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

Membrane Health

Our outer skin can be a visible sign of the health of our inner skin - all different types of cell membranes.


They protect us from allergens, toxins, and pathogens, within our digestive tract, around our brain, and everywhere else there are cell walls.

Magnesium protects membrane health !

Inflammation itself can damage membranes

Phospho-Lipid Bilayer Structures. LIposome, Micelle, Bilayer Sheet.
By Mariana Ruiz Villarreal ,Lady

Inflammation can be caused by external toxins or pathogens, or internal activity, normal or stress.

Inflammation can damage cells which then can lead to more damage, if there isn't enough white blood cell function to clear away the damaged cells safely. Membranes and other cell tissue can be harmed from the inflammatory chemicals. Daily activity from our own muscle activity or metabolism of glucose for energy production creates inflammatory chemicals, and emotional stress can add even more - peace and love to you.


Inflammation within the body can result from internal events due to health or emotions or strenuous exercise or illness, or due to external pollutants or exposure to an infectious pathogen. 


  • Our membranes are particularly at risk to inflammation because inflammatory signals cause the phospholipid bilayer to lose some of its building blocks - a jenga block game in the round - pull out too many blocks and the structure collapses.

 

Cannabinoids do so much more than opioids within our body - every function of the body is affected by cannabinoids - they are a little like the candy coating on the chocolate drop that won't melt in your hand, it melts in your mouth (M &M's, TM), except the opposite - the fatty acids are the interior of the membrane - to be impermeable to water, and the exterior is water soluble - our body is almost seventy percent water - thanks microtubules for giving us some structure in addition to the support of our skeleton. Our cells need their outer layer to be flexible, yet semi-solid, and water resistant on the exterior surfaces.


Modern medical approach focuses on the germ, the pathogen, or the symptom, without focusing on strengthening the defenses - the walls of the house or growing more foot soldier white blood cells.


  • Germ Theory is the medical focus, a pathogen causes a disease; Terrain Theory is the functional health approach - an imbalanced system will promote harmful excessive growth of microbes that are present safely during normal health. 


Inflammation can affect immune function acutely - failing to respond to an infection; and then it becomes a chronic immune problem with ongoing inflammation, increased membrane breakdown, more exposure to pathogens, and then possibly a low level, latent infection is 'caught'. Many pathogens more likely may be present simply in a dormant state, or few in number, and then their growth may flair up during increased stress levels, more inflammation, more membrane breakdown inside and out. Skin rashes visibly, and digestive symptoms and more headaches or brain fog, confusion, disorientation. Our membranes protect us inside and out. 


Breathe, think calm thoughts, exhale. 

Worrying doesn't change things - trying to change things might change things for the better though. Work towards positive . . . hope for the best . . .and that mental mindset may help prevent increased inflammation levels too.


  • Vagus nerve Breathing techniques, first in a series, psychologytoday)

Resistant Starch / Butyrate - see: Terrain/Germ theory.

Inflammation adds to endothelial and epithelial tissue breakdown.

Membranes include our skin on the outside, (epithelial tissue), and all the interior digestive linings, and  the membranes around cells, and the membranes which make up blood vessels, (epithelial tissue). 


 Endothelial - inner layer of blood vessels; Epithelial - outer epidermis layer of our skin. 


Endothelial & epithelial - our skin inside and out: 


Blood vessel membranes, endothelial tissue, get discussed a lot - dramatic blood clots and bleeding risks, however the intestinal lining, epithelial tissue, also may be damaged and reduced nutrient absorption then occurs, adding to nutrient deficiencies. Skin rashes are more obvious and images of severe skin rashes and edema, swelling, have been shared. The malabsorption or other digestive problems can lead to poor B vitamin absorption, increasing membrane damage further. We need water soluble vitamins like the Bs and C every day because they are lost in urine daily. Magnesium is also likely to be poorly absorbed, or lost in excess during inflammation.


  • "Intestinal inflammatory response has been shown to cause intestinal epithelium dysfunction, and reduce the absorption of nutrients in animals, through altering the permeability of the natural barrier [35]. 
  • The reduction of intestinal inflammatory response may contribute to improved growth performance [36]." (23) 


The solution is twofold - supply nutrients and antioxidants to help cope with the inflammatory damage - and stop the fire, put out the inflammation by figuring out what the inflammatory triggers are for each individual person and finding different foods to eat or changing lifestyle factors that add to inflammation (EMF, bright light at night instead of blackout curtain darkness or eye mask, lack of exercise or extremely strenuous exercise or work demands, emotional stress or a chronic negative focus and worrying).


