Jennifer Depew, R. D.

Jennifer Depew, R. D.Jennifer Depew, R. D.Jennifer Depew, R. D.

Jennifer Depew, R. D.

Jennifer Depew, R. D.Jennifer Depew, R. D.Jennifer Depew, R. D.
  • Home
  • Contact Jen
  • COVID19
  • Nutrients
  • Cofactors
  • Prenatal/Child
  • Membranes & Inflam.
  • Membranes
  • Blog
  • DHA & Forest Bathing
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Phytonutrients
  • Citrus peel
  • Microbiome
  • Resistant Starch/Butyrate
  • RS/Butyrate-How much?
  • MCAS/Histamine
  • Eat Mussels; save shells!
  • Wetland Superheroes
  • Education Resources
  • UN & Other Resources
  • More
    • Home
    • Contact Jen
    • COVID19
    • Nutrients
    • Cofactors
    • Prenatal/Child
    • Membranes & Inflam.
    • Membranes
    • Blog
    • DHA & Forest Bathing
    • Magnesium
    • Zinc
    • Phytonutrients
    • Citrus peel
    • Microbiome
    • Resistant Starch/Butyrate
    • RS/Butyrate-How much?
    • MCAS/Histamine
    • Eat Mussels; save shells!
    • Wetland Superheroes
    • Education Resources
    • UN & Other Resources
  • Home
  • Contact Jen
  • COVID19
  • Nutrients
  • Cofactors
  • Prenatal/Child
  • Membranes & Inflam.
  • Membranes
  • Blog
  • DHA & Forest Bathing
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Phytonutrients
  • Citrus peel
  • Microbiome
  • Resistant Starch/Butyrate
  • RS/Butyrate-How much?
  • MCAS/Histamine
  • Eat Mussels; save shells!
  • Wetland Superheroes
  • Education Resources
  • UN & Other Resources

COVID-19 information from 2020, and updates about spike risks & aids. Foods, nutrients, medications.

2021 Spike Aids & Risks

Pomegranate peel - v - Chimeric spike

Ways Pomegranate Protects against Spike.

Ways Pomegranate Protects against Spike.

Ways Pomegranate Protects against Spike.

Ways Pomegranate/peel fights chimeric spike. A summary of the points included below.

Pomegranate Peel Prep

Ways Pomegranate Protects against Spike.

Ways Pomegranate Protects against Spike.

Pomegranate can take on multi-fanged chimeric spike (2022)

Fig. S1. (Koppisetti, Fulcher, Van Doren, 2021)

1) Blocks entry at the ACE2 receptors and preserves ACE2 function.

Pomegranate peel extract blocks entry at the ACE2 receptor which also helps protect the function of ACE2 receptors, and pomegranate extract also inhibited "the activity of the virus 3CL protease." (Tito, et al, 2020) Lung edema and other symptoms of severe Covid19 are also symptoms of lack of ACE2 function. As the infection spreads to cells with ACE2, the spike blocked receptor is dysfunctional. The juice/fruit likely helps but the peel is more potent, more concentrated in phytonutrients and has additional hydrolyzable tannins.

2) Inhibits NET formation, and inflammasome creation.

Inhibits NET formation (Kirchner, et al, 2013) which would promote inflammasome production - which kills good cells when it is an over-reaction. The SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein, the E protein section, causes activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome creation, and the resulting increase in inflammation can also signal further creation of them. (Wong and Saier, 2021) An allergy like sensitization seems to occur. Macrophages from people who had been sick with COVID-19 reacted to exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inflammasome production occurred. Cells from people who had not been pre-exposed to SARS-CoV-2 did not react to cause inflammasome creation. (Theobald, et al, 2021)

3) Inhibits fusion of HIV-1 & entry into cells by membrane fusion. It may do the same for SARS-CoV-2

*I am not sure if “HIV-1 entry inhibitor” is the same as fusion inhibitor for preventing the splitting of S1 from the S2 portion of spike. (Neurath, et al, 2004) 


  • “Punica granatum (Pomegranate) juice provides an HIV-1 entry inhibitor and candidate topical microbicide.” (Neurath, et al, 2004)


If it is, pomegranate phytonutrients could inhibit the fusion cleavage site from opening and freeing the S1 subunit which then can block nAChR function and has prion like domains and a galectin-3 like sequence. So, preventing S1 release would protect cholinergic function, reduce misfolded protein risks, and reduce risk of galectin-3 over-stimulating excess angiogenesis (blood vessel formation or doubling/splitting). 


It was noted by (Wu Zhang and Leng Yap, 2004) that HIV-1 gp41 and SARS-CoV(1) S2 proteins are similar in structure. The gp41 protein helps HIV-1 fuse directly with cells in order to infect them, (Chen, 2019), which SARS-CoV-2 can also do. The S2 portion of spike forms a wedge like shape and directly invades a cell’s bilipid membrane layer for the purpose of membrane-to-membrane fusion with the viral particle. The sequence “GB1” is discussed and a Spike SARS-CoV-2 Fusion peptide, see Fig. S1. {Image} (Koppisetti, Fulcher, Van Doren, 2021) If pomegranate can prevent HIV-1 membrane fusion than maybe it is preventing separation of the S1 from the S2 subunit – more research is needed.

