Articles

Why these health conditions make Covid-19 more deadly

These are the main at risk groups for poor outcomes to SARS-CoV-2. In this article I look at specifically why this is the case with regard to immune function.

Herd immunity – is it an achievable goal, or even a desirable one?

Herd immunity is based on individual immunity which refers to a physiological function that the body’s immune system recognizes and differentiates its own and alien substances and eliminates the antigenic substances (such as bacteria and viruses) through immune response to maintain health.

Four things the government should really do about Covid-19

The world has been watching the UK's response to Covid-19, and commentators see the response as confused, ineffective and arbitrary. How should the government proceed to rescue this situation?

Covid-19 vaccines – the current state of play and the problems to overcome

Governments around the world are desperately holding out for an effective vaccine to SARS-CoV-2 , but how close are we? What are the problems, and will it be safe or effective when it does arrive? And will people take it?

Neurobalance – a review

PTSD is a challenging beast. Emotional childhood trauma has a myriad of effects that flare up like malaria, you never know when it’ll hit you.

People are destroyed by this. They never expected it to be long term

The lives of people who were previously healthy have changed so dramatically after what seemed to have been a mild to moderate illness. They don't know how to adjust to this, and just want their lives back.

Will Covid-19 become seasonal?

Will SARS-CoV-2 virus “disappear magically by the end of summer?”

There are 4 lines of evidence that bear on this question:
(1) seasonality of other human coronaviruses and influenza A,
(2) in vivo experiments with influenza transmission,
(3) ecological data, and
(4) the observed epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Southern Hemisphere's summer and early fall.

Why do men with Covid-19 suffer worse outcomes than women?

The difference between the female and male immune response to COVID-19 infection, and infections in general, is multifactorial. The well-known determiners of the immune response, such as X and Y chromosomes, sex hormones, and microbiota, are functionally interconnected and influence each other in shaping the body’s immunity. In addition, the quality of mitochondria varies between male and female, and is important in the immune response to viruses.

Does the answer to Covid-19 lie back in 2003?

The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest public-health crisis in a century, and the development of medical interventions to combat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a top priority. Writing in Nature, Pinto et al. provide evidence needed to take one of the crucial first steps for such efforts in the developing arena of antibody immunotherapy.

Three million infected with SARS-COV2 in the UK?

There has been a remarkable gap between the general acknowledgement of uncertainty in the scientific community and the seeming absolute confidence in the tone of political management of this virus by many countries. Decisions have been taken for economic and political reasons rather than medical and scientific ones. It is estimated that in the UK, as many as three million have been infected with the Covid-19 virus, rather than the official figure of 300,000.

Covid-19: US sees record rise in cases

On 30 June Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the Senate health committee that he wouldn’t be surprised if the US saw 100 000 new cases a day unless the nation got the virus under control.

England has announced its first local lockdown in response to covid-19, just as it begins to ease national restrictions.

But will it work—and is this the first of many?

Leicester, a city in England’s East Midlands, has been placed under local lockdown after it was found to have three times more covid-19 cases than the next highest city. The area accounted for around 10% of all positive cases in the country in the week leading up to the announcement on 29 June, with six to 10 hospital admissions a day, compared with around one at other NHS trusts.

COVID-19 testing: Why, how, and when to test for SARS-COV-2 virus

Detection of infected individuals is needed, but this is difficult. Symptoms are of little help. They are non-specific and multicomprehensive, with the majority of cases being asymptomatic or undetected. A significant amount of the spread is fuelled by the silent transmission from positive asymptomatics; the reason for social isolation and lockdown.

This one weird trick really can help cut down your viral load risk during the early stages of infection with Covid-19!

Studies from China, Taiwan and Japan back up this no cost way to reduce initial viral load, which is a predictor of the severity of the disease.

How do we safely break out of Lockdown?

Any single policy alone, whether lockdown, broadening COVID-19 testing, or expanding medical capacity, will not be effective in tackling the epidemic.

8 compelling reasons to take Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to take, at the recommended dose of one capsule per day.
Lactoferrin is safe for children to take at the recommended dose of one capsule per day.
Lactoferrin is safe for the elderly to take at the recommended dose of one capsule per day.

SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN GO BACK TO SCHOOL – IS IT SAFE?

