Kim Martindale is a Holistic Health Practitioner. She is not a medical doctor. This site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.
As cases grow, the likelihood of each one of us contracting COVID-19 grows with it. We know that people who have underlying health issues are at higher risk for severity of symptoms and mortality from Covid-19. Being healthy is absolutely critical to surviving and thriving during a pandemic. For this reason I highly recommend that each one of us do our very best to take good care of our health during this time while simultaneously having great compassion for those around us.
We know there are drivers for the underlying health conditions that can and should be addressed to reduce the overall risk of complications and mortality from Covid-19. These included things like exposure to 5G electro smog, chemical toxicity from pesticides/herbicides/glyphosate, tooth decay/gum disease, chronic stress, chemical/metal load, poor nutrition and deficiencies in Vitamin D, potassium and melatonin.
What to do if you or a loved one is hospitalized with Covid-19: Unfortunately, when people get sick enough with Covid-19 to need hospitalization they enter a system where they may be alone. In many hospitals family members are not permitted to be present with an adult patient. Without an advocate, patients are at the mercy of the system and are often too sick or not informed enough to know how to advocate for themselves. So if you are in this situation, here are some tips from a nurse practitioner inside the current system:
- Request records and transcripts immediately
- If there is a medication that you want your loved ones to be given, report it as an at home medication and demand that it be continued
- Do not give consent for intubation, instead, demand non-invasive or less invasive ventilation. Only extremely severe cases require ventilation and the outcomes are very poor.
Because new information about Covid-19 is emerging daily from this pandemic, I will be updating my recommendations from time to time. Please check back to stay current with your prevention and mitigation strategies.
On April 22, Chris Masterjohn reported on the first large series of post-mortem analyses that suggested blood clots within the small arteries of the lungs may be at the root of the COVID-19 hypoxemia (low blood oxygen). Since then, New York City doctors have reported strokes occurring in COVID-19 patients under the age of 50, including one as young as 33. This is consistent with the disease causing blood clots, which are the major cause of stroke in Western countries.
At this time we are learning of new and effective treatments for Covid-19 but there is still no cure for this virus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus and support your immune system.
There are three stages that I hope you’ll be prepared for in this pandemic.
- Prevention: Top strategies to keep your immune system strong and prevent respiratory infections.
Avoid taking these supplements and medications that suppress the immune system unless absolutely necessary:
- antimicrobials (unless you’re treating an acute infection)
- anti-histamines
- acid lowering drugs
- ACE inhibitors
- Ibuprofen or Advil
*Tylenol is a safer choice but it lowers glutathione levels and may damage the liver. Curcumin and SPMs are an even better choice for pain relief and these supplements also help modulate the immune system.
- Maintain healthy micronutrient status: Consider a good multivitamin/multimineral:
- Vitamin A/Retinol not beta carotene form (3000-10,000 IUs daily) – older people and those with vision, respiratory and skin issues may need the higher dose. Always take vitamin D supplements along with vitamin A.
- Vitamin C (1000-2000 mg daily) – Liposomal and powder forms are best. Increase dose with symptoms.
- Vitamin D3 taken with K2 (5000-10,000 IUs daily depending on levels and sun exposure). Most Americans are deficient in Vitamin D after being indoors all winter. Always take vitamin D with K2 to avoid increased risk of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.
- Potassium (100 mg)
- Magnesium (300-500 mg daily)
- Selenium (55-400 mcg daily)
- Zinc (15-30 mg daily – do not exceed 70 mg).
- Iodine (6.5 mg 2x daily)
- Food sources and sunshine are very important and may be sufficient for healthy people. Try to get 15-60 min of sunshine daily.
- Maintain Iron levels: Maintain a ferritin level of 100-150 μg/ml. Excessively high or low Iron levels make the body more susceptible to viral infections. If you are anemic, liver and blackstrap molasses are the best food sources of iron. If your iron levels are too high, donating blood is the best way to lower them. Source
- Eat clean protein and vegetables daily while reducing grains and starches. This will help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and improve body composition (fat to muscle ratio).
- Drink green tea and filtered water. 2-4 cups of green tea a day can help modulate the immune system. Having a good water filter can also save money on bottled water and help the environment. Study
- Eat foods that support glutathione production: asparagus, avocado, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, garlic, chives, cucumber, almonds, and walnuts. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant.