 

Background info on the roles of the two parts of a coronavirus species' spike protein - S1 (“cellular reception recognition”) and S2 (fusion of the viral and host cell membranes for entry): 


  • “Coronavirus spike protein plays a very important role in virus entry, virus–receptor interaction, variations in host range and tissue tropism. The S proteins of majority of coronaviruses are cleaved into two functional subunits, S1 and S2. Liu et al. [1] indicated that the S protein of SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) also forms S1 and S2 domains. The peripheral S1 portion is responsible for cellular receptor recognition, while the membrane-spanning S2 portion mediates the fusion of viral and cellular membrane, hence S protein determines the specificity of host and virulence of coronavirus [2]. Similarly, there are two non-valently associated subunits in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein, gp120 and gp41, gp120 directs target-cell recognition and viral tropism through interaction with the cell-surface receptor CD4, while the membrane-spanning gp41 promotes fusion of the viral and cellular membranes so that viral contents are released into the host cell [3].” (Wu Zhang and Leng Yap, 2004)


The chimeric S1 subunit can be free and effect receptors elsewhere in the body or be released in exosomes in exhaled breath or sweat, and body fluids. It has the snake venom toxin-like nAChR cholinergic blocking effect and has a galectin-3 look alike sequence. Preventing S1 separation would reduce harm.

4) Acts as a modulator for inflammation & immune function, promoting or inhibiting as needed.

Acts as a modulator and can increase Nitric oxide production if low or reduce Nitric oxide production if it excessive. Modulatory benefits for oxidative stress – pomegranate peel can help increase Nitric oxide by promoting eNOS (Delgado, et al, 2017), (de Nigris, et al, 2007a), (Wang D, et al, 2018), or reduce excess by promoting iNOS. (Kandeil, et al, 2019)

5) Protects against misfolded protein conditions (prions).

Protects against misfolded protein conditions - the delphinidin (Noda, et al, 2002) and other anthocyanidins (Masci, et al, 2016), (Qu, et al, 2015) that give pomegranate its purple red hue, may help stabilize proteins as allosteric modulators and many phytonutrients or nutrients can act on receptors as agonists or reverse agonist (less often). (Silva, et al, 2019)

6) Promotes Nrf2 which helps promote DNA damage repair, glutathione production, and immune function.

Promotes Nrf2 which helps promote glutathione production, immune function, and DNA damage repair and inhibits inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 (Karwasra, et al, 2019) and NFkB. (Rasheed, et al, 2009). Nrf2 and pomegranate peel inhibit mast cell degranulation which would reduce inflammation, cytokines, and histamine. (Parisio, et al, 2020) Antihistamines tend to help in CoV treatment. Nrf2 inhibits mast cell degranulation by promoting SIRT4. (Hu B et al, 2020)

Pomegranate, still awesome; spike, still fanged.

Pomegranate in a market. Photo by Jonas Renner on Unsplash

7) Pomegranate contains potent antioxidants in addition to promoting Nrf2 & our own glutathione.

Pomegranate peel contains potent antioxidants and diuretics (the tannins/EGCG/catechins) which help with detox - have several servings earlier in the day if ill and drink plenty of water, or once a day as a preventive.


The fruit juice and seeds provide some of the benefits for reducing inflammation and protecting the brain, but the peel contains more of the phytonutrients with potent antiviral and antioxidant function. Antioxidant power so strong, pomegranate peel extract can be used as an anti-corrosive for steel. (Rashid, et al, 2017) Too much is a pro-oxidant, use in moderate amounts. The diuretic effect is a clue when you may be getting too much, or just a good amount if puffiness is a problem.

8) Protects against liver, kidney, and brain damage risks from hyperinflammation.

Protects against liver, kidney, (Middha, et al, 2013) and brain damage risks from (spike) hyperinflammation. (Ahmed, et al, 2014) (Morzelle, et al, 2016) With a healthy microbiome, metabolites urolithin A and B can cross the blood brain barrier and reduce neuroinflammation. (Kujawska, et al, 2019) EGCG helps promote new growth of hippocampal cells. (Itika, et al, 2020) Urolithin A may be helpful against aging, metabolic dysfunction, IBD, and neurodegenerative disorders by promoting mitophagy and removal of defective mitochondria leading to improved health of mitochondria. (Singh, et al, 2022)


Species that help produce urolithin A and B may include Firmicutes, Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae family and Akkermansia muciniphlia. Having more Bacteroides in ratio to Firmicutes was associated with non-production of urolithin A in response to 8 oz of pomegranate juice. A 500 mg supplement product, MitoPure, led to much greater increases in plasma levels of urolithin than the juice, in a crossover self-controlled clinical study. (Singh, et al, 2022)


Firmicutes are the main butyrate producing species, Ruminococcaceae also produce it, and Akkermansia muciniphlia produce other short-chain fatty acids. They are anaerobes fermenting undigested starches within the colon and the short chain fatty acids help feed the colon cells. (Parada Venegas, et al, 2019) *Probiotics provide species that populate the small intestines. We need to eat adequate resistant starches and zinc to support the anaerobe of the colon.

9) Improves gut health, membrane & cardiovascular health; promotes microbiome balance of butyrate sp

Improves gut health, (Zhang, et al, 2017) membrane health, and cardiovascular health. (Wang et al, 2018)  (Sadeghipour, et al, 2014) (Salwe, et al, 2015) . (Yang, et al, 2018) (Asgary, et al, 2017). Improved endothelial function in the placenta for a diabetic pregnancy animal model, eNOS -/- knockout mice and wild-type were used. (El-Sayyad, et al, 2019) 


  • Tip - think of skin health, gut health and blood vessel/cardiovascular health as all connected - similar tissue, slightly different issues.