In most countries, attempts to reduce severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) circulation and new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) development have been mainly based on restrictive measures, including the avoidance of social interactions, the prohibition of movements within the national territory, and the closure of all nonessential activities, including schools. While the closure of factories and the avoidance of other social interaction together with proper hand washing remain the best measures to reduce the total burden of COVID-19, the usefulness of school closure can be debated.

COVID-19: WHY ARE YOUNG CHILDREN AND INFANTS NOT SEVERELY AFFECTED?

Many theories have been postulated to explain this remarkable difference in the pediatric and adult population with COVID-19. Here are some of the main theories.

COVID-19 AND YOUR CHILDREN – HOW SAFE ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Recent studies suggest that children are just as likely as adults to become infected with the virus but have fewer symptoms and less severe disease. Here are details of the most common symptoms of Covid-19 infection in children.

The Psychological effects of Lockdown

COVID-19 social isolation measures have had a profound impact on the psychological and mental well-being of individuals across society. Many of the anticipated consequences of isolation measures are themselves key risk factors for mental health issues including suicide, self-harm, substance misuse, and domestic and child abuse.

6 Top Tips to optimise your immune system for the big return to work. Keep control over your health and immunity while returning to ‘normal’ life!

Boris Johnson is to announce plans for a possible return to the workplace, including the use of face masks and a potential ban on hot-desking, to give people what he calls, “the confidence that they can go back to work”.

We’ve all been looking forward to this, but workers are feeling wary about going back on to trains and into offices. What causes stress is lack of control, but we can take some control over our health and immunity before returning to work. Here are 6 simple ways you can do that.

JUST WHY IS COVID-19 SO HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS? AND WHY FACE MASKS ARE GOING TO BE A FEATURE OF OUR LIVES FOR QUITE A WHILE.

The UK, along with many countries across the world, is in lockdown. This is because the Covid-19 virus is deemed to be deadly and highly transmissible. It is a bit of a mystery as to how it is so contagious, but here is the reason.

Testing – Hope or Hype?

Some governments are putting all their bets on testing to help reopen their economies. This is why they are going to be very disappointed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called them a ‘game changer’. Antibody tests have captured the world’s attention for their potential to help life return to normal by revealing who has been exposed, and might now be immune, to the new coronavirus.

So why are tests not the game changer that many people think they are? Are they Hope or Hype?

The 6 underlying health conditions that greatly increase your chances of getting Covid-19, and make it more deadly.

As the number of cases of coronavirus continues to rise, especially in Europe now, what has become clear is how many of the patients to die from the virus have underlying health conditions that make them susceptible to catching it, and make the prognosis worse.

Real Life Stories – Four people describe how they contracted Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and more importantly, how they triumphed over it.

Real Life Stories - Four people describe how they contracted Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and more importantly, how they triumphed over it.

Measles outbreaks – to vaccinate or not?

The Vaccine vs. Non Vaccine debate often reaches boiling point quickly, as both sides respond with religious fervour.
As I see it, all parents are motivated to keep their child healthy, but may have different ideas on how to achieve this. With urges to vaccinate on the News frequently, and on the other hand fears about autism, what do you need to know to keep your child safe?

This is sensible advice from Paediatrician Paul Thomas M.D. on the MMR vaccine.

A trip to hospital can play havoc with your gut bacteria.

A trip to hospital can play havoc with your gut bacteria. People treated for several days in an intensive care unit had their stomachs quickly colonised by harmful pathogens, tests show. Healthier gut microbes were pushed out – a shift that may have long-term effects after someone is discharged.

How do you know which probiotic to take for which ailment?

We’ve unwittingly pummelled our gut bacteria over the years. Did you know that these things can contribute to digestive upset?

Antibiotics
Hand-sanitiser
Being over-cautious of hygiene
A diet that lacks variety.
These can impact with a range of symptoms, from being over-reactive to certain foods, through to bloating and discomfort, or unsatisfying bowel motions.

5 surprisingly easy lifestyle changes to instantly improve your gut flora and health

Gut Health is the buzzword of our times. While the science is still in its infancy, we're increasingly becoming aware of just how important our gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa – that live within the digestive tracts, is. From IBS to allergies and obesity to heart disease, the gut plays a role in all manner of conditions.

