General Wellness

We have to learn not only how to die with this virus, which tragically we’ve had to do, but we also have to learn how to live with it.
— Read on www.bluezones.com/2020/06/covid-19-straight-answers-from-top-epidemiologist-who-predicted-the-pandemic/

“We have to learn not only how to die with this virus, which tragically we’ve had to do, but we also have to learn how to live with it”. Michael Osterholm, PhD

Fantastic article from a world rebound epidemiologist. Some take home points:

– so far, in the US as well as the rest of the world, only 5% of the population is thought to have been infected. To achieve “herd immunity” if that is even possible, we need to see at least 70% become infected or vaccinated.

– given how many deaths we have already seen and given how small a percentage of our population has had the virus, the new guesstimate is that we should unfortunately see about 800,000 to 1.6 million deaths by the time this is all done.

– a vaccine is at least a year a way.

– If you are under 55, obesity is the #1 risk factor for complications from Covid. Just for a rough idea, this is only about 30 pounds above three upper limit of normal weight for the average male. Just being 20 pounds overweight increases the risks 6x.

– being outside significantly decrease the chances of spread because of the wind and sun.

– although we will get through this eventually, we need moral, well-informed and supportive leadership.

The most important point I got out of the article is that there is a big difference between “social distancing” and “physical distancing”. We CAN’T socially distance. We must interact. It’s our nature. Get out but do so safely.

– physically distance.

– wear a mask

– wash your hands

– get healthy! Move, eat well, sleep, interact…

Stay safe and be well.

AC 😎✌️🌱❤🐖🏃🏻🧘🏻‍♂️🌎😷

There are growing reports that the acid-reducing medication famotidine (Pepcid) may help when treating severe Covid-19 patients. Before everyone runs out and starts buying up Pepcid, let me go over a few basic facts.

Famotidine is the generic name of the commonly used acid reducer Pepcid or Pepcid Complete (Pepcid + calcium carbonate). Famotidine, what is called an H2 blocker, or molecule which blocks the histamine-2 receptor on the surface of cells, has been on the market for nearly 40 years. It’s one of a number of medications to reduce acid production to treat heartburn which are the most purchased over-the-counter drugs in the US. By the way, pepcid does not treat acute heartburn. It turns down further acid production. If you have heartburn, for example from eating too many vegan tacos, you need to take something to neutralize the acid present in your stomach and esophagus at that moment. Something like tums or gaviscon. Pepcid takes some time to kick in. It will reduce overall acid levels so if you have chronic reflux, it may help, but that is a different issue. In general, these drugs are way overused and many studies have shown that long term acid suppression is just not good for you. Some medications like Nexium, one of a class of more potent acid reducers called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are linked to osteoporosis, kidney damage and even dementia. All acid reducers impair absorption of many vitamins and minerals from foods leading to deficiencies like B12, magnesium and vitamin D. Stop the habits which cause reflux and you’ll stop having reflux. Another topic. Check out my website for info about reflux. In addition, acid reducers impair the health of your gut microbiome (microbial makeup of your gut) and the gut accounts for 70% of our immune system!!! We need a healthy immune system to combat this virus.

Some studies show that there MAY be some benefit in sick patients with Covid-19 but they are getting high doses of intravenous pepcid (much higher than what you buy in the pharmacy). Only a small percentage, ~15%, were taking pepcid on a routine basis before coming to the hospital.

How does it help? It’s not clear but there is some suggestion that famotidine appears to be a good fit for the receptor of a molecule that’s involved in replication of the virus. It impairs the virus’s ability to reproduce. However, it does nothing to prevent you from catching it in the first place. In fact, it may make it more likely for you to catch it for reasons I explained above. It might also help with the inflammatory response.  When patients have a severe allergic reaction, in addition to getting standard H1 (histamine 1) receptor blockers like Claritin or Allegra, often H2 blockers are also given to try to dampen or reverse the allergic/inflammatory response so it may help in that way as well with Covid. Remember the “cytokine storm”?

BOTTOM LINE

Do NOT go running out and start taking Pepcid thinking it will help prevent you from getting sick or lessen the degree of infection if you do get sick.

You are m likely to impair your absorption of essential vitamins and minerals which are necessary for proper immune function.

Focus on the basics which I continue to hammer away at: practice good PPE and work on improving your overall health.

Stay safe and be well. 

AC 😎✌️🌱❤🐖🏃🏻🧘🏻‍♂️🌎😷