Promotes balance between Firmicutes and Bacteroides species, butyrate producing microbial species in the gut. Excess Firmicutes is associated with obesity and excess Bacteroides with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Pomegranate led to a decrease in Firmicutes in an animal-based study about a gut pathogen. (George, et al, 2019)


  • “These results suggest that consumption of pomegranate polyphenols altered the microbiome, making it more resistant to displacement by infection with Cr, indicating that pomegranate polyphenols may mitigate the pathogenic effects of food‐borne bacterial pathogens.” (George, et al, 2019)


When we protect our gut, we are also protecting our brain, because they are connected via the large vagus nerve. It can act as a superhighway and allow chemicals to enter the brain from the gut or enter the gut from the brain. Parkinson’s Disease seems to involve this connection. Pomegranate peel extract helped a brain inflammation condition by modulation of the species in the gut. (Lu, et al, 2020)


  • “Pomegranate peel extract ameliorates the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via modulation of gut microbiota.” (Lu XY, et al, 2020)


Promotes the microbiome. Sepsis - did not help in one animal model. Pretreatment for a month with pomegranate may have increased gut microbiome leaving the animals at increased risk of sepsis effects when surgery was performed.  (Tavasoli, et al, 2014)

Summary: The juice/fruit provide many of these benefits but not all, the peel is more potent.

 

  1. Pomegranate peel extract blocks entry at the ACE2 receptors and preserves ACE2 function.
  2. Inhibits NET formation which leads to (killer) inflammasome creation.
  3. Inhibits fusion of HIV-1 and entry into cells by membrane fusion. It may do the same for SARS-CoV-2.
  4. Acts as a modulator for inflammation and immune function, promoting or inhibiting as needed for the situation - restoring balance.
  5. Protects against misfolded protein conditions (prions).
  6. Promotes Nrf2 which helps promote DNA damage repair, glutathione production, and immune function.
  7. Pomegranate contains potent antioxidants in addition to promoting Nrf2 and our own glutathione production.
  8. Protects against liver, kidney, and brain damage risks from hyperinflammation.
  9. Improves gut health, membrane and cardiovascular health; and promotes a beneficial microbiome balance of butyrate producing species.
  10. The juice/fruit provide many of these benefits but not all, the peel is more potent in the anti-viral benefits.

Ellagic acid/EGCG alternatives:

If pomegranate/peel is not available to you, then sumac/Zataar contains similar phytonutrients and so do Goji berries, and red raspberries a smaller amount and maybe black raspberries too: “The seeds of raspberries contained 87.8% of the ellagic acid,” (Daniel, et al, 1989), strawberries had more in the pulp than the seeds. Green tea also contains some of the catechin benefits ~ 3 cups per day provides about 200 mg of EGCG which is a typical amount found in supplements of EGCG. If gut issues are also an issue though, green tea may cause discomfort due to the oxalate content.

We should listen to Geert Vanden Bossche, PhD, DVM:

  • Geert says we need to treat everyone prophylactically to stop breakthrough infections & slow the mutation rate. (substack.com) a post on my SubCtack links to his audio/post.


Early treatment works - we need to prophylactically treat everyone with the basic Z-Stack or preferred equivalent. Preventively taking supplements means you are treating somewhat at the first exposure. Then if signs of a cold occur, increase the vitamin C and anti-viral/iron chelators like quercetin, pomegranate peel product/tea and/or black seed oil.


I also include intranasal rinse or spray, and negative ionizers for air quality control in addition. Stop the exposure in the nose where the body has IgA antibodies that react against any coronavirus. Once the RNA species reach the lung, they have mutated somewhat and are harder for the body to fight.


Negative ionizers are something that should be in public places. Anyone in power over a facility - please see what you can do to add it. CoV spike is positively charged and will clump and fall from the air. Sweep and mop more often. Part of the risk is the air above big crowds - think of it as a circulating swamp of everyone’s mutation variants, which then all can rapidly mingle and the whole swarm can quantumly it seems, all mutate to a new (worse) variant and make the whole crowd sick. Karl Sirotkin, PhD’s work.


  • Golden Silkworms in Pandora's Box - by Harvard2TheBigHouse (substack.com)


Pomegranate peel and fruit is an “antidote” for many diabolical features of the patented computer-generated sequence that is causing harm. It happens to be pomegranate season in the Northern Hemisphere. Are we collectively going to start using the fruit and peel for its full benefits? Or continue waiting for a rich person to suggest it? Or wait for Tedros and the WHO to use a little money to research pomegranate peel extract against SARS-CoV-2?


If you want medical doctor/researcher recommendations about the benefits of pomegranate, read this open access peer-reviewed book: Pomegranate, (IntechOpen), 2021. In a chapter on the antimicrobial benefits, Celiksoy and Heard did a phenomenal job creating extensive Tables of research trials showing antimicrobial potential of pomegranate peel extract or whole fruit extract. The Tables include which species were targeted using pomegranate extract of what dose, standardized to 13% ellagic acid, or other extraction method details are listed. (Celiksoy and Heard, 2021) It is just one Chapter in an open access peer-reviewed (long) book: Pomegranate, (IntechOpen), 2021.


Pomegranate and early treatment can work - if you use it.

It can’t work if you don’t use it.


Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

Spike Protein - a risk in itself (2021)

Patents exist for ~120 sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The spike can split in 2 parts, & both parts can access receptors.

US $ & research helped create chimeric spike protein & the virus.

Dr. David Martin, interview 

with Dr. Reiner Fuellmich, July 9, 2021.


 A patent search revealed that the 'novel' SARS-CoV-2 viral gene sequence was not new, it dates back to 2002, and SARS-1 is also patent protected - in 2002. 

The outbreak was in 2003. See the problem?

-o-

"These three viruses are present in 

SARS COV 2, in addition to:  

Bacterial group: TGEV (E. Coli / Gastroenteritis bacterium).  

