We've all been inundated with the grim facts and statistics about COVID-19. I've talked and blogged about this repeatedly. My wish is for all of us to take this opportunity and give thanks to what we have versus lament over what we cannot control.

THERE IS NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW!
To order, or arrange a nutritional evaluation, email our nutritionist Kristine Solomon at kristine@heartwise.com or call the office at (562) 945-3753.

In the next several weeks all 50 states will be "opening up" in one way or another. Exposure to COVID-19 and other pathogens won't  just wither away. We followed the requisite social distancing, etc. But we can't live that way forever. If you haven't already started practicing prevention, what are you waiting for ?

Working on optimizing your immune system should be number 1 on your list.  Most  patients who fare poorly are generally not healthy. They suffer from hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. It doesn't have to be that way.

I've talked about diet, exercise , hydration , sleep and stress reduction. Those are key.

I've gone one step further and created IMMUNOWISE. One capsule 3/day will help promote a healthy immune system. There are lots of supplements out there. My goal was to provide  an affordable product comprised of solid ingredients in appropriate doses that have been scientifically proven to be of benefit.

Please read the below fact sheet and feel free to contact  our clinical nutritionist Kristine Solomon at kristine@heartwise.com for any orders and/or inquiries. Office phone: (562) 945-3753.

Here's to your health; today and for always,

Howard Elkin MD

WHAT IT IS:

• A custom formulated high-quality blend of powerful immunity boosting and anti-viral ingredients.

WHY YOU NEED IT:

• Important for patients wanting to keep their immune systems on high alert to fight off infections and viruses and reduce duration of illness.

• All Natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO

Vitamin C

Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, and can enhance chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, and ultimately microbial killing. Supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. Vitamin C has been used in hospital ICUs to treat COVID-19 infection.

Vitamin D

Activated vitamin D,1,25(OH) D, a steroid hormone, is an immune system modulator that reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines and increases macrophage function. Vitamin D also stimulates the expression of potent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which exist in neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. Vitamin D increases anti-pathogen peptides through defensins and has a dual effect due to suppressing superinfection. Evidence suggests vitamin D supplementation may prevent upper respiratory infections.

Zinc- Zinc contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. There is also evidence that it suppresses viral attachment and replication. Zinc deficiency is common, especially in those populations most at risk for severe COVID-19 infections, and it is challenging to accurately diagnosis with laboratory measures. Supplementation with zinc is supported by evidence that it both prevents viral infections and reduces their severity and duration. Moreover, it has been shown to reduce the risk of lower respiratory infection, which may be of particular significance in the context of COVID-19

Quercetin- Quercetin has been shown to have antiviral effects against both RNA (e.g., influenza and coronavirus) and DNA viruses (e.g., herpesvirus). Quercetin has a pleiotropic role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, modulating signaling pathways that are associated with post-transcriptional modulators affecting post-viral healing.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine promotes glutathione production, which has been shown to be protective in rodents infected with influenza. In a little-noticed six-month controlled clinical study enrolling 262 primarily elderly subjects, those receiving 600 mg NAC twice daily, as opposed to those receiving placebo, experienced significantly fewer influenza-like episodes and days of bed confinement.