12 Vital Reasons why you should take Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when ingested in adequate amounts. The strains most frequently used as probiotics include Lactobacillus bacteria and Bifidobacteria. Without these vital health benefits that probiotics confer, our health as humans would be substantially worse.

Helicobacter pylori – are antibiotics the right way to treat it?

Helicobacter pylori infects 34% of Western Europeans, causes 95% of stomach ulcers, and is a major cause of stomach cancer. Currently it is treat by 'Triple therapy', two antibiotics and a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). But is there a better way?

3 simple things to avoid to immediately improve your gut health

Unfortunately, we are seeing an increasing number of people with serious health problems, and many of these disorders stem from intestinal issues. While every case is different, there are three basic things you can do to improve the health of your gut.

Two Public restroom health dilemmas we all face

USE A WET TOWEL - OR WIPE MY HANDS ON MY TROUSERS?

SHOULD I WASH MY HANDS IN A FILTHY SINK?

‘D’ is for Doctor – when to see your physician about digestive problems

Many people do not want to bother their doctor, and many also like to look after their health naturally or holistically. There are some signs and symptoms, however, that can be indicators of more serious problems. If you suffer from any of these, then it would be a good idea to get them checked out.

Why the more disinfectants you use, the more harmful bacteria you get

This is what happens when you clean a surface in your house. A picture paints a thousand words, so read scroll down and see why disinfectants don't work anywhere near as well as you believe they do, and that continued use of them actually leads to a lot more resistant bad bacteria on your household kitchen, bathroom and floor surfaces!

Three mistakes to avoid if you want to get rid of Candida overgrowth.

Over the past 18 years, we have helped over twenty thousand people with candida problems. Some of them have had a candida issue for most of their lives, most for several years. They have nearly all tried to tackle Candida overgrowth before, but failed.
Here are three simple reasons why people fail when they tackle Candida overgrowth.

How long do your kitchen surfaces stay clean?

I don't go for the 'One Weird trick to...blah blah' type of link bait. Statistics do often grab my attention, though, and then as a scientist I can analyse them to see if they are true. I found this one about a year ago, and it is about bacteria on household surfaces.
Let me ask you a question, and I will offer you three possible answers to it:
Q: Even when you use the strongest possible disinfectants on your household surfaces, how long does it take bad bacteria to start multiplying on that surface:
Is it
a) three hours
b) just over thirty minutes
c) three days

I will tell you the answer shortly. But let me ask you one more question:

Q: If you could use an all natural cleaner, non toxic, that reduced even really problematic bacteria like MRSA and C. difficile, you know the ones that Hospitals can't get under control, by as much as 80-90%, would you be interested?

‘C’ is for Candida overgrowth

Candida Albicans is a single celled, fungal yeast that is impossible to keep out of the body. Normally, it does no harm, because beneficial bacteria in the gut, like Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria species keep it in check. When probiotic bacteria are destroyed or depleted, however (by birth control pills, HRT, antibiotics, steroids, extreme stress, high sugar diet, alcohol abuse, chlorinated water), Candida can grow out of control in the gut, or even become systemic and travel throughout the body.

‘B’ is for Bloating (and wind)

This easy guide may help you to pinpoint the problem:
• Wind and belching that occurs within half an hour of eating suggests a stomach acid deficiency or food allergy. Chewing gum may alleviate the situation. Patients with reflux or ulcers may belch to relieve symptoms.If you do not have an ulcer, try taking Betaine HCl with your food. If you suspect an allergy, take a food allergy test.

• Wind that occurs within one to one and a half hours of eating suggests an overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria in the small intestine, known as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). Take a natural antibiotic like Lactoferrin Xtra.
•
• Wind and bloating that occurs several hours after eating suggests pancreatic enzyme deficiency, food allergies or lactose/sugar intolerance. A broad spectrum Digestive enzyme like Supergest or ProDigestion Intensive, and a specific enzyme like Lactase Plus could help.
•
• Belching that occurs after fatty foods may signify gallbladder disorder. Try to cut down on fatty foods. You could also take a digestive enzyme supplement with Lipase in it, such as ProDigestion Intensive.

‘A’ is for Antibiotics.

In 1993 I read a book that changed my life. It was called ‘Beyond Antibiotics – 50 ways to boost Immunity and avoid Antibiotics’.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not anti-antibiotics. They saved my life when I was three years old and suffered from Nephritis. My Mother, who was a Nurse, always said that I would not be here were it not for antibiotics, so I owe them a debt of gratitude.