Many nutrients are needed for healthy membranes.


Many nutrients are needed for support of health throughout the body and for membrane growth and support - it needs blood flow to bring oxygen and remove toxins, and especially during times of infection or inflammation when needs for some nutrients can be greatly increased above normal need, with a few unlikely to be available from food alone (thiamine, niacin, vitamin C).


  • "SCCM & ASPEN...rec... COVID19 patients requiring ICU care (2, 3). Multiple micronutrients (e.g., vitamins C and E, copper, zinc, thiamin, carnitine and others), protein & fluid balance are likely all involved in mitigating & treating the inflammatory response induced by COVID19" (101)


For membrane symptoms - think B vitamins, . . . magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, & others. 


Deficiency of many B vitamins can cause skin rashes and lower leg edema is also common for B3, niacin deficiency. Mood changes may also be symptoms. With edema, chronic pain, itch or muscle cramps or spasms, headaches, poor sleep, depression or anxiety, and high blood pressure, arrythmia, or clotting risk, think magnesium. Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet or fish or krill oil supplements can help with skin and membrane health and may help depression. 


Topically, aloe vera gel may help, followed by grapeseed oil with a few drops of essential oils such as frankincense, rosemary, tea tree oil, pine oil added for their healing powers - potent, 2-6 drops of a total combination per ounce of massage oil. Ideally rub on moist skin after a bath or after using aloe vera gel first. The oil seals in moisture in the skin, but doesn't add any extra moisture to dry skin, so the aloe vera provides it. A little water first would be a substitute, a spoonful or so in the palm of your hand and rub on like it was the aloe vera gel/liquid. 

Self Care Strategies - lifestyle & diet (brief overview)

Thiamine, vitamin B1, is needed in large amounts in severe inflammation.

Deficiency of thiamin, vitamin B1, can cause psychosis when severe (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) and a variety of symptoms including tachycardia (rapid heart rate) before the psychosis symptom stage. The need for thiamin is greatly increased during infection, but typically is rarely a deficiency in normal health. 


Malnutrition in anorexia nervosa or severe alcoholism are the most common reasons for a severe thiamin deficiency. It can cause brain stem damage if left untreated with thiamine supplements. The amount needed during a severe infection would not be available from food alone. (99) 


Providing high dose supplements of thiamin during chronic inflammation or infection might also improve oxygen levels (reduce hypoxia). (100) Three hundred milligrams might be taken as a supplement, it is also given intravenously during severe sepsis type inflammation. Thiamin is part of the Marik Protocol for Intravenous Vitamin C therapy for sepsis shock/cytokine storm, along with hydrocortisone, a steroid medication. (102) 


The high dose vitamin C and thiamin is also helpful for cytokine storm, without the hydrocortisone. Cytokine storm refers to an excessive inflammatory response leading to white blood cells or other cells producing too many inflammatory cytokine, which are signalling chemicals that can lead to more inflammatory damage.


I experienced thiamine deficiency symptoms of racing heart and disoriented feeling, while I was having an anorexic appetite due to very low zinc levels. Low zinc causes a lack of appetite and may even cause swallowing to be physically difficult - dry throat, hard to swallow the food. So ... I happened to be taking a 300 mg supplement anyway when I got sick with (untested) Covid-19, and I still take it, most days, just part of my "I'm an autoimmune patient" lifestyle.


Niacin may also be critically important to have in higher doses for inflammation. That would be in a section on mitochondria and endolysosomes though - our energy and detoxification systems require plenty of niacin, magnesium, vitamin C, and the rest of the B vitamin team. 


Thiamine, B1, was just the first discovered of our B vitamin team, so it gets to be called number one.

Nutrients

Cannabinoids are part of the cell membrane and are released during inflammation.

Cannabinoids are an important structural part of cell membranes and skin health. The specialized phospholipid chemicals are a combination of a fatty acid and a phospholipid. Which means they can dissolve in both oil or water - which is helpful for membranes. Membranes are formed from a double layer, with the fatty acid on the interior and the phospholipid on the exterior. See image. (61) 


Cannabinoids themselves are active signaling chemicals as the free cannabinoid; or they also may be transformed into eicosanoids which also can be defensive chemicals during an infection. (58) The primary cannabinoid that is released during inflammation is 2-AG, the CBD equivalent that we would make for ourselves if healthy, nourished, and genetically capable. 


