Following is an email from Chris Kresser regarding upregulation of ACE2 receptors from certain supplements. Based on what he's saying, anything that can increase expression of ACE2 receptors is theoretically at risk. All ACEIs and ARBs already do this, and, according to Chris, if we're taking high doses of Vitamins A&D, it compounds the problem even more. Naturally, am concerned for any of us using ARB or ACEI meds.
Hi, Everyone,
I wanted to share some important COVID-19-related updates with you, along with links to some articles I’ve found to be helpful.
Immune support
On the webinar I did last weekend, I offered several ideas for boosting immune function during the COVID-19 outbreak. Among them were propolis and high-dose vitamin A and D. I have since come across research suggesting that propolis and megadoses of A and D may
not be a good idea because, at least in theory, they could increase the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors.
In many cases, botanicals, plant medicines, and nutrients like propolis and vitamins A and D have a modulatory effect—i.e., they upregulate or downregulate a function based on what is needed. That may be true here.
However, since coronavirus gets into our cells by hijacking ACE2 receptors, I think it’s probably wise to avoid anything that might upregulate those receptors.
For this reason, I now suggest avoiding propolis and high doses of vitamins A and D during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can (and should) still eat adequate amounts of A and D in food, and can supplement with lower doses of vitamin D (e.g., 1,000 IU) if you live in a place where you’re getting minimal sun exposure, or your 25-D levels are below 40 mg/dL.
Younger people aren’t always safe from COVID-19
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that nearly 40 percent of the COVID-19 patients in the United States that were sick enough to be hospitalized were aged 20 to 54. While the mortality rate in this group is still much lower than in patients aged 60 or higher, younger patients can experience serious complications including persistent lung damage. Many younger people I’ve spoken with seem to believe they aren’t at risk—this is, unfortunately, not the case.
The power of individual action in a viral pandemic
I still see and hear of (mostly younger) people who are ignoring the social distancing measures, congregating in larger groups, and taking a cavalier approach to COVID-19. This seems to stem from two misunderstandings: 1) younger people aren’t at risk, and 2) individual action won’t make much of a difference.
I addressed #1 in the last paragraph. As for #2, I refer you to an
excellent graph and thought experiment by epidemiologist Britta Jewell. Assuming 30 percent growth of COVID-19 through the next month, she looked at the difference between one person taking aggressive social distancing action now versus seven days later, and found that a single person taking action now versus a week later would prevent 1,800 cases, 360 hospitalizations, 90 ICU visits, and 18 deaths. If you needed any extra motivation to practice effective social distancing and containment, this is it.
The paradox of preparation
Along the same lines, Jason Kottke
wrote an excellent article explaining why, in a pandemic like COVID-19, appropriate actions to “flatten the curve” often seem like overkill both at the time they are taken, and in retrospect. He quotes physician Dr. James Hamblin:
“The thing is if shutdowns and social distancing work perfectly and are extremely effective it will seem in retrospect like they were totally unnecessary overreactions.”
and epidemiologist Mari Armstrong-Hough:
“You won’t ever know if what you did personally helped. That’s the nature of public health. When the best way to save lives is to prevent a disease rather than treat it, success often looks like an overreaction.”
Why meditation/mindfulness are so important during a crisis
As many of you know, I suffered from a severe chronic illness in my 20s and 30s. I learned many powerful lessons from that experience, but one of the most valuable was the importance of taking life one day at a time and not projecting my current reality too far into the future.
We’re all in that same boat today with COVID-19. Our lives have changed dramatically—and they may never be quite the same again. We’re plagued with uncertainties, and many of us are experiencing heightened fear and anxiety.
During times like this, a practice that can help keep our attention grounded in the present moment is vital. For me, meditation is that practice.
I know many people who want to try meditation, but are reluctant for various reasons. A couple years ago, I wrote an article called “
The Top 5 Myths about Meditation” to address some of the hesitations that folks have. I also include a few suggestions for getting started with meditation at the end of the article, so
check it out!
I hope you’re all staying healthy and taking care of yourselves and each other.
Warmly,
Chris