- Eat foods that support healthy immune function: garlic, ginger, turmeric, onions, fermented foods (kimchi, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut), oregano, seaweed (iodine), Brazil nuts (selenium), Moringa, citrus fruit and peels (make tea from orange peels), mushrooms, bone broths and pomegranate.
- Elderberry syrup – 1 tsp daily away from food for prevention and 1 tsp, 2x daily if symptoms. Study, Study
- Phosphatidylecholine – for repair of damaged cell membranes – 2 a day with food. Study, Source
- Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions would benefit from supplementing with S-Acetyl or Liposomal Glutathione during all three phases. Study, Study
- Intermittent fasting also helps support immunity and also contributes to weight loss. Try to eat in an 8-10 hour window each day.
- Hot/Cold therapy – Sauna alternating with an ice bath/cold shower This therapy strengthens immunity. Far Infrared saunas may activate innate immunity. Source
2. Acute Phase: 1-3 days – Time to up-regulate the immune system: Warning: individuals with high blood pressure and high A1C, should avoid herbal supplements that up-regulate the immune system like astragalus, echinacea and elderberry. These people are at higher risk for cytokine storms!
- Oral Zinc supplement 15-25 mg daily and zinc lozenges, up to 8 a day for sore throat (zinc and copper should be in a 15:1 ration)
- Propolis: The spray is excellent for a sore throat. You can also steam inhale the liquid forms of propolis for a cough. Mix liquid propolis with hot water and steam. Cover your head with a towel and breath it in. I like the product Gaia Herbal Blend – Propolis, echinacea and goldenseal herbal tincture – spray and dose high and often.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – 1000 – 6000 mg depending on severity of symptoms
- Vitamin C – 1000 grams 4-8x a day. Take every hour.
- Vitamin D3 w/K2 – 50,000 IUs a day for 3 days only (always take with K2 (MK-7).
- Quercetin – 1 gm 2x a day; phytosome 500 mg 2x a day. Study
- Curcumin – 500-1,000 mg 2x a day (use absorption-enhanced curcumin.Study
- S-boulardi (probiotic) – excellent for acute infections. Immunosuppressed individuals need to avoid novel probiotics, instead use known commensal bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilus, S-boulardi and single strain probiotics).
- Beta Glucans – Supplement with or eat plenty of mushrooms. Study
- Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions may consider taking S-Acetyl or Liposomal Glutathione during all three phases. Study, Study
- Ozone Therapy (IVs, Ozone Shots, Ozonated water) – Ozone gas has been proven to kill the SARS coronavirus and since the structure of the new 2019-nCoV coronavirus is almost identical to that of the SARS coronavirus, it is relatively safe to say that it will also work on the new coronavirus. Currently there is only one study being conducted in China at the Institute of Virology In Hubei with regards to ozone therapy. Progress of that study has shown that it works. Results will be published in the journal Virology. Warning: ozone gas should never be inhaled! Source, Source, Source, Source
A nebulizer can be a powerful tool for addressing a cough or shortness of breath : A nebulizer is a device that is very similar in design and purpose to an asthma inhaler, but is easier to use and slightly more relaxing. When operated, oxygen and air are blasted through the liquid medicine at high speeds and then inhaled by the individual. As the air passes through the liquid, it creates an aerosol that contains the medication needed for the lungs.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Dr. Brownstein’s Recommendation – Use sterile, normal, saline(3ml) and food grade-diluted hydrogen peroxide (3ml) (food grade 35% diluted to 3%). Draw off 3cc of the mixture and place it in a nebulizer and breathe the solution in. You can make your own saline solution with 1 tsp of Celtic salt in a cup of filtered, sterile water. Let it sit and then skim off the top. To the nebulizer add 3cc/ml of saline mixed w/ 3cc/ml of hydrogen peroxide. Nebulize 3-5 times per day if sick. You may dilute the nebulizing solution or nebulize less frequently if needed. Source, Source
- Iodine: Dr. Brownstein’s Recommendation – Add a drop or two of Lugol’s 5% solution to 3 cc/ml of normal saline (0.9% saline). Normal saline can be purchased at a pharmacy. If someone has Lugol’s 2% solution, they can use 2-4 drops in 3cc of normal saline. Iodine offers a serious and potent replacement for many of the antibiotics prescribed. It can be used safely with children. Iodine exhibits activity against bacteria, molds, yeasts, protozoa, and many viruses; indeed, of all antiseptic preparations suitable for direct use on humans and animals and upon tissues, only iodine is capable of killing all classes of pathogens: gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and protozoa. Most bacteria are killed within 15 to 30 seconds of contact.: Study, Study, Source, Source
- Colloidal silver: Due to colloidal silvers’s antiviral and antibacterial properties, one of the most common uses is to nebulize it as a form of treatment for bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections. (Argentyn 23 is an excellent product – not all colloidal silver products are safe and effective) – For most respiratory infections, nebulize one teaspoon, 2-3 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. Initially, nebulizing colloidal silver may cause coughing and phlegm before treatment helps lungs feel better. Treatment should be limited to no more than 30 days or as needed temporarily. Source Colloidal silver can also be gargled, sprayed in the nostrils, used in a neti pot, used as eyedrops and taken orally.