Retrovirus group: [1] HIV1/HIV2, and [2] SIV. 

[3] MHV/HCV (Hepatitis C) FLAVIVIRUS (Malaria) EieYoelii / ZIKA." - @BidoliNicola

Video, Dr. David Martin

US $ & research helped create chimeric spike protein & the virus.

The spike can split in 2 parts, & both parts can access receptors.

US $ & research helped create chimeric spike protein & the virus.

Patent by Ralph Baric, Agnihothram Suhakar, and Yount Boyd, of North Carolina University, for a chimeric spike protein, Grant: 2018/02/06, 

PubChem Methods and compositions for chimeric coronavirus spike proteins(Patent)

"Abstract: 

The present invention provides compositions and methods comprising a chimeric coronavirus spike protein. Google Patents" 


Image: Nicola Bidoli, @BidoliNicola.

Thread with the Spike protein image, goes into detail about the subunits, genetic structure from other pathogen species, and how the viral sequence may have been made: @BidoliNicola.

Chimeric spike patent

The spike can split in 2 parts, & both parts can access receptors.

The spike can split in 2 parts, & both parts can access receptors.

The spike can split in 2 parts, & both parts can access receptors.

The SARS-CV-2 spike protein is unlike any other coronavirus spike gene sequences, and it has more versatility and effectiveness at accessing our own cell receptors to infect cells or block immune functions. (SpPr Risks & Aids) It doesn't need a virus carrier for it to cause harm to cell function & clotting risks.

Those 120+ patents may include bits of HIV and other pathogenic virus and known toxins. The chimeric (genetically made with different species) spike includes similarity to a snake venom & a bacterial toxin, and amplifies the toxicity of another bacterial toxin. 

Spike protein, or subunit S1 or S2, can access ACE2, TMPRSS, dectin-1, and nAChR receptors, and disrupt iron & oxygen by entering ferroportin, and disrupt protective sialic acid on platelets. 

Better news, knowing how the spike effects us can help us block it

The SARS-CoV-2 viral gene sequence is just an average of over 3000 variants.

The spike can split in 2 parts, & both parts can access receptors.

I started a summary list of Spike Protein Risks & Aids - it got long (blogpost) (tabbed document).

Pomegranate peel extract or goji berries can block spike from ACE2 receptors. Beta-glucan/Nutritional Yeast flakes or mushrooms, can protect dectin-1. Nicotine can protect the nAChRs - and support good bowel health. And other healthy foods and nutrients may help with detox function and reduce inflammation reactions and remove misfolded proteins or spike possibly.

Spike Protein Risks & Aids

The SARS-CoV-2 viral gene sequence is just an average of over 3000 variants.

The SARS-CoV-2 viral gene sequence is just an average of over 3000 variants.

The SARS-CoV-2 viral gene sequence is just an average of over 3000 variants.

Just like the flu virus and common cold - coronavirus are more a swarm of genetically similar virus rather then a single pathogenic species with a gene sequence that stays largely the same. 

The SARS-CoV-2 known variants exceed 3000, grouped into 7 similar families or 'clades'. Vaccines are not available for the common cold and don't work well for the flu because the viral sequence can change very readily to evade a specific host antibody type

- like interchangeable building blocks.

Evolutionary analysis... (Pereson, 2021)

Allergy like effects are likely part of LongCovid & injection reactions.

The SARS-CoV-2 viral gene sequence is just an average of over 3000 variants.

The SARS-CoV-2 viral gene sequence is just an average of over 3000 variants.

Many aspects of the spike protein seem to increase inflammation and cytokine production, in part because our allergy type, mast cells, are activated too much, throughout the body. 


Avoiding more common trigger foods can help reduce histamine levels, which cause runny nose and hives in seasonal allergies, but can also cause severe mood changes or even psychotic like hyperexcitability episodes. Long term risks include worse degeneration of the brain from over-inflammation. 

MCAS/Histamine

COVID-19 Epidemic Information (2020)

Good News from around the world - early treatment saves lives.

An anti-malarial treatment that is also used for autoimmune conditions has been found helpful in many nations to reduce infection severity and mortality rate. Data from many nations shared into a centralized database has been collated and shows significant benefit from early treatment with the medication, hydroxychloroquine and zinc. (C19study.com)


A clinical trial that provided hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and azithromycin early, four days after onset of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, found reduced severity and mortality of COVID19 with no cardiac side effects. See: Roland Derwand, Martin Scholz, Vladimir Zelenko, COVID-19 outpatients: early risk-stratified treatment with zinc plus low-dose hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin: a retrospective case series study, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 2020,106214,ISSN 0924-8579,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106214. (sciencedirect.com)


The Zelenko Protocol with over-the-counter self care and clinician guidance for the medication dosing is available here: Zelenko Treatment Protocol. 

  • (https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/treatment-protocol/)
  • For prevention: Zelenko COVID-19 Prophylaxis Protocol.


The malaria medication is so commonly used for malaria that it is available over the counter in some nations. Side effects were minimal for early use studies and overall showed a 77.4% reduction in mortality rate compared to standard treatment. (hcqtrial.com)


Ivermectin is also a commonly available medication found helpful for treatment of COVID19 either early or during later stages of illness. The U.S. National Institute of Health would like larger clinical trials but has removed opposition to treating COVID19 with Ivermectin as smaller trials have shown safe and positive results. (NIH Statement on Ivermectin, Jan 14, 2021, covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov)   

     

Hydroxychloroquine has not been found helpful during late stage illness, and cardiac risk may be more likely during severe stages of the illness. Always seek a medical professional for individualized treatment and diagnosis.


