How to Supercharge your Immune System and Early Treatment of COVID-19.

We’ve been getting a ton of questions about vaccination and immune support or treatment options.

We are seeing patients with COVID-19 and honestly, other viruses including but not limited to RSV picking up as we head into the fall where cold/ flu season tends to rise.

It’s important that you have some supplements on hand and have a game plan if you were to develop any concerning symptoms.

Right now, the game plan inside RestoreU is that we are leaving availability for 1 to 2 sick visits a day to meet our members’ illness needs.

We want to know of your early onset of symptoms and get you in for an appointment to ensure we have you all the medication or supplement resources deemed appropriate for each individual’s case.

I want each of you to know that supporting your immune system ahead of time as well as early treatment is life saving.

Researchers are estimating the ability to create an 85% reduction in hospitalizations in our most at risk population with EARLY treatment. So how much better results can we get our RestoreU patients who are working on their immune system year around?!

With that let’s dive in! 

Disclaimer: The information contained or presented on this website is not intended to be a substitute for any diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice from licensed medical professionals. The information and protocols on this site are not intended to be medical advice; it’s for educational purposes only. Before starting any new treatment you should discuss it with your medical professional. Never stop or change your medications without consulting your medical physician, or other licensed medical practitioner. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper dosing and application of any supplement or medication on this site in regards to your specific health history and/or illness concerns. If you are having an emergency, contact local emergency services.

The supplement and med list is fairly lengthy, particularly, on the treatment side, you may not need every single med or supplement, of course,  but my intention here was to give a list of every consideration for cost-effective at home or on an outpatient treatment basis. Always consult your medical provider for specifics to your case before starting any new medication or supplement. 

The best treatment is prevention. Supporting your immune system ahead of exposure and infection can make a huge difference in the severity and length of any illness.

The main keys to treating COVID-19 early:

1. Something to treat the virus (immune supportive vitamins ((Ex: Vitamin C, D, Zinc, Melatonin,)) and meds that reduce viral replication) 

2. Something to treat inflammation  (Ex: Budesonide, Quercetin)

3. Something to cover for thrombosis aka blood clotting (Ex: Vitamin K2, Aspirin)

Front LIne COVID-19 Critical Care ALliacne has published some great information and reference guides. They’ve recently updated protocols pertaining to the Delta Variant.

You’ll see that in the reference list below, we also make mention of other supplements and medications available on an outpatient/ at home basis.

References and Additional Notes: 

1. Quercetin is a flavonoid and anti-inflammatory. It’s effects are strong treatment consideration for severe inflammation which is the main life-threatening condition of patients with COVID-19. It’s thought to increase intracellular zinc levels in a similar way that hydroxychloroquine does. Quercetin can act as a reasonable substitute for hydroxychloroquine in patients with cardiac risk factors or other concerns regarding safety of hydroxychloroquine use.

References: 

1.Report: Anti-Inflammatory potential of Quercitin in COVID-19 treatment. (Ali Saeedi-Borougeni & Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani, Journal of Inflammation, January 28th, 2021) 

2. Report: EVMS Critical Care CoVID-19 Management Protocol (Paul Marik, MD, June 2020)

3. Study: Quercetin and Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Related Disease (Biancatelli et al, Front. in Immun., June 2020)

4.Study: Small molecules blocking the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus into host cells (Ling Yi et al., Journal of Virology, 2004)

5. Study: Quercetin as an Antiviral Agent Inhibits Influenza A Virus Entry (Wu et al, Viruses, 2016)

1. Magnesium 

Blood Levels of magnesium  should be monitored for use. It’s showing that it can help patients with pre-existing heart disease, and is cardioprotective. Some providers suggest magnesium glycinate which has benefits. Courtney Garner, NP often suggests magnesium oxide in presence of headaches related to COVID-19. Typical recommended dosing of 300mg to 400mg once or twice daily. Note that it can make you drowsy or sleepy.

References: 

1.  Possibility of magnesium supplementation for supportive treatment with COVID-19 (Chuan-Feng Tang, et al, Eur J Pharmacol Nov 5th, 2020; 886:173546) 

2. Magnesium Could Help COVID-19 Patients with Pre-Existing Heart Conditions, (Cal U’ren, University of Minnesota, June 8th 2020) 

3. Study says vitamin-magnesium combo may reduce severity of COVID-19 in seniors (Liji Thomas, MD, June 4th,2020) 

4. Health benefits of Magnesium Oxide ( WebMD) 

5. Magnesium (American Migraine Foundation)

(3)Zinc- 

References: 

1. Overview: A summary of international zinc covid studies (https://c19zinc.com/)

2. Study: Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin plus zinc vs hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin alone: outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients Carlucci et al., MedRxiv, May 2020)

3. COVID-19: Poor outcomes in patients with zinc deficiency. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S120197122030730X

4. Does zinc supplementation enhance the clinical efficacy of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine to win today's battle against COVID-19? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720306435?via%3Dihub

5. More Studies Shed Light on the Value of Zinc in CoVID-19. https://medium.com/microbial-instincts/more-studies-shed-light-on-the-value-of-zinc-in-covid-19-a4595271270d

(4) Vitamin D & Vitamin C 

References: 

1. Serum levels of Vitamin C and D in a Cohort of Critically 111 COVID-19 Patient of a North American Community Hospital Intensive Care Unit in May 2020: A Pilot Study. (Cristian Arvinte, MD, et all) 

2. Report  Vitamin D and SARS-CoV-2 virus/ COVID-19 disease. (Susan A Lanham- New, et al, BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, & Health, June 10th, 2020

3. Report: China Treating Coronaviurs COVID-19 with Intravenous Vitamin C (Andew Saul, Global Research, March 3, 2020) 

4. Vitamin D deficiency may rais risk of getting COVID-19 study finds ( University of Chicago Medical Center, September 3,2020) 

5. Short term, high-dose Vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19 disease: a randomized, placebo controlled study ( Ashu Rastogi, et al, Postgraduate Medical Journal, November 11,2020.)  

6. Vitamin D high doses supplementation could represent a promising alternative to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection ( Jose Luid Mansur, et al, Clinical Investig Arteroiscler, Nov-Dec 2020; 32 (6): 267-277) 

(5) Vitamin A

Although not much information presently available on Vitamin A in specific regard to COVID-19 it is an. immune supportive supplement. Many medical providers have added it as supportive or prevention measures.
References:
1. Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System (Zhiyi Huang, et al, Journal of Clinical Medicine, September 7th,2018)
2. Vitamin effects on the immune system: Vitamins A and D take centre stage (J.Rodrigo Mora

(6) Melatonin
References:

I-MASS : Prevention & At Home Treatment Mass Distribution Protocol for COVID-19. https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FLCCC-I-MASS-Protocol.pdf, et al, Nat Rev Immunology, July 20th,2010)

(7) Iodine
References:
1. Efficacy of Essential Iodine Drops against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- Coronavrus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Zoltan Kontos, PLOS One Journal, July 9th, 2021)
2. Iodine, a preventative and curative agent in the COVID-19 pandemic? (R.H. Verheesan and R.A.M. Traksel, Med Hypotheses, Nov 2020

(8) Glutathione
Still data to be gathered and evaluated on this specific supplement but it would be a  consideration for prevention and treatment particularly in patients over 65, smoking history, OR other comorbidities in which glutathione deficiency is common such as autoimmune disease, heart disease, and diabetes.
References:
1. Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestation and Death in COVID-19 Patients. (Alexey Polnikov, ACS Infect DisMay 28,2021)
2. The role of Glutathione in Protecting against the Severe Inflammatory Response Triggered by COVID-19 (Francesca Silvagno, et al, Antioxidants July 2020)
3. Active study being performed at Baylor Medical Center assessing the prevalence and extent of Glutathione deficiency in correlation with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in immune dysfunction as well as endothelial dysfunction and outcomes of treating with GlycNAC protocol vs placebo.
4. Review: Glutathione supplementatoin as an Adjunctive Therapy in COVID-19. ( Guloyan, Vika,et al. Antioxidants. September 25th, 2020. doi:10.3990/antiox9100914) 

(9) Diovasc (Xymogen product  a blend of Hesperidin and micronized disomin)
References:
1.Accelerated production of hesperidin-rich citrus pectin from waste citrus peel for prevention and therapy of COVID-19 ( Francesco Mensguzzo, et al)

Medications
(10) Ivermectin -

The safety of ivermectin in pregnancy has not been definitively established. Use in the 1st trimester should be discussed with your doctor.

Body weight conversion table & FLCCC Recommendations on Ivermectin

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References: 

1. The I-MASK+ Early Outpatient Treatment Protocol for COVID-19: https://covid19criticalcare.com/i-mask-prophylaxis-treatment-protocol/i-mask-protocol-translations/

2. FLCCC - One page summary of Clinical Trials Evidence for Ivermectin

3.  Review of Emerging Evidence Demonstrating the Efficacy of Ivermectin in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19 (Pierre Kory, MD, et al, American Journal of Therapeutics 28, e299-e318 (2021)).  