- Molecular Hydrogen Water: Hydrogen has been observed to be protective against damage to numerous organs including the brain, pancreas, heart, liver, eyes, and lungs. This is believed to be because of hydrogen’s anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and oxidative stress fighting effects. Add 1 tablespoon to the nebulizer & dispense 3-4 times daily. Also, drinking 16 or more ounces a day of molecular hydrogen water is recommended. Study Published Studies, Study Molecular Hydrogen generators are available for purchase online. Hydrogen water generator with inhaler adaptor.
3. Progression of Disease (cytokine storm stage): During this phase, strictly avoid taking supplements that up-regulate the immune system! Critically important studies emerging from China suggest that for many patients who die of Covid-19, it may be their own immune system, rather than the virus itself, that deals the fatal blow. This is called a cytokine storm. This is the time to take nutrients and medications that help to modulate the immune system and calm it down.
- Zinc (piccolinate) – 30 mg
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) Study, Study
- Curcumin Study
- Quercetin Study
- IV Vitamin C – Vitamin C has antioxidant properties. When sepsis happens, the cytokine surge caused by sepsis is activated, and neutrophils in the lungs accumulate in the lungs, destroying alveolar capillaries. Early clinical studies have shown that vitamin C can effectively prevent this process. Study
- Ozone therapy Source, Source, Source
- Melatonin– Study
- Colostrum Study, Study
- Glutathione Study, Study
- SPM Active – Fractionated marine lipid concentrate [fish oil (anchovy, sardine, and mackerel) and mixed tocopherols (antioxidant) – is designed to help support the body’s natural capacity to respond to physical challenges and resolve the immune response.- About
- Molecular Hydrogen Water Study, Source
Clinical trials are being done to study the effectiveness of medications which may hold some promise in treating Covid-19: Hydroxy-Chloroquin with zinc.
Elderly individuals tend to be deficient in glutathione which is critical for modulating the immune system and reducing oxidative stress which is the main cause of morbidity in those with community acquired pneumonia. Source. A persistent pro-oxidative state that is unregulated and uncontrolled can lead to impairment of the lungs, pneumonia and increased mortality rates. Too much Oxidative stress with sub optimal antioxidant defenses causes the body’s immune system to go into over drive and damage it’s own tissues. Glutathione is the body’s master anti-oxidant and it plays a key role in the control of this pro-inflammatory cytokine storm. Study
Other Lifestyle Recommendations to Improve Immune Health:
- Avoid all sources of refined sugar: To prevent becoming ill and to avoid having a poorly responding immune system, it is vitally important to eat a healthy diet free of all sources of refined sugar. Refined sugar has been shown to negatively alter the functioning of the white blood cells for hours after ingestion.
- Maintain optimal hydration: It is very important to drink water! Take your body weight in pounds, divide by two and the resultant number is the amount of water to drink per day in ounces. Dehydration ensures you will be much more likely to suffer serious problems from any infectious process.
- Eliminate Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates and depletes the body of vitamins and minerals.
- Get plenty of sleep! In a recent study, scientists say they discovered that quality sleep can bolster the T cells in your body that fight off infection. Good sleep does this by enhancing the ability of T cells to adhere to and destroy cells infected by viruses and other pathogens.