A long read by Filipe Rafaeli (@filipe_rafaeli) an author based in Brazil includes a thorough list of research showing early use of hydroxychloroquine is effective at reducing death rate from severe Covid19. Ivermectin research is also included, there is less of it but also positive. 

  • See: (truthabouthcq.com/yes). The article, "Yes, hydroxychloroquine is scientifically proven against COVID-19" (document) is the third in a series and is quite long, I've made it into a tabbed document with the author's permission.  
  • The first in the series: Hydroxychloroquine: The Narrative That it Doesn’t Work is the Biggest Hoax in Recent Human History (truthabouthcq/hcq-works) (document).
  • The second in the series is brief, and more about the censorship that is happening and how like a dictatorship that is, than all the research showing safety and effectiveness of Hcq - it summarizes why a long history of safe use made the author susicious enough to look for more information and then to write about it: Hydroxychloroquine, the censorship, the French resistance, a handbook for Trump's re-election and the good Germans, (truthabouthcq/hydroxycholoroquine-the-censorship). 
  • The truthabouthcq.com site also has copies in French or Portuguese.


Ivermectin may also help with late stage/Long Covid:  "in cases with mild symptoms, Ivermectin was administered at a dose of 0.2 mg. per kilo of body weight per day for 2 days. If patients still had symptoms after the 2 doses, 2 more days of Ivermectin treatment were given at the same dose. For cases with moderate symptoms, a dose of 0.4 mg per kilogram of body weight was prescribed for 2 days, followed by 0.2 mg per kilogram of body weight for a further 2 days. ..." and is continued longer if symptoms persist. Google  translation from Spanish. Post-Acute or Prolonged COVID-19: Ivermectin Treatment of Patients with Persistent Symptoms, (Chang et al, 2020).


Zinc Ionophores include chloroquines, Ivermectin, EGCG, and quercetin.


Other foods or supplements might help in a similar way. Zinc is a trace mineral that blocks protein replication, which a virus needs.  The hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine medications are zinc ionophores - they can carry an atom of zinc into a cell, and so are EGCG supplements made from green tea or EGCG is also found in pomegranate products, or quercetin from various foods, citrus peel, or as a supplement. Zinc ionophores can act as carrier chemicals to take zinc into a cell that has more iron content than typical. Green tea and pomegranate juice were found to kill SARS-COV-2 virus in a cell culture study. 

  • See preprint: Antiviral activity of plant juices and green tea against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus in vitro. (pdf)
  • Also for more information, see:  Eat Food – Antivirals are found in common foods. or Bitter Taste Receptors in the lungs & Hesperidin's Decongestant Properties.



Anemia of Chronic Inflammation, Vitamin C & other Phytonutrients.


Infected cells or cancerous cells, and inflammatory conditions, can cause an increased amount of iron to be in a cell. The body tries to hide it from pathogens who also need it, and the inflammatory signals causes iron to be removed from hemoglobin and it is put it into cell storage. If the shift in iron is significant it will cause symptoms of anemia, with low hemoglobin and elevated ferritin. If it continues to more severe levels the amount of iron in cell storage can become excessive and cause toxic damage - iron oxidizes - it rusts. See: Anemia of Inflammation, IL-6, Hepcidin, Iron & Vitamin C. and  Pomegranate peel catechins – inhibition of NET formation.



T-Cell Immunity & Phytonutrients


Phytonutrients also help modulate immune response - increase T-cells or modulate the balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory types. T-cell immunity is proving to be potentially long lasting and helpful against the group of coronavirus. Previous sickness with SARS-1 or colds may provide some immunity against the current SARS-2 pandemic. A variety of phytonutrients and foods help increase immune response and production of T-cells. See: Foods and Phytonutrients that may benefit T-Cells.


Some phytonutrients may help fight the SARS-1 virus in other ways. See: Phytonutrients that may help against COVID19..



Social Distancing may not help indoors - face masks are more protection if risk is air-borne.


Face masks have helped prevent infection spread. Indoor air, especially with an air conditioner, can spread airborne droplets farther than respiratory droplets. Social distancing guidelines of six feet are based on respiratory droplets falling out of the air. Smaller droplets can spread farther through a room. Twenty seven customers were infected in a restaurant setting due to a person sitting near an air conditioner who hadn't begun being symptomatic yet and who tested positive a few days later. The take home point - the face masked waitstaff did not get infected. Social distancing alone was not adequate in an indoor setting.


  • "Kim Woo-joo, a professor of infectious medicine at Korea University Medical School, said, "If you wear a mask, the number of bacteria that will enter your mouth will be reduced to one to three. You have to wear a mask unconditionally indoors."" 
  • "The WHO officially recognized the possibility of'aerosol transmission' last month, in which virus particles smaller than droplets are mixed & transmitted in the air. If true, there is a possibility of infection just by being in the same space regardless of the presence or absence of an air conditioner or the distance between people." (Google translation from Korean,  손님 27명 감염, 직원은 멀쩡… 파주 스타벅스 미스터리 m.chosuncom)
  • News story in English: Starbucks Cafe’s Covid Outbreak Spared Employees Who Wore Masks. (bloomberg)


Wastewater - defective plumbing may be a source of viral spray.


Wastewater from toilet spray (shut the lid if possible first), or a dry U trap that allows sewer fumes to rise upward into the room, may be a source of droplets that may carry live virus from fecal sources. 

  • Can Coronavirus spread through defective bathroom sewage pipes?


Outbreaks have been mapped along main sewer lines in some places. The SARS-CoV-2 is also is being tracked from wastewater into larger bodies of water: 

  • Early findings indicate the Covid-19 virus can exist in natural bodies of water.




Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of Fair Use. It is not intended to provide individual guidance. Please seek a health care provider for individualized health care guidance. 

Sun peaking through cloudy sky, blue triangular shape of a large tent peak, light poles, road way

One of large dining, activity tents at the now closed children's detention center in Tornillo Texas.

PCR screening has many false positives - 2020, still true.

The PCR process increases the amount of a tiny fragment of a chemical - may not be infectious.

PCR process led to a Nobel Prize for the researcher, Kary Mullis. It allows a chemical to be increased to a larger amount which might be enough for further study. When more cycles of the replication process are allowed to take place there is a greater risk of a false positive when the chemical being replicated is thought to be a full viral genetic code instead of a smaller fragment of an inactive virus. Fewer replications with a presence of the suspected viral genetic code might be more likely to suggest full active virus were present in the sample. 


  • Kary Mullis talking about the PCR process being used to test for the HIV virus - not proof of an active virus or a particular virus: Maker Kary Mullis over PCR tests (excerpt video clip) The full video: Kary Mullis, inventor of the PCR, talks about the HIV-AIDS connection (video).


Lengthy review of the report that led to approval of the PCR test for the diagnosis of COVID-19, infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is available here:  Review report Corman-Drosten et al. Eurosurveillance 2020, November 27, 2020 , External peer review of the RTPCR test to detect SARS-CoV-2 reveals 10 major scientific flaws at the molecular and methodological level: consequences for false positive results.  (cormandrostenreview.com)


Summary of the three types of COVID19 tests for infection, and one for antibody presence after infection: 3 Types of COVID-19 Tests, and Which One Is the Most Accurate (health.com).

Two birds on a barbed wire fence with a  telephone pole and line of birds on a cable in the distance

Early Treatment is critical for SARS-CoV-2 - 2020 - still tr

SARS-CoV-2 virus may suppress our immune response allowing cell death leading to organ damage.

  • Immediate Treatment for Early Stage SARS-CoV-2 Infections Recommended To Be Supported Nationally Starting Now,  Authored by Ben Kaplan Singer, M.D.; Daniel Stickler, M.D.; Avery J. Knapp Jr., M.D.; with many contributing doctors.  (googledoc)
  • TCM Treatment of COVID-19, based on extensive experience in Chinese hospitals, by Adam Tate, March 20, 2020, updated March 25, 2020. (medicinetraditions.com) — This document includes a description of the progressive or varying stages of COVID19 illness. It includes examples of symptoms that occur in the different stages, and herbal recipes recommended for the specific stage and symptom set. The Chinese medical professionals have found that a combination of the traditional medicinal herb mixtures and modern medicines to be more effective than either alone for treating patients with more severe COVID19 infections. 
  • EVMS Critical Care COVID-19 Management Protocol, Developed and updated by Paul Marik, MD (17) "While there is no cure or “Magic-bullet” for COVID-19, recently, a number of therapeutic agents have shown great promise for both the prevention and treatment of this disease including Ivermectin, Vitamin D, quercetin, melatonin, Vitamin C and corticosteroids. It is likely that no single drug will be effective in treating this complex disease and that multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action used in specific phases of the disease will be required. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that many of these agents may act synergistically in various phases of the disease. [1-3] " (17)
  • Thiamine, vitamin B1, may be needed in greater amounts during critical illness.  work of a father with a child with special needs, making him a specialist of sorts regarding the condition. Operation Thiamine – Reducing the Need for Hospitalization of Patients with COVID-19. By Jeffrey Lubell  (googledoc)


 

Center for Disease Control list of possible symptoms of coronavirus: 

  • “Chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell. [...] The CDC previously listed fever, cough and shortness of breath [or difficulty breathing] as symptoms.” 
  • “Coronavirus patients can experience a diversity of issues – from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Patients may be most infectious in the days before they began showing symptoms, studies show.” (usatoday) 


Digestive symptoms may occur for as many as half of patients who have symptoms with coronavirus infection. Lack of appetite was common, 78%, diarrhea, 34%, vomiting, ~4%, and/or abdominal pain, 2%. (6) 

  • “Although most patients presented to the hospital with fever or respiratory symptoms, we found that 103 patients (50.5%) reported a digestive symptom, including lack of appetite (81 [78.6%] cases), diarrhea (35 [34%] cases), vomiting (4 [3.9%] cases), and abdominal pain (2 [1.9%] cases).” (6) 


Many people (~18% in one study) have no symptoms and yet are able to spread the infection. (7) They may have some T-cell immunity against other coronavirus strains of the common cold or even an earlier SARS-CoV-2 infection. Genetic variation in the virus has been found in one case of suspected reinfection (rather than chronic infection that never quite fully healed).  See:  First Case of COVID-19 Reinfection Confirmed — Viral sequence disparity indicates Hong Kong case not simply prolonged infection. (medpagetoday)  This may be good news - the second case was asymptomatic - possibly a T-cell response, and possibly the second strain is a milder virus. It is in a pathogen's survival interest to not kill its host, instead to remain part of the normal microbiome which does include virus. Some help us by preventing inflammation. (Small Molecules inhibiting NF-kB Pathway)


A genetic difference may also be causing the lack of apparent symptoms while lung damage is still continuing and infection of others is still possible - sgp130Fc - surface marker proteins may not be being produced that show the virus is replicating instead of normal protein production - roughly, it is complicated. See: Artemisinin, arteannuin-B, sgp130Fc, and COVID-19.