During inflammation the 2-AG endocannabinoid is broken down further, releasing the fatty acid end - a type called arachidonic acid. Excessive amounts of free arachidonic acid adds to inflammatory risks. Having a diet that is also rich in arachidonic acid would then add to the inflammatory problem (chicken fat and chicken broth for example, are rich in arachidonic acid).


Our body can also make eicosanoids (58) and anti-inflammatory cannabinoids from the beneficial omega 3 an 6 fatty acids. (60, 61)  


Inflammation itself adds to endothelial and epithelial tissue breakdown in part because inflammatory release of stored cannabinoids leaves empty spots in the membrane and surrounding phospholipids have to cling together tighter. 


So give the body more cannabinoids - 

They are needed to build membranes, and/or more phospholipids, (1CED), and omega 3 and specific omega 6 fatty acids. (60, 61) 


Patients experiencing LongCovid symptoms may have an endocannabinoid imbalance or deficiency due to the inflammation process. Symptoms and conditions associated with endocannabinoid deficiency are listed in this post: (1CED), along with food sources of cannabinoids and phospholipids or other phosphate nutrients. Supplementing only with CBD might make inflammatory membrane breakdown and hypoxia worse - it is the THC, anandamide equivalent that is needed to help restore balance.


  • THC also helps with T-cell mediated chronic autoimmune myocarditis. (31)
  • Cannabidiol (CBD) did help diabetic cardiopathy. (32) More on CBD and cardiovascular health research. (33) CBD may be converted into other cannabinoids, caution is all - the 2-AG version is part of the inflammatory problem in membrane breakdown and hypoxia in the tissue. (2CED) 

 

 Read more on Cannabinoids & BHMT gene allele:


  • 1CED. Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency, (CED), and phospholipids. - list of symptoms and conditions likely related to deficiency of cannabinoids or imbalance, food sources of cannabinoids and phospholipids, a precursor nutrient.
  • 2CED. Cannabinoids & blood vessels – and LongCovid. - THC protects against damage during hypoxia - move more, gently, it hurts, and don't use CBD or not without THC also. The imbalance may be too much of the 2-AG free, released from the broken down membranes (CBD equivalent), and too little of the protective anandamide (THC equivalent)
  • 3CED. Cannabinoids are made with the BHMT gene (and others). - there may be an ethnic difference in risk for BHMT gene alleles and that can cause inability to make some cannabinoids and to breakdown others, leaving an deficiency overall and possibly dysfunction due to imbalance. Someone with this gene allele (like me) would have some of the LongCovid numb fingers and membrane breakdown throughout life - daily norm.
  • 4CED. Starvation or Addiction?. This is a webpage written a few years ago, with more of my story and some of the genetics. The 3CED article is more recent and has more detail about the dysfunction potentially caused by a BHMT double gene allele. 
  • Autoimmune antibodies against phospholipids may be causing excess cannabinoid breakdown or lack of production in some people with LongCovid symptoms.


Addiction or Starvation? - Gene differences can occur that disrupt the ability to make endocannabinoids, for health then, and external source would be needed. In modern society that is seen as an addiction to marijuana, but also binge overeating, alcohol, nicotine, or opiate addictions can occur. We are addicted to oxygen, we need it within every few minutes or we will die. We are addicted to water, food, all the essential nutrients. 


Other nutrients may be called conditionally essential - needed by certain people or conditions where the normal function is impaired. Providing the external source repairs function back to normal - as long as an excess beyond that need is not regularly used. Tolerance occurs, the amount a regular user needs is far different than someone on their first few uses.

Read more: Addiction or Starvation?

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids:

Or give the body more omega-3 fatty acids and the beneficial omega-6's (GLA, CLA); while not overdoing polyunsaturated vegetable oils and an excess of omega-6, which is common in modern diets. Excess omega 6 in ratio to omega 3 fatty acids is inflammatory. (59) Corn oil, canola, or soy oil, for example, have more omega 6; olive oil, or coconut oil in moderation, have less omega 6 and more monounsaturated fats. Coconut oil also has saturated fat content so moderation is sensible.  


This generally means we need to add more omega 3 foods or a supplemental oil, and pay attention to the types of vegetable oils we choose. Olive oil is likely the least inflammatory choice, along with coconut oil in moderation. 