- Maintain a healthy microbiome (healthy diversity of gut bacteria): Studies over the past 15 years have demonstrated that unique microbial communities reside in the gastrointestinal and the respiratory tract, which have both direct and indirect effects on the ability of the host to defend itself against viral infections. To build a healthy microbiome eat plenty of fermented foods and take probiotics to replenish after each round of antibiotics. Use a water filter to remove chlorine, fluoride and other medications and chemicals, including pesticides that are damaging to the microbiome and are frequently present in tap water. Eat a diet rich in fiber and low in processed foods and sugar to feed friendly, protective bacteria.
- Exercise daily and sit in a far infra red sauna if you have access to one.
- Spend time in nature and out in the sunshine to help reduce stress and improve mood and vitamin D levels.
- If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity, consider addressing it with lifestyle medicine through a program like First Line Therapy. Many people have reversed chronic diseases through programs like this.
- Avoid exposure to toxins: Avoid using toxic products on your body that trigger inflammation in the tissue/cell membrane. Hair products, skin care, make-up, fragrances etc. Use non- toxic cleaning/laundry products and NO synthetic air fresheners, plug-ins, Febreeze etc
Kim’s Immune Support Products: I keep these products in my home pharmacy just in case any of us are exposed to a virus, whether it be cold and flu viruses or some other type of virus including the Coronavirus. I keep the individual A, D, C vitamins and zinc on hand for higher doses if needed.
Read about Bio-Immunozyme Forte
*If you are sensitive to sulfur, glutathione may cause anxiety. Certain supplements may help you to process sulfur to reduce or eliminate symptoms. One of the best to take is molybdenum. To order products visit my online pharmacy
Articles Worth Reading:
- Emerging Theories That May Help Us Solve the COVID-19 Puzzle
- Vitamins C and D Finally Adopted as Coronavirus Treatment
- Covid-19 had us all fooled, but now we might have finally found its secret.
- 85 COVID Patients at The Center for Holistic Medicine: Zero Hospitalizations and No Deaths
- COVID19: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Options for the Non-TCM Trained Clinician
- The Functional Medicine Approach to COVID-19: Virus-Specific Nutraceutical and Botanical Agents
- A Functional Medicine Approach To COVID 19 with Dr. Miriam Rahav
I’m sharing this advice from a Respiratory Therapist on how to treat Pneumonia at home during Covid-19:
1. Only high temperatures kill a virus, so let your fever run high. Tylenol, Advil. Motrin, Ibuprofen etc. will bring your fever down allowing the virus to live longer. They are saying that ibuprophen, advil etc will actually exacerbate the virus. Use common sense and don’t let fever go over 103 or 104 if you got the guts. If it gets higher than that take your tylenol, not ibuprophen or advil to keep it regulated. It helps to keep house warm and cover up with blankets so body does not have to work so hard to generate the heat. It usually takes about 3 days of this to break the fever.
2. The body is going to dehydrate with the elevated temperature so you must rehydrate yourself regulaly, whether you like it or not. Gatorade with real sugar, or pedialyte with real sugar for kids, works well. Why the sugar? Sugar will give your body back the energy it is using up to create the fever. The electrolytes and fluid you are losing will also be replenished by the Gatorade. If you don’t do this and end up in the hospital they will start an IV and give you D5W (sugar water) and Normal Saline to replenish electrolytes. Gatorade is much cheaper, pain free, and comes in an assortment of flavors
3. You must keep your lungs moist. Best done by taking long steamy showers on a regular basis, if your wheezing or congested use a real minty toothpaste and brush your teeth while taking the steamy shower and deep breath through your mouth. This will provide some bronchial dialation and help loosen the phlegm. Force your self to cough into a wet wash cloth pressed firmly over your mouth and nose, which will cause greater pressure in your lungs forcing them to expand more and break loose more of the congestion.
4. Eat healthy and regularly. Gotta keep your strength up.
5. Once the fever breaks, start moving around to get the body back in shape and blood circulating.
6. Deep breath on a regular basis, even when it hurts. If you don’t it becomes easy to develope pneumonia. Pursed lip breathing really helps. That’s breathing in deep and slow then exhaling through tight lips as if your blowing out a candle, blow until you have completely emptied your lungs and you will be able to breath in an even deeper breath. This helps keep lungs expanded as well as increase your oxygen level.
7. Remember that every medication you take is merely relieving the symptoms, not making you well.
8. If you are still dying go to ER.