Skin rashes or toe discoloration that may resemble frostbite may be symptoms in people or children who don’t have any other symptoms of COVID19. (13) (Photo example, COVID Toes)

The infection and immune/inflammatory response can increase use of nutrients and deficiency can occur due to the sudden use. “Both vitamin C and thiamine deficiencies are common in septic patients [6,7]” (8)


Vitamin D deficiency is linked to more severe COVID19 & increased mortality risk. 

Vitamin D supplementation in advance of respiratory or other infection risk can help reduce the risk of an over-reaction of the immune system, and an excessive cytokine response as seen with sepsis which can increase organ damage and be a risk for cognitive damage. Vitamin D helps the immune system to be more tolerant of self tissue which reduces the risk of autoimmune reactions occurring during an infection. 


  • Vitamin D Insufficiency May Account for Almost Nine of Ten COVID-19 Deaths: Time to Act. Comment on: “Vitamin D Deficiency and Outcome of COVID-19 Patients”. Nutrients 2020, 12, 2757 (comment)
  • Low vitamin D levels is being found to be more common among people with symptoms versus asymptomatic in people who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (16)
  • Moderate/RDA amounts vitamin D taken before infection may be beneficial for reducing risk of respiratory infection, megadose taken after an infection was not found significantly helpful. (ref)


The recommendations by a medical group, (EVMS, listed at the top of this section) are for a moderate-high dose of vitamin D - higher than the RDA but not in the megadose range. (17) 


More recent work has linked low levels of several important nutrients to more severe COVID-19 illness. Vitamins A, B1, C, D, E - all with potential benefits as anti-viral, anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and or as immunomodulators - which means they help our immune function have a moderate, appropriate response instead of an under or over active response. Cytokine storm or sepsis shock are two phrases used to describe an dangerously overactive response which is seen in some cases of critical Covid-19 illness. Extra vitamin C and other antioxidants such as vitamin E can help the body to detoxify the inflammatory oxidative stress chemicals. See: Could Vitamins Help in the Fight Against COVID-19? (mdpi)


Reference List & some additional text (googledoc)

Another view of the large activity tent that was at the children's dentention center at Tornillo, TX

"Fasten Safety Belts" - a street sign on the outside of the children's detention center.

SARS-CoV-2 - the virus, COVID-19 - the illness. - 2020 - sti

Long Covid - diverse symptoms which can be disabling and last for months.

The phrase Long Covid is being used by some, to describe patients with lingering symptoms following recovery from the worst of the respiratory symptoms of Covid-19. Autoimmune like and other symptoms unique to Covid-19 include a wide range of troublesome symptoms that have left many people disabled compared to their previous normal health. Patient volunteers have collected a large database about the symptoms and people responding to their voluntary survey. While it isn't a randomized study, it is information about a new condition from the patients experiencing the problem.


  • What Does COVID-19 Recovery Actually Look Like? An Analysis of the Prolonged COVID-19 Symptoms Survey by Patient-Led Research Team, May 2, 2020,(Document)


Allergic type of over reaction may also be involved in the symptoms of COVID-19 illness or the chronic stage. An over the counter antihistamine medication such as Claritin/loratidine taken daily is safe but do not exceed as it can be damaging to the liver and more is not needed. It is a very tiny tablet, taken once a day .Talk to your health care provider about your health care plan, and pharmacists at the drug store can answer questions about over the counter medications in addition to prescription medications. Over activity of mast cells and release of excess histamine may be part of Long Covid symptoms. See the page MCAS/Histamine for more information.



Chronic anemia of inflammation, iron, and an anti-malarial called artemisinin.


Chronic anemia of inflammation or infection may be involved in post-recovery symptoms also. Pathogens need iron and the body has a mechanism that removes iron from hemoglobin where it is more easily accessible and puts into cellular storage. If this process continues excessively the person may have too little hemoglobin to carry enough oxygen for normal activity. Feeling out of breath with a racing heart rate might occur with something as easy as walking around a home or going up a flight of stairs. See: Iron and anemia of chronic inflammation.



My own experience as a patient with untested CoV like illness, Feb/March 2020.


My Why?  - why are you writing this? is because I am also a patient, although, untested. I was sick in early March when testing was only available if contact with someone from China. I was quite sick but with my various supplements and nutrient dense foods already in my daily routine, plus an extra orange with the white pith left on, and and extra vitamin C, 100 mg chewable tablet or two, I was able to get better on my own. More about my own symptoms and nutrients are here: Treatment of Cure?.


After I had recovered from the breathless non-productive cough stage, I did have lingering exhaustion and a racing heart rate climbing a flight of stairs. I suspected chronic anemia of infecttion and added the herbal extract artemisinin to my routine, one iam and pm. The medication is available over the counter from herbal supply companies and is used for malaria treatment because it targets iron rich cells. It can help with iron overload conditions. See: Artemisinin, arteannuin-B, sgp130Fc and COVID-19.


Pomegranate Peel


Pomegranate products are anti-inflammatory, and the peel is a source of EGCG and other hydrolyzable tannins that can help intestinal health but can be irritating in excess. Tannins are one the plants' way of telling insects to stop eating them. See the second half of this post for more about foods that can help heal and soothe inflammatory bowel symptoms: ACE2, Diarrhea, & COVID19 – it gets complicated.


Pomegranate peel is very rich in antioxidants and bitter taste in the exterior colorful peel and milder in the white pithy inner membranes. Orange or other citrus peels are similar. The white pith is mild and can be eaten in a 1/4 cup amount while the orange zest acts as a decongestant with just a teaspoon or two.


  • Pomegranate preparation and benefits of the fruit and the peel. G13.Pomegranate.
  •  Citrus peel - a variety of posts.