4. Scientific Rationale for Ivermectin in COVID-19 Conculusions from Front LIne COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance https://covid19criticalcare.com/ivermectin-in-covid-19/

5. Efficacy and Safety of Ivermectin for Treatment and Prophylaxis of COVID-19 Pandemic. (Ahmed Elgazzar, et al, July 19th,2021) 

6. Favorable outcome on viral load and culture viability using Ivermectin in Early Treatment of non-hospitalized patients with mild COVID-19- a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. (Asaf Biber, et al, BMJ Yale, May 31s, 2021) 

7. I-MASS : Prevention & At Home Treatment Mass Distribution Protocol for COVID-19. 

   https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FLCCC-I-MASS-Protocol.pdf

8. Ivermectin a multi-faceted drug of Nobel prize-honoured distinction with indicated efficacy against a new global scourge. A.D. Santim, et al. August 3,2021

   
   [11] Hydroxychloroquine is a generally safe medication, however, there is a risk that the medication could adversely impact heart health. It’s generally considered to be an add on medication to Ivermectin use in cases of severe illness or comorbities that increase the concern for severe illness from COVID-19. Quercetin has become an alternative to hydroxychloroquine as querecetin increases intracellular zinc similarly to hydroxychloroquine.

References: 

1. Study: Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin plus zinc vs hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin alone: outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients Carlucci et al., MedRxiv, May 2020)

2. Study: Effect of calcifediol treament and best available therapy versus best available therapy on intensive care unit admission and mortality among patients hospitalied for COVID-19. (Marta Entrenas Castillo, et al, Journal of Steroid Biochme Mol Biol, October 2020.)

(12) Budesonide- 

Budesonide is a corticosteroid that’s inhaled either by an inhaler device or nebulizer treatment. SARS-CoV-2 is believe to be most active replicating in the body in the first 8 days of illness. Timing of using any corticosteroid such as budesonide, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone should be discussed with your medical provider.

References:

Budesonide (Pulmicort) dosing for outpatient COVID per the Oxford RCT: http://c19protocols.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/COVID_Budesonide_Oxford-Based_Dosing_Guidance.pdf

Budesonide-focused Treatment Protocol: https://secureservercdn.net/45.40.145.151/umz.e26.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Full-Protocol_withOTC.pdf from https://budesonideworks.com

(13) Anticoagulants- Aspirin and K2 
One of the high risk concerns of COVID-19 has been blood clotting. At home supportive measures of Aspirin and a consideration of Vitamin K2 which is sometimes paired with Vitamin D3 in a capsule are being used in at home support to prevent blood clotting with COVID-19 illness. 

Patients on anticoagulation therapy also known as blood thinners should avoid supplementing with vitamin k and  discuss this with their medical provider overseeing their anticoagulation therapy. 

Early references for Aspirin use were between 81mg and 162mg per day. More recently as of August, 2021, we are seeing the FLCC suggest a higher dose of 365mg of aspirin unless contraindicated. Talk to your medical provider for specific dosing pertinent to your personal health, medical history, and medications.

References: 

1. Anticoagulant treatment is associated with decreased mortality in sever coronavirus disease in 2019 patients with coagulopathy. (Ning Tang, et al. J Thromb Haemost,  May 18th, 2020) 

2. Review: Anticoagulation Guidance Emerging for Severe COVID-19 (Medpage Today)

3. Study: Platelet gene expression and function in patients with COVID-19 (Manne et al., ASH Blood, September 2020)

4. Review: Multi-faceted highly targeted sequential multidrug treatment of early ambulatory high-risk SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). (McCullough, Peter, et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, December 30th, 2020) 

5. I-MASS : Prevention & At Home Treatment Mass Distribution Protocol for COVID-19. https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FLCCC-I-MASS-Protocol.pdf

(14)Doxycycline or Azithromycin
Typically, used on a case by case basis for patients with concern or higher risk of developing COVID-19 related pneumonia.
References:
1. Review: Multi-faceted highly targeted sequential multidrug treatment of early ambulatory high-risk SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). (McCullough, Peter, et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, December 30th, 2020)

Other Reference Links
1.https://c19protocols.com/
2.https://www.meehanmd.com/articles/post/210659/early-outpatient-and-prevention-protocols-for-viral-illness
3.https://aapsonline.org/stem-the-tide-of-covid-hospitalizations-deaths

As with any treatment, consult with your  medical provider regarding your particular case including health history, and any current medications before starting or stopping any medication or supplement.