Testing for Covid-19

Testing for Covid-19
The PCR nasal swab is best performed within the first 24-48 hours when symptoms first appear.  If it not done properly or at the early stages of the virus it will show a false negative.
Many of the labs doing the antibody testing have only a fifty to eighty percent accuracy rate according to the CDC.  According to the CDC in a population where the prevalence is 5%, a test with 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity will yield a positive predictive value of 49%. In other words, less than half of those testing positive will truly have antibodies.  The higher specificity the more accurate the test.
This means that even though you do the antibody test you still have to practice social distancing and wear a face mask.  Even though you showed positive you also can get re-infected.  It is shown in South Korea that 600 people have gotten re-infected. This can be due to the virus mutating or inaccurate testing.
Over the course of an infection, the immune system produces different types of antibodies including IgM, which develops early in the immune response and is not typically long-lasting, and IgG, which develops later and may be a possible marker of immunity. Antibody testing can provide important information about the different stages of one’s immune response to the COVID-19 virus.

When to get tested:
The timing and type of antibody test affects accuracy. If you have testing done too early in the course of infection, when the immune response is still building up in your body, the test may not detect antibodies.

Who should get tested?
 While everyone is a candidate for COVID-19 antibody testing, consider testing if you:
·  Believe that you may have been exposed to the coronavirus based on your previous signs and      symptoms (such as fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste/smell, muscle pain, headache, diarrhea, sore throat, fatigue, rash, etc.)
·  Have been in close contact with an individual suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19
·  Have tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered

How do antibodies work?
 When exposed to a virus, your immune system develops antibodies against it, which may protect you from future infections. Antibodies (also called immunoglobulins), are protective proteins that recognize and latch onto antigens to remove them from the body. IgM and IgG antibodies both play key roles in the body’s immune response.
After a viral infection starts, different types of antibodies are produced in different stages. For example, IgM antibodies are typically detected earlier in the course of an infection whereas IgG antibodies generally develop later. When measured together, these antibodies can provide a comprehensive picture of one’s immune response. Of all of the antibodies, IgG is the best marker to indicate exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Typically, IgG will be detectable in the blood for months or even years after the resolution of an infection.
Is antibody testing a diagnostic test?
No. Antibody testing is not a diagnostic test to determine if you have an acute infection, but will tell you if you have developed antibodies against the virus. Until we learn more, antibody testing should not be used to change recommendations on social distancing, personal protection (face covers/masking), or work-related polices. It is vital to continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention until further notice. If you feel sick and are looking to confirm an active COVID-19 infection, please contact your local health department or healthcare provider to seek appropriate medical attention.  
What do test results mean?
 If test results show that you have antibodies, it indicates that you were likely exposed to COVID-19 at some time in the past. It may also mean that you have some immunity. But the World Health Organization (WHO) cautions that there is a lack of evidence on whether having antibodies means that you are protected against reinfection with COVID-19. The level of immunity and how long immunity lasts are not yet known. Ongoing studies will eventually reveal more data.
Do test results correlate with the severity of the disease?
No. In fact, results may indicate that you were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus even if you did not show any symptoms whatsoever. A person who was hospitalized in critical condition and a person who had barely a slight cough could both show antibodies to this virus.  

Can a positive antibody test ensure immunity?
 Because this virus has only recently come into existence, scientists are still learning about the human immune response to the disease. Although the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 suggests immunity, it has not yet been proven. It is possible for immunity to be partial, or wane over extended periods of time.
How accurate is antibody testing?
Since the SARS-CoV-2 virus is structurally similar to some other viruses, there is a very small chance of a false positive test the results can be positive even if the person has not had SARS-CoV-2 virus but has built immunity to a different virus, such as SARS-CoV-1. Also, a negative result may occur if you are tested early in your illness and your body has not had time to produce antibodies to infection.

How can I get tested?
Call the office 970-926-7606 to schedule a blood draw.  I am currently do the 3 different antibody test IGA, IGM & IGG.

This is a good time to practice Gratitude.

Gratitude has the power to change the lens through which we view the world, bringing us more joy, health and satisfaction. It’s easy to see the problems in life, not because we are cynical, but because we are looking for what we can improve in our lives. The downside to this is that we can skip over the miracles in our lives, taking the small gifts for granted.

Gratitude is the elemental life force that powers compassion. We are all intricately connected and as such a practice of gratitude gives thanks to the interdependence, interpenetration, and mutuality of living. Gratitude isn’t merely positive thinking; it is a deep appreciation for life. Contrast can also be viewed through the eyes of gratitude. Pain and affliction can be released when they are contrasted with more positive aspects of the now. No matter how small, there is always something to be grateful for. 

3 Simple steps to practice gratitude:

•         Step 1 - Attention - become aware of the blessings in your life that you may have taken for granted. 

•         Step 2 - Tune into the many reasons for gratitude that exist in our lives. 

•         Step 3 - Write it down - Writing is scientifically proven to be more powerful than simply thinking thoughts of gratitude. 

      You can choose to write down one thought a day and place it in a gratitude jar. Or you may like to keep a special gratitude journal and write down 5-10 blessings every day. 

If you choose to use a gratitude jar, you can amplify the benefits by sharing the experience with your family. Sharing a gratitude jar will encourage family members to have a grateful outlook on life. Counteracting feelings of entitlement, envy, and resentment, which are negative feelings that push people away from us. A  gratitude jar encourages each member of the family to practice thinking in a positive way that will bring joy, prosperity and connection into your home.

Self Care Tips For the Coronavirus

This is a good time to start taking care of yourself.

What people should do right now for the coronavirus? We know the coronavirus cannot survive bleach, alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. I recommend everyone do a hydrogen peroxide and water 50/50 gargle daily as prevention.  Supplements and herbs that have been studied to support the immune system with this type of virus and can be helpful include:

·         Vit C 3,000 mg/d

·         Vitamin D 5,000 IU/d If you have never had your Vit D checked this should be done because you may need more.

·         Zinc 30-50 mg a day

·         I like my Optimal Health Multiple with all the antioxidants Vit A, C, E, D, Selenium and zinc for immune support. Nine out of ten people today have a nutritional deficiency.  Vitamin from blog http://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2016/07/whats-in-drwianceks-multiple-vitamin.html

·         Organic Elderberry syrup 1tsp kids or 1 tbsp adults daily.  Studies show it is very effective for the flu.

·         My cold, flu & sinus tea or anti-viral tea 2-4 cups a day.

·         Mushroom Blends (Turkey Tail, Reishi, Maitake, Shitake, Chaga)

·         Soups miso, chicken, veggie or bone broth and Organic mushroom with garlic & ginger.

·         Green tea daily

·         It is important to destress with yoga, Epsom salt baths, meditation and deep breathing. 

·         Immune boosting foods organic greens, organic mushrooms, berries, nuts and seeds.

·         Exercise 1 hr 5 x a wk 

·         Sleep 8 hrs a day

If you have not seen my last newsletter on the importance of the immune system in fighting disease, see https://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com/search?q=immune.

Spring is upon us so this is a great time to do a spring detox.  Check out if you would benefit from a spring detox https://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2016/03/why-do-spring-detox.html.

 It is about taking charge of your health and this too will pass.

Recipes to support the immune system: htttps://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2019/05/mediterranean-quinoa.html

https://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2019/05/beet-carpaccio-with-dark-greens-salad.html

https://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2019/05/mediterranean-red-lentil-soup-with-herbs.html

https://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2018/08/smoky-or-curry-cauliflower.html

The Importance of Your Immune System in Fighting Illnesses

The Importance of Your Immune System in Fighting Illnesses 

Infections are the invasion of body tissues by disease-causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi that are present throughout our environment. We become susceptible to these infections when our immune system is depleted. Our white blood cell (WBC) count is the window to our immune system.  WBC counts can be checked with a simple blood test. The normal range for the WBC count is between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. In checking WBC counts in patients for the last 22 years, I’ve found that many patients are in the low range, around 4 K/uL. This means the immune system is not working up to par and the person is susceptible to many of the infections around us.  In fact, nine out of ten people have a nutritional deficiency. 

One does not necessarily need a blood test to detect a compromised immune system. When looking at all the 20 to 30-year-olds at the Burton snowboard event this past week we would hope to see perfect health with glowing skin and shiny eyes. Unfortunately, many of the young adults had severe acne and dull-looking skin which looked very unhealthy. Many of these issues are due to a poor diet. Our diet is the window to our skin and eyes and the immune system. Therefore, it is important to take charge of your health and do what you can to protect yourself.

Infections are everywhere. We cannot get away from them and we cannot count on others to reduce the risk of infection. For example, I was at a presentation last week and the woman next to me could not stop coughing. Since she did not cover her mouth, she risked infecting everyone in the audience.

Ways to Improve your immune system:

• Make sure your sleeping at least 8 hours a night
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Eliminate all sugar
• Caffeine in moderation
• Do not smoke or vape
• Exercise at least 1 hour 5 times a week
• Eat organic and 5 to12 veggies a day
• Eliminate fast food and eat your meals at home.  Families who cook their meals tend to be less sick and home-cooked foods have fewer pesticides, are less processed and have fewer preservatives. 
• Reduce stress by meditation, yoga and breathing exercises.
• Take drugs and steroids only when necessary; steroids actually turn off your immune response.
• Do not go to work or be out in public if sick.
• Don’t shake hands with people if either of you is sick.
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Do not use antibacterial soaps. 
• Bleach and water work to kill viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces.  If someone is sick in the family clean all surfaces often. Mix ¼ cup of bleach in 16 oz of water for cleaning.
• Take a good multiple vitamin with antioxidants such as Vit A, D, E, C, Selenium, and zinc (journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article…).  I recommend my Optimal Health multiple which is high in antioxidants (see blog). My patients rarely get sick when taking a vitamin regularly. I have been taking it for the past 20 years and rarely get sick.
• Foods that help improve the immune system include organic mushrooms, organic greens such as spinach, kale, and chard, chicken or veggie soups, berries, cinnamon, garlic, and ginger.
• My cold, flu & sinus tea and anti-viral tea can work very well at the onset of any cold. I also like my organic elderberry syrup in which has been shown in many studies to prevent the flu.
• A large part of the immune system is located in the colon. Therefore, taking a good probiotic will help.  Not all probiotics are good, and many are not what they claim to be (pediatric-infectious-disease.imedpub.com/probiotics-…).

Remember that antibiotics do not work on viruses and unfortunately, ninety-five percent of colds and sinus infections are due to viruses. However, a variety of natural antivirals work very well although choosing the right one can be tricky as results depend on the type of virus and the symptoms one has whether a cough, sinus, earaches, bronchial issues or stomach problems. Not every antiviral works for every virus. There are certain antivirals that work for the flu, others that work for coughs or sinus and others that work for the coronavirus. I generally use between 8 to 10 different antivirals for many of these infections. Usually, taking 1 or 2 does not work as well and a general antiviral can waste money by not helping at all. There is a long history and good research on the use of herbs as antivirals even for coronaviruses (eg., Using herbal medicine as a means of prevention experience during SARS crisis, AM J Med 2005; In vitro susceptibility of 10 clinical isolates of SARS coronavirus to selected antiviral compounds, J Clini Virol 2004; Small molecules targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome human coronavirus, Pro Natl Acad Sci USA 2004) This is why it is always best to get to the cause of your health issue. I do not recommend going on Amazon and buying whatever antivirals are on the market.  

Labs are important to check your immune response and your overall health depending on your symptoms. 

Please remember that if you feel like you are getting sick, I have a cold, flu and sinus clinic in which we can generally get rid of your symptoms within 48 hrs. Many of these illnesses last 3 weeks without treatment and you do not want to infect everyone at work or home. If you have more than 2 colds a year your immune system is probably depleted. Many people are not going to the doctor unless they are very sick this is just putting more burden on the immune system. It is always best to make an appointment and get to the cause of why this is happening. For an appointment please call 970-926-7606. 

Ways to Prevent a Stroke

Midlife women are twice as likely as men to have strokes, an alarming fact in and of itself. But what's even more alarming is that if you crunch the numbers, it just doesn't make any sense. Men smoke more, drink more, and see their doctors less—probably to avoid confessing their sins. Cigarettes and alcohol up the risk of stroke, yet each year, about 55,000 more women than men suffer from them. 

Part of the reason these numbers are so out of whack is babies.  Being pregnant ups your risk, as does pregnancy-related complications, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Prebaby birth control pills also increase your chances—so do hormone replacement therapies to relieve menopause symptoms later in life. Mood might factor in as well: new research suggests depression could boost women's stroke risk; and women are 70% more likely than men to get depressed.

If you quit smoking, limit alcohol, eat more fruits and vegetables, and keep your weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar in check, you lower your likelihood of stroke. Here are eight lesser-known ways to protect yourself, based on the latest research:

1. Walk 45 minutes a day.  Make the time. Even if you break it up into two 20-minute sessions, it's worth it: Walking a total of 2 hours a week can cut your stroke risk by 30%, according to a large study of nearly 40,000 women, conducted over a 12-year period. Walk briskly (so you can talk but not sing) and your chances are reduced by almost 40%.

2. Know the difference between sad and depressed. The latter makes you 29 percent more likely to suffer from stroke, says a new study of more than 80,000 women. Why? Depressed women tend to smoke more, weigh more and exercise less; plus, they're more likely to have uncontrolled medical issues, like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can also increase stroke risk. Recognize depression symptoms and you can get proper treatment. Talk to your doctor if you: feel persistent sadness, anxiousness, or "emptiness"; hopeless; guilty, worthless or helpless; irritable; exhausted; if you lose interest in things you used to like; can't concentrate or sleep; overeat or lose your appetite; think about suicide or have aches and pains that don't go away even with treatment.

3. Set your alarm for 7 hours of sleep. More than 10 hours a night  may increase your stroke risk by up to 63%, compared with the recommended 7-hour stretch, say scientists at Harvard. And if you're especially loud in bed—while snoring, that is—studies suggest you're twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that raises your risk of stroke, as well as heart disease and diabetes.

4. Make olive oil your go-to ingredient...for sautéing, baking, drizzling, and salads. You know it helps lower your risk of heart attacks; new research now shows it extends its protective branch to strokes as well. An observational study of more than 7,600 French adults age 65 and older found that those who regularly use olive oil cut their chance of stroke by just over 40%.

5. Mind the migraine. Headaches particularly the ones that come with flashes of light and blind spots appear linked to a higher stroke risk in women; and most migraine-sufferers are women, due to hormonal fluctuations and hormone medications. Though there's no clear proof that indicates treating a migraine means no stroke, experts agree it's reasonable to try and reduce their frequency. Talk with your doctor—she may prescribe preventive meds or suggest stress management techniques.

6. Pay attention to palpitations...especially if the heart flutters occur with shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and chest pain—those are all signs of atrial fibrillation (AF), an abnormal heartbeat that boosts risk of stroke about five-fold. More than 2 million Americans live with AF; taking anticlotting medication can help reduce your stroke risk.

7. Eat sweet potatoes. And raisins and bananas and tomato paste. Not all on the same plate but individually, each is loaded with potassium—and a diet rich in foods with this nutrient may reduce stroke risk by 20%, suggests a recent report. More good sources: fruits and veggies, fish and poultry.

8. Lengthen that short fuse. No matter how many times you told him to pick up his dirty socks and asked the kids to shut the front door on their way out, take a deep breath before you blow a gasket: A study published in the journal Hypertension suggests that angry and aggressive people may be at a higher risk of stroke. Researchers found those who scored high for antagonistic traits on a standard personality test had greater thickening of the neck arteries (a risk factor for stroke) compared with people who were more agreeable.

9. Think FAST. Most women don't: surveys show less than 30% can name more than two symptoms of a stroke. Use the handy mnemonic FAST to recognize the symptoms:

·         F (face): uneven smile, facial droopiness, numbness, vision disturbance

·         A (arm & leg): weakness, numbness, difficulty walking

·         S (speech): slurred, inappropriate words, mute

·         T (time): Realize that time is critical. If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately call 911—studies show that you get faster care if you arrive at the hospital in an ambulance than if someone drives you. With strokes, time lost is brain lost—simple as that.