Citrus Peel


Citrus peel, source of hesperidin, quercetin, rutin and other bioflavonoids. It is called Chen pi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is being studied for benefits against obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome:Surprise- we need bitter tastes in our meals to help tell us we are full now. There are bitter taste receptors in a variety of places in the body besides the tongue and they are like little machines that can do things for our cells. Within the intestines they help send signals to the brain to tell us we are satisfied and to stop eating. The food industry has taken the bitter flavor out of most processed foods as it is often perceived as bad or too strong by typical consumers.. 


Within the lungs bitter taste receptors signal lung tissue to make thinner mucus and to move it out of the lungs,they also lead to more open relaxed airways. Citrus bioflavonoids are being studied for use with asthma and helped me while I was sick and I have continued using it daily. Asthma like symptoms continued to flare up since being sick with untested CoV-19 in March 2020. See: Bitter taste receptors in the lungs & Hesperidin’s decongestant properties.


Mango Peel


Mango peel is also beneficial against inflammation  - making a gently simmered tea, about 20-30 minutes, with mango, citrus, or pomegranate peel retains the medicinal nutrients. Overheating will cause breakdown of the complex chemicals into smaller nonmedicinal  forms. Freezing does not destroy the benefits. A strong tea (which is a water extract) can be used by adding just a couple spoon-fulls to any hot beverage or soup. 


 I have been making a mixed extract with citrus, mango and pomegranate peel, rosemary, thyme and anise seed (adds flavor and may have respiratory benefits) and some coconut oil to extract fat soluble nutrients. Tea or more concentrated extract could be made. Mild tea would only need a few teaspoons of dry peel and dry herbs in the saucepan of water and would be drank as tea, while the larger amounts given below, steeped in a large sauce pan of water would make a more concentrated extract - and only a few spoon-fulls would be added to a hot beverage. Experiment, it is food. It is potent food though, trying smaller amounts at first is cautious and can let you know if it will be a problem for you or a help.

  • Approximately zest layer of two-six oranges, peel of one mango, the outer red part of the peel of ½ or less a pomegranate (it is very potent, two tablespoons if using dehydrated), two tablespoons rosemary, thyme and anise seed, one large sauce pan of water, one cup of coconut or olive oil if you also want to make phytonutrient rich oil. 
  • First bring it to a boil and then turn off the heat and let the dry ingredients soak for 1-2 hours. Bring it back to a boil with a cup of coconut oil or just a tablespoon and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stir occasionally, if making infused oil, continue to stir occasionally and keep warm for about 2 hours. I then refrigerate the strained oil and tea water in glass jars and the oil rises to the top. 
  • One teaspoon of the flavored oil and a couple tablespoons to ¼ cup (depending on how strong the tea is and personal preference) of the tea extract added to a hot beverage adds a nice citrus flavor and may reduce inflammation in the brain and the body - double bonus.
  • The ingredients used could vary with what is available and what seems to work for your individual health. The rosemary, outer pomegranate peel, and Star anise, can have a diuretic effect so the tea may be best used early in the day along with adequate water so it isn’t dehydrating and it may help remove toxins without disrupting sleep too much.


  • *Caution, the long steeping/boiling may be too much for the Star anise, it is potent and adds to the diuretic effect. Green tea is made in water heated to 175' - less then boiling hot, steaming though. Experimenting with methods that seem beneficial for your own use is a good idea - open mind, may help, go with less at first, and earlier in the day, along with extra water. Diuretics can help the body remove toxins.
  • **Second caution, the coconut oil for an oil based extract and the citrus, both triggered MCAS/histamine symptoms for me. I switched to olive oil and used the mango and pomegranate peel, but stopped using citrus as a daily habit. It is a potent decongestant though if I needed it for that purpose.


People with more flavonoids in their diet over the long term had less risk of Alzheimer's dementia and related dementia's - (Shistar, et al., 2020)


Mango peel could also be dehydrated in a food dehydrator and powdered and might be acceptable added to any food in small amounts. Mango peel is bitter in flavor. (Mango peel powder in an animal based study regarding liver inflammation: Ulla et al, 2016)


Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of Fair Use. It is not intended to provide individual guidance. Please seek a health care provider for individualized health care guidance. 

Gridlke see through wire fencing with sunset clouds streaked with yellow. To birds sit on top. Gray

The border fence between the U.S. and Mexico at Tornillo, Texas.

Health & Fertility - for us, plants & animals, birds & bees, for the wetlands, air, soil and water.

Health & Fertility have no borders.

Pollutants travel in air, water, and can collect in the soil.

International peace can be aided by economic participation in trade and in negotiations over borders and shared water sources. Trouble can also occur with unfair use of water upstream or industrial pollution being added to a river upstream of another nation's drinking water supply. 


Use of plastic and its waste littering the air and roadways and living areas, also adds to the burden of bulk waste in the environment and microscopic particles of plastic in marine water. Small crustacean like marine microbes have been found to break it down into the tiny particles which then are small enough to be consumed as water is drank by a marine species or by us possibly. For more information and reference link see the post: Health & Fertility - teamwork.

Sunshine over a wetland area with water &  patches of land, row  of trees & a palm tree .

Mexico, as seen through the U.S. border fence.

  • Home
  • COVID19
  • Nutrients
  • Cofactors
  • Prenatal/Child
  • Membranes & Inflam.
  • Blog
  • DHA & Forest Bathing
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Phytonutrients
  • Citrus peel
  • Microbiome
  • Resistant Starch/Butyrate
  • RS/Butyrate-How much?
  • MCAS/Histamine
  • Eat Mussels; save shells!
  • Wetland Superheroes
  • Education Resources
  • UN & Other Resources

Jennifer Depew, R.D.

Copyright © 2020 Jennifer Depew, R - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder