders and also added to your daily juice.
It is our opinion that following these guidelines along with getting sufficient outdoor exposure, exercise, reducing sources of toxicity in the home and proper ventilation, and drinking green tea and supplementing with quercetin, Vitamins C and D, and other foods rich in antioxidants is a very simple and effective way of sustaining maximal lung health to keep us healthy through the pandemic.