February is National Heart Health Month

February is national heart health month with Valentine’s Day on February 14^th signifying love, relationships, family and the heart.  With all this celebration centering on the heart I would like to discuss how we can take better care of our heart given that cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer in U.S. adults. Heart disease should be a concern no matter what your age given that I see high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis in children today.  Yet, the majority of cardiovascular disease is preventable and treatable with dietary changes, physical activity and targeted nutritional supplementation.  Lifestyle interventions along with supplementation have a broader benefit than pharmaceuticals because they address the dysfunctions that underlie chronic disease rather than treating the symptoms. In treating cardiovascular disease everyone is different since there are many causes such as stress, insulin resistance, inflammation and obesity etc. This is why an individual approach is best.  There are a few supplements that I would like to go over that can protect an individual from heart disease.

Fish oil is packed with omega 3 fatty acids.  The EPA and DHA in fish oil work with the cellular membranes decreasing inflammation in the cells which causes most cardiovascular disease. Fish oil can reduce blood pressure, lower triglycerides, improve insulin resistance, prevent and treat metabolic syndrome and reduce arrhythmias.  The key is taking a good quality fish oil with no PCB’s, lead or mercury because if you take poor quality fish oil this can actually cause heart disease. Manufacturers should be able to prove product purity.  A good dose would be 2-4 grams a day.

Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) is an antioxidant that naturally occurs in the cell mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 works by oxygenating the heart.  People with high cholesterol and congestive heart failure generally have low coenzyme Q10 levels.  A study 2007 published in the American Journal of Cardiology showed that statins the drugs frequently prescribed for high cholesterol deplete the bodies COQ10 stores so supplementation is needed to restore these levels.  Coenzyme Q10 combats cardiovascular disease by acting as an antioxidant, it has natural blood thinning effects and oxygenates the heart.  I especially like COQ10 at this altitude because there is less oxygen saturation here in Vail. A good dose would be 100 -200 mg a day. 

Vitamin D is beneficial for healthy bones, immunity, preventing cancer and is crucial for a healthy heart.  Vitamin D is one of the most frequently deficient vitamins and one of the most important nutrients for cardiovascular health. A study published in October 2010 in the American Journal of Cardiology linked the wide spread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, myocardial infarction and other conditions.  Researchers at Salt Lake City’s Heart Institute in 2009 found that of 28,000 adults over the age of 50 with no history of heart disease and low vitamin D levels 77 percent were more likely to die, 45 percent were more likely to develop coronary artery disease, 78 percent were more likely to have a stroke than patients with normal vitamin D levels. Too little vitamin D can increase the risk of calcium build up in the arteries which can lead to atherosclerosis and potentially a heart attack or stroke. I recommend getting your vitamin D 25-hydroxy (D3) levels checked and than getting on an appropriate dose.  I recommend between 1,000 to 2,000 mg and higher if your deficient. 

Since it is Valentine’s month I don’t want to for get about dark chocolate meaning 60-70% cocoa beans and its benefits on the heart.  Dark chocolate is an antioxidant therefore preventing our cells from free radical damage.  It is loaded with flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory effects.  Chocolate can help lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure.  So give the gift of dark chocolate for Valentine’s or any other holiday.  You only need small amounts to impact your health. 

Preventing heart disease is all about knowing your numbers such as your cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, vitamin D levels, homocysteine, c-reactive protein, glucose and sed rate. February is a good time to pay attention to your heart if you are having chest pain shortness of breath, arrhythmias or trouble breathing get check out by your doctor.  Health is about paying attention to your body do not ignore your symptoms.   

Dr. Deborah Wiancek is a naturopathic physician who practices at the Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic & Natural Pharmacy.  For the latest research in natural medicine see her blog at Riverwalknaturalhealth.blog.com.  Contact info 926-7606, wiancek@healthref.com or www.healthref.com.