Revolutionary Probiotic Cleaners

Here at Immunecare, we love things that are revolutionary, simple and effective. After all, it is how we got started, by formulating a simple effective answer to Candida overgrowth. When I explained the concept behind Candigest Plus to a Pharmacist at a trade expo, he shouted out 'That's brilliant'!

I had the exactly the same response when I discovered Probiotic Cleaners.

The health risks of deodorants and antiperspirants

A current point of controversy is underarm deodorants and their link to health problems.
What sort of toxic chemicals do lurk in antiperspirants and deodorants?

What Causes Constipation in Babies?

Change in diet. For babies, this could mean the introduction of solids, which can be very disruptive to their digestive system. Common foods that cause constipation in babies include bananas, applesauce, baby cereal, yogurt, cheese, cooked carrots, pasta, and white bread.

The Western Diet Really is a Killer – it is Official

The typical Western diet, high in fat and sugar, really does lead to an early grave, new research suggests.

The Vaginal Microflora

Although less complex than the gastrointestinal microflora, the normal vaginal microflora of the premenopausal woman is composed of a variety of bacterial species.

The Science Behind Alcolim

Clinical studies have revealed that one of the main reasons for excessive alcohol intake by some people is rooted in a profound imbalanced functioning of their cerebral cortex. In particular, the frontal cortex is directly associated with our ability to control behaviour and actions.

The Five Gut Types

Read through the following list to see if any of the gut types seem similar to your individual health status. Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions?

Sweeteners

With the ever-increasing attention on sugar in the American diet, it is common to want to replace its sweet taste with a sugar substitute, and there are quite a few to choose from. They appear in a variety of food products, from beverages to baked goods, and are available for home use.

Super Boost Your Immune System in just Three Days

When you are looking at boosting your immune function quickly, it makes sense to supplement your body with the actual immune factors that it uses to fight infections.

Should Seeds Be Eaten?

Until recently, many doctors suggested avoiding foods with small seeds because it was believed that particles could lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation.

Sean’s Story

Sean Rogers, 30, suffered from IBS for many years: like so many sufferers, he put this down to stress. In the summer of 2003, after a particularly stressful time at work and home, Sean’s once manageable IBS escalated into the more serious and debilitating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Peptic Ulcers

Repeated use of a certain class of drugs for gastric reflux or peptic ulcers was linked with a higher risk for dementia among patients in Germany, researchers say.

Peptic Ulcer

New studies have found that levels of the bacterium are up to three times higher in people with COPD.

One Simple Step for Younger Looking Skin – EGF

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in skin care activates the body's natural healing power to the degree that many call this remarkable peptide a natural “beauty factor”.

Microbial Numbers and the Intestinal Ecosystem

The 25-35 foot long GI tract of an adult human is estimated to harbour about 100 trillion viable bacteria. This is approximately 10 times the total number of cells in the human body. These live bacteria account for around 2 lbs of a body’s weight and are known as intestinal or gut flora.

Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when ingested in adequate amounts. The strains most frequently used as probiotics include lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

Lactoferrin and the Immune System

Fortunately New Zealand and Australia have two excellent home grown products to boost immune function and help keep you healthy.

Lactoferrin and Bacteria

Lactoferrin has long been recognized for its antimicrobial properties, initially attributed primarily to iron sequestration. It has since become apparent that interaction between the host and bacteria is modulated by a complex series of interactions between lactoferrin and bacteria, lactoferrin and bacterial products, and lactoferrin and host cells.

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive lactic acid-producing bacteria that constitute a major part of the normal intestinal microflora in animals and humans. These friendly bacteria play a key role in enhancing resistance to colonisation by exogenous, potentially pathogenic organisms.

Irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis treatment and prevention

Treatment of diverticulitis involves consuming a high-fiber diet to minimize symptoms, along with taking painkillers to reduce pain.

Intestinal Microflora in the Newborn Infant

Fetuses are sterile in the womb, but beginning with the birth process, infants are exposed to microbes that originate from the mother and the surrounding environment including breast milk or formula. The infant tends to acquire the flora swallowed from the vaginal fluid at the time of delivery. Because vaginal flora and intestinal flora are similar, an infant’s flora may closely mimic the intestinal flora of the mother.

Increase Fluid and Fiber

Anyone with diverticulitis who increases their fiber intake under this diverticulitis diet plan, should drink at least 1.5 liters (3 pints) daily.

IBS and Menopause

When Does Perimenopause Usually Start and End?

How to alleviate Constipation

Chronic constipation is an all-too-common problem rarely discussed in polite company and only reluctantly mentioned to doctors during checkups.

How do Probiotics Work?

Probiotics must be ingested regularly for any health promoting properties to persist. It is possible to manipulate the composition of the intestinal microflora in adults through dietary supplementation with probiotics. This concept is gaining popularity throughout the world.

How do I relieve my Baby’s Constipation?

If you’re concerned that your baby may be constipated, look out for these helpful tips to give her some relief.

How can I tell if my Baby is Constipated?

If you’re concerned that your baby may be constipated, just look at her poop. “The most important factor in determining constipation in an infant is the consistency of her poop,”

High Fiber Diet for Diverticular Disease

This diverticulitis diet is a high fiber diet for managing diverticulosis, and for reducing effects of diverticulitis.

Heartburn and GERD

Many people have heartburn every now and again after eating a large meal, and will be familiar with the unpleasant burning feeling in their chest, just behind their breastbone.

Health Warnings Written on Your Face

Everyone knows a lucky so-and-so who hates the gym, eats junk food and drinks wine every night, yet somehow maintains an enviably tiny and firm figure.

But some experts are warning that, in fact, there really is no such thing as a free lunch — because regardless of what your body looks like, your face will tell the truth about your bad habits.

Gluten Sensitivity – is it all just FODMAPS?

An Australian study published last year found that it may not be gluten causing gut problems in people with supposed sensitivities.

Effects of Probiotics on the Intestinal Microflora

Probiotics modulate the composition of the intestinal microflora. The survival of ingested probiotics in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract differs between strains.

Early Surgery Common for Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

Elective colon resection is often performed after fewer than three previous episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis, according to research published online Feb. 10 in JAMA Surgery.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be of sudden onset and lasting for less than four weeks (acute) or persistent (chronic). This leaflet deals with acute diarrhoea, which is common. In most cases, diarrhoea eases and goes within several days but sometimes takes longer. The main risk is lack of fluid in the body (dehydration). The main treatment is to have lots to drink, which aims to avoid dehydration. You should also eat as normally as possible.

Custom Probiotics CP-1: A Highly Effective Probiotic Supplement

Probiotics play a key role in human nutrition and health in balancing the intestinal microflora naturally. Probiotics have been used therapeutically to support immunity, improve digestive processes, support healthy cholesterol levels, treat rheumatoid arthritis, support cancer patients, improve lactose intolerance, and reduce the effects of atopic dermatitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, diarrhoea, constipation as well as Candida and urinary tract infections.

Cramps, jabbing pains and bloating are all different types of stomach pain but what do they mean?

It can be difficult to know what is causing your tummy troubles but if you are experiencing problems it's not something you should ignore.

Celiac Guide

Celiac disease, sometimes also termed Celiac sprue or Gluten enteropathy, is a genetically influenced condition that results from eating gluten.

Candida Symptoms

Candida is controversial. The medical profession denies its existence, except in very limited cases, making it very difficult to get a medical diagnosis of candida. Candida is the popular term for candidiasis (yeast overgrowth) - a condition first identified by American physicians in the 1970s.

Candida Success

Shelley is 30, she has had candida for 10 years, diagnosed for four years.
She works as an administrator for a dance charity.

Balancing the Intestinal Ecosystem

The condition and function of the gastrointestinal tract is essential to our well being. After the respiratory tract, the GI tract constitutes the second largest body surface area, comparable in surface area to a tennis court. During a normal lifetime, about 60 tons of food will pass through this canal.

Antiviral Properties of Lactoferrin

Scientific Review on Antiviral properties of milk proteins and peptides

Antacids – Storing Up Trouble?

Recent research suggests that antacids, which are the world’s most popular drugs, can double the risk of pneumonia.

7 reasons why you’re bloated

...and how to fix it so it never happens again.

5 Common Misconceptions about Cancer

You probably hear a lot of conflicting information about cancer. There seem to be so many opinions about what causes it, who is at highest risk, and how you can beat it.