Single capsules of omega 3 are really not enough of the EPA and DHA omega 3's. I use a spoonful of a flavored fish oil as my main source. Salmon, sardines, krill oil, tuna fish, omega 3 rich eggs, are some of the main dietary sources. Some of the more bioactive EPA or DHA can be converted by the body from ALA, a precursor in vegetarian sources like walnuts or flax meal. However a significant percentage of people can't convert much of the ALA, leaving the person deficient in DHA and EPA even though they bought a special food or supplement, (18) so the animal sources are more likely to benefit someone with ill health. 

 

Supplementing with DHA/EPA omega 3 fatty acids may help the old and young with cognitive health, (12, 13, 14), and also a better night’s sleep. (15) 


Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and krill oil are good sources of EPA and DHA. Whether a person has male or female hormones may affect absorbability or bioavailability of omega 3 fatty acids. (20) A glyceride mixture of omega-3 fatty acids is being studied in hopes of good absorption in a supplemental product. (19)


Roughly 300 mg EPA/DHA are recommended several times per week - several servings of fatty fish. More may be beneficial for someone trying to treat depression or a different chronic concern, more like a spoonful of fish oil, rather than a single capsule. One to two grams, 100-2000 mg, per day may be a more typical dose recommended for a mood disorder such as depression. (22)

DHA (& Forest Bathing), *last part of page

Membranes are a filter and a barrier - letting in what is needed and blocking everything else.

Membranes help protect us by blocking entry to most things and carefully allowing in only certain minerals. Magnesium is essential for membrane ion channels to be able to stop excessive entry of minerals such as calcium. (101) An excessive amount of calcium within cells can cause overactivity and lead to cell death.


The extracellular fluid and surface glycoproteins are also critically important for protecting us by filling the gaps between cells. Insufficient protection and a 'leaky gut' or 'leaky blood brain barrier' might occur, leading to more food sensitivities, autoimmune risks, and migraines possibly. 


Gluten and corn can make the gaps, the tight junctions between cells, more open. 


Other starches and fiber can help add to the protective coating - whole grains other than the gluten containing ones include: rice, amaranth, sorghum, buckwheat, quinoa, and resistant starches include tapioca and arrowroot starch. Mushrooms provide beneficial starches and a surprising for the adventurous diner is insects, a source on N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG, which is not NAC, N-acetylcysteine, an amino acid found in protein food - so insects may have that too).


Pathogens or toxic chemicals may be able to enter the brain when membrane breakdown is present. In general Ivermectin is a very safe medication because it is a large molecule and generally does not enter the brain unless in an overdose situation, but it may be a risk for anyone with a leaky blood brain barrier due to infection or inflammation. (96) 


The Spike protein and inflammation both may be increasing the risk of a leaky blood brain barrier being present in severe COVID-19 or LongCovid, making other anti-parasitics a safer choice, there are many phytonutrients with iron chelating and anti-microbial benefits which also act as immuno-modulators - balancing the immune response to the active enough, but not too active..

Cofactors - include NAC & NAG

Topical or dietary - can help or harm our skin.

Our body is made of what we take in - whether nutrients or toxins.

Our skin helps us detoxify by excreting some negative chemicals. Emotional tears contain some of the inflammatory chemicals, so relief after emotional crying, may be physically based.


Skin can also absorb negative or beneficial chemicals directly. Topical creams or cosmetics may be adding negative chemicals, and the water we drink and bathe in may too. Skin can also absorb nourishment directly for some nutrients, or be protected with the surface barrier of moisture and oil (aloe vera gel and essential oil in grape seed oil mentioned earlier). 


Epsom salt soaks provide beneficial magnesium and sulfate both of which help the membrane and extracellular fluid - the fibrous watery layer surrounding our membranes and helping form stronger barriers at the tight junctions between our cells.


Imagine trying to build a garden hose out of lettuce leaves stuck together at the edges with grape jelly - and then pumping water through it....life is a miracle. Count your blessings if you have skin that is relatively healthy - it is made of lettuce leaves stuck together with grape jelly - kind of.

Magnesium

Other things that help membrane health.

Some help the digestive system in particular and others are needed throughout the body for all cells.


  • Glycine (DMG and/or TMG) could help protect the membrane linings throughout the body. *see Nutrients page, and the [to be added] following glyphosate section.


Mucilaginous foods: add to the gelatinous layer between and surrounding cells. 

The aloe vera gel mentioned in the first section as a topical moisture layer to add before using oil for a protective layer is adding a mucilaginous food directly to our outer skin. As a dietary food it is adding a protective effect throughout the digestive system. It can be particularly helpful during inflammatory bowel discomfort and diarrhea conditions. See:

  • ACE2..., second half of the post has a list included next.
  •  Gumbo File – anti-inflammatory and possibly anti-cancer,
  •  G8. Cookies & Bean Soup (cookie variations with golden flax meal as an egg substitute)
  • Hydrolyzable tannins (ACE2..., second half of the post has a list, 2.18, 3.2, G13. Pomegranate)

Fiber, Water, 

Okra, psyllium husk, slippery elm powder, - mucilaginous & soothing foods

What to do about diarrhea and other digestive symptoms? Inflammatory digestive symptoms may include stomach pain or nausea, vomiting, and intestinal pain after eating, particularly after some types of foods. 


Inflammatory digestive conditions can be helped by eating the gelatinous like foods that are similar to the layer of mucus that lines the intestines during normal health. Adding the mucilaginous foods to the diet in foods or tea, has a soothing effect and helps support stronger cell barriers against pathogen or allergen entry into the interior of the body. 


Some regular bulking fiber from whole grains and vegetables is also needed to add some bulk to the digestive mix and plenty of water and electrolytes, especially if diarrhea is frequent. Dizziness and even fainting can occur from rapidly depleted electrolytes. 


Dumping syndrome* like loss of fluid occurs (*post surgery issue) as the fluid in the intestines normally is reabsorbed rather than lost in every bowel movement.


Avoiding lactose rich dairy products or temporarily using lactase tablets before eating them may be needed after ongoing diarrhea illness as the enzyme is made in the very surface layer of cells in the GI tract. Anyone can become lactose intolerant temporarily. Once feeling recovered, gradually add back small servings and the body will start making the enzyme again as healing occurs.

Foods that are mucilaginous - a little sticky and gooey - include:

Okra, a green vegetable, and the powdered sassafras leaves called Gumbo file, that are used in  Creole gumbos are both sources of mucilaginous - or water soluble fiber is an older term . The starches bind water well, with a sponge like effect. 


Soothing in a warm tea for a sore throat:

  • Slippery Elm Powder is an ingredient in some herbal teas designed for use with a sore throat. 
  • Marshmallow Root Powder is very similar in healing benefits and a little less expensive than Slippery Elm Powder (and yes, marshmallows were originally made from Marshmallow Root Powder, now marshmallows are just another corn product).


Chia seeds and others may be added to beverages to thicken the drink and soften the seeds; 

  • Chia seeds: " chan (Hyptis suaveolens L.), chia (Salvia hispanica L.), or basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), all belonging to the Lamiaceae family, are applied to drinks or food with beneficial health effects. " (21)


Useful as a vegan egg replacer for quick breads (tiny is better, little muffins, or a flat bread, it bakes pudding like and dense):

  • Flax meal powder (21) when mixed with boiling water and stirred for two minutes will become mucilaginous and can be used as an egg replacer as it can act as an emulsifier.
  • Gumbo File can also be mixed with boiling water and used in place of eggs as an emulsifier. It has a stronger flavor than flax meal powder but is a finer grind. Golden flax meal is slightly less gritty in texture than regular brown flax meal. Flax seeds are very tough and will not be digestible or chewable unless ground before use.
  • Egg replacer ratio that I use- 10 tablespoons water, bring to a boil and quickly remove before over-evaporating, stir into a bowl with pre-measured two tablespoons of Golden Flax Meal or Gumbo File. Stir for two minutes until thickened and the flax meal would turn the water from clear into an opaque creamy white color. Gumbo File is greenish and dark, and would be least noticeable in a chocolate brownie type of recipe.


Animal product sources:

  • Gelatin, bone broth, Jello (TM), are all mucilaginous from the collagen/gelatin from animal products. Agar is a vegetarian gelatin substitute made from seaweed and Irish Sea Moss can also be used to make gelatin like desserts. Tapioca starch can also be used to make a gelatin like dessert that is slightly more dense in texture than Jello (TM). The Gumbo File could be used to thicken fruit juice or fruit also for a gelatin dessert like effect but the flavor again might be more noticeable than if Agar, Tapioca Starch or traditional animal derived gelatin were used.


Commonly available as supplement powders, or may be ordered for a patient at a residential facility:

  • Psyllium Husk powder is a mucilaginous fiber sold as a fiber supplement and stool softener. (21) All of these mucilaginous foods could help with constipation by increasing moisture content of the bowel movement or help with diarrhea by helping absorb water content of the bowel movement as well as by reinforcing the mucus like lining of the intestinal tract.


Foods with soluble fiber, mucilage:

  • Chia seeds are added to beverages and also may be used in some mixed foods. (21)
  • Aloe, cactus, Lotus Root, Chinese yams, See: Word of the Day: Mucilage. 
  • Jerusulem artichoke, carrot, turnip - (1850) These root vegetables would be a source of soluble fiber. Sweet potato and oat bran are also good sources of soluble fiber. (Mucilage/ScienceDirect) 
  • Black beans and other beans, nuts, seeds, broccoli, pears, nectarines, apricots, apples, guava, barley, figs, (Top 20 Foods Rich in Soluble Fiber)


Insoluble fiber:


  • Artichoke hearts/artichoke leaves are a better source of insoluble fiber (thedailymeal). Soluble fiber helps add bulk to a bowel movement so it isn't too watery - not too much or too little. 
  • Insoluble fiber is most of the rest of the plant cell walls - most plants are good sources if the outer membranes are being eaten - whole grains, not white flour or the refined tapioca starch. The tapioca helps in other ways - Resistant Starch.


Bulk and moisture in combination helps everything move along a little faster but not too fast. 4-6 hours to 24 hours can be a healthy normal for passing a meal through. A diet that has little fiber and more processed foods, refined grains, and meat and dairy products, can digest so slowly, transit time, may take many days for the meal to pass through. Slow transit time may increase risk of cancer over the long term in addition to risk of constipation pain or hemorrhoids.


TRP channel activators may need to be avoided, magnesium helps.

It can also help reduce digestive symptoms in inflammatory conditions to avoid foods with TRP channel activators. The phytonutrients may occur naturally in foods used as seasonings or in the whole food.  


Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, (IBS) sufferers may recognize a few: black pepper, hot pepper/capsaicin, horseradish, ginger, turmeric/curcumin, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and mint. 

Excessive acidity will also activate the TRP channels and lead to sudden diarrhea and pressure from gassy foods can be a problem - too much microbiome growth from a lot of raw vegetables or a large serving of fructose without any glucose to balance the digestion and growth of microbial species. 


Simply avoiding the TRP channel activators can help stop some of the pain and diarrhea episodes. Magnesium may be lost in greater than normal amounts, and be less well absorbed due to digestive symptoms - and it is needed to help keep TRP channels closed. Activation of them can lead to calcium entry into cells which might cause a muscle cell to contract. Activation may also lead to increased activation of pain nerve cells (or itch).

Relaxation & Stress - and TRP channels

Hydrolyzable tannins - healing and protective in moderation, irritant in excess.

Hydrolyzable tannins, like gelatin like foods. may have a soothing effect during inflammatory bowel pain or a diarrhea illness. (8) In food they form a creamy brown broth and can make protein more available while possibly binding some minerals. Hydrolyzable tannins are tannins that can bind with water and other molecules and form large complexes.


The hydrolyzed tannins bind with other nutrients too and can slightly reduce nutrient availability for absorption out of the intestines , (15), - however if the goal is to heal inflamed and painful intestines than having more nutrients stay in the intestines may be part of the benefit - literally reforming the mucus lining of the GI tract that would be continually lost when severe watery diarrhea is an all day problem.


The creamy broth is soothing as warm soup when you have a sore throat. Tannins help reduce inflammation by reducing the amount of the inflammatory chemical lipo-polysaccharides. (16) Spike of CoV increases severity of lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) exposure, a bacterial toxin. - More later.


An excessive amount, an overly large serving of hydrolyzable tannins may increase irritation of mucus membranes so the rule holds: dose makes the poison, dose makes the cure. 


Condensed tannins don't bind with water and are even more prevalent in leaves, making up as much as fifty percent of the tannin content within leaves of most plants. (12) Plants tend to make either condensed tannins or hydrolyzable tannins, but not both. The plant makes more in response to hotter sunny summer days, and in response to insect damage  - the plant's protection against cancerous effects of UV light, and a toxin if eaten in quantity by the insects. (17)  See the Reference list for a longer list of plant sources of hydrolyzable tannins. (18)  


Hydrolyzable tannins may help protect against cancer cells  and other damaged or infected cells by promoting apoptosis (9) - the killing and engulfing of debris or a damaged cell by white blood cells. They have antiviral capability. (31) They also act as antioxidants and help reduce levels of oxidative chemicals. (19) Hydrolyzable tannins also act as COXII inhibitors (20) as do other antioxidants (last post). 


Pomegranate peel is particularly rich and effective in those ways. It is included in the list of iron chelators and anti-parasitic phytonutrients in a later section.


  • Tannins are typically found in tea (tea leaves) 
  • and other tree leaves such as Sassafras leaves made into Gumbo File 
  • or Bay Leaves that are added to a soup broth at the beginning of cooking and removed before serving the food.  


Condensed tannins don't bind with water and are even more prevalent in leaves, making up as much as fifty percent of the tannin content within leaves of most plants. (12)


Leaves are rich in oxalates which are sharp crystals, which feel like sharp crystals when they collect to noticeable levels. Adequate calcium and hydration can help the body remove them. Not over-steeping tea (1 1/2 - 5 minutes) and and preparing it with cooler water than boiling (~180'F) may reduce tannin level in the tea.


Oak leaves are also a source of tannins, and are traditionally used to "tan" hides - with the tannin rich oak leaves. The initial soaking process with the tannin rich leaves prepares a deer skin so the hair can be scraped off the leather hide more easily - it still is a lot of work to tan a hide in the traditional way. 

  • Oak barrels are used in the aging of wine and liquors possibly because of the gradual addition of tannins to the aging alcohol product.


Walnuts also have hydrolyzable tannins and the binding of water and other nutrients is visibly noticeable when walnuts are cooked with sweet potatoes in a casserole - the dish can turn brown in color instead of the pretty orange color of sweet potatoes. It has not turned bad, it has hydrolyzed the tannins. 

  • *However people may think it is bad - sprinkle on a few walnuts just before serving if you want to prevent that effect. or add a layer of walnuts and drizzle Pure Maple Syrup on the surface, and it will bake into a candied pecan effect.
  • Separating during cooking, rather than mixing the walnuts in the chopped sweet potatoes would reduce the hydrolyzable tannin formation. During the mixing of the ingredients the broth forms from the thickening complex of large hydrolyzable tannins and the starches, water, proteins, and other nutrients they cluster with - broth all in one large freeform branching molecule and its soup satellites.

Phytonutrients - protect plants & us from pathogens

Anti-parasitic, and Iron chelators, antioxidants & immunomodulators!

Phytonutrients can help protect membranes in many ways - binding excess free iron is an important feature in inflammatory oxidative stress. The excess iron can occur due to an infection or ongoing inflammation that is due to emotional or physical stressors, EMF, or lack of sleep or an imbalance in the circadian cycle. 


If the excess iron remains chronically it can cause worse inflammation, cell damage, and membrane breakdown. Blood clots and stroke or heart attack risk is also increased. Vitamin C in appropriate amounts for need is very helpful in addition to extra magnesium and B vitamins.


Vitamin C protects membrane tissue and reduces risk of clotting - see notes/links post: Anemia of Inflammation, IL-6, Hepcidin, Iron and Vitamin C. - limiting iron in the diet may be helpful and use of iron chelators is the typical treatment for anemia of chronic infection or inflammation. Very excessive amounts of vitamin C can act as a pro-oxidant too - oxidize things if there isn't enough other chemical like free iron that needs the anti-oxidant power. 


Health needs a balance of just enough - sometimes that is a wide range and sometimes a narrow range for ideal function.


Iron chelators / Anti-parasitics include: Artemisinin, Berberine, Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa), Black Walnut extract, EGCG, Olive Leaf Extract, Oregano Essential Oil, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Turmeric, other phytonutrients, and Lactoferrin (143) is a milk based iron chelator that has not been found to be an allergy risk for people with a milk protein allergy.

Phytonutrients

Excess free iron is part of many chronic conditions.

Iron chelators are also anti-parasitic because parasites, and virus and bacteria, need iron too. Cancer cells also want iron.


Phytonutrients that bind iron, chelate it, also can carry zinc. So the group is frequently also called zinc ionophores. Chemicals that are attracted to iron rich cells and can carry zinc to them. They deposit the zinc in the iron rich cell and the zinc disrupts protein replication in the cell leading to a pathogen or an cancer cell not being able to replicate.


So iron chelating phytonutrients can help many types of microbial infections, and help with cancer and the inflammation of autoimmune disease - or an underlying unidentified infection if that is the main reason for the inflammatory symptoms.

Pomegranate Peel is anti-parasitic, iron chelator, and a hydrolyzable tannin source.

Hydrolyzable tannins were included in the previous section. EGCG, gallic acid, catechins, ellagitannins - there are many within a group. Goji berries and red raspberries are a source of some similar to pomegranate peel. Edible sumac (used in zaatar spice mix) also has some similar phytonutrients.


Tannins are potent anti-microbials and iron-chelators. Plants don't want to be eaten, so they make irritants in their outer layers a a protective layer. Gnaw a little and then it gets to be too much rapidly - activates the TRP channels possibly, or bitter taste receptors, and then is so potent, that we don't need much before wanting to stop eating either, because the phytonutrients are an irritant to us too if we eat much. Tiny amounts though are protective for the plant, or for us. The phytonutrients act as antioxidants within their cells or iron chelators to cope with the plant's oxidative stress chemical build-up - out there all day in the hot sun... that sounds wilting hot. Or maybe against parasites or other microbial invaders.


Adding tannins to their feed helps pasture animals to have fewer negative digestive symptoms, including a reduction in intestinal parasites and pathogenic bacterial load and less bloating: 

 

  • "Incorporations of tannin-containing forage in ruminant diets to control animal pasture bloat, intestinal parasite and pathogenic bacteria load are another 3 important applications of tannins in ruminant animals."  (140)



Pomegranate peel prep & hydrolyzable tannins:

  

A larger quantity of tannins can also be obtained from pomegranate peel. The white inner part of the peel has slightly less than outer peel which makes it less bitter in flavor and less of a diuretic. Tannins have a diuretic effect and a larger serving of pomegranate peel products can have too much of a diuretic effect. I use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer reddish-purplish rind and then I separate the white membrane from the seeds and trim away any bad spots from the white membrane and remove any discolored or spoiled seeds. 


The white membrane of the pomegranate peel can be minced and added raw to a salad or added to a soup. In foods that are acidic the color of the membrane and the dish you are preparing will become more reddish in color or might turn brownish if the tannins are hydrolyzing with other ingredients and the water content. In foods that are alkaline the color will turn brown. This is least noticeable in black bean soup, white beans will have a brown broth and greenish split pea soup looks odd (warning - foods are chemistry and this is kind of fun).


The red part of the peel can be used in tea or to make a liquid concentrate that is used in small amounts but it is too bitter to eat and the diuretic properties can be potent. 


  • When using a diuretic tea or extract, have it early in the day and drink plenty of water throughout the day to help it pass through the renal system before you hope to sleep through a night. 


Why would you bother then? 


Pomegranate peel has a long list of medicinal benefits, potentially including cancer treatment or prevention, and protection against neurocognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's dementia. It is antimicrobial, anti-worm, etc, a long list of potential benefits. 


  • See this webpage for health benefits, preparation and menu ideas: G13: Pomegranate. 
  • A bean soup recipe using dry beans and pomegranate peel, is the last recipe on page, G8: Cookies and Bean Soup.

Quercetin may help with LPS toxicity, so others in the iron chelator group may also

Quercetin, an Nrf2 promoting phytonutrient, has been found helpful against LPS toxicity in an animal based study. (85) 


Spike protein enhances bacterial LPS toxicity, 


"This study shows that it binds and aggregates bacterial lipopolysaccharide, exacerbating (innate, TLR4) inflammatory signaling." @gerdosi, (27)


There are many negatives that LPS endotoxins can cause: 

  • "Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are the major elements of the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria; they are endotoxins, which cause a strong response in normal animal immune systems and have been used in inducing immune stress in animal models [1]. 
  • LPS activates monocytes/macrophages to secrete various inflammatory cytokines [2],
  • stimulates microglia, 
  • and decreases glutamatergic transmission that leads to memory deficits [3]. 
  • LPS also damages the intestinal barrier function [4], 
  • restricts the expression of innate immune receptors in intestinal epithelial cells [5], 
  • and enhances neutrophilic lung inflammation and pulmonary edema [6]." (23)


Potential aids for our body's defense system:

  • Copper loaded chitosan is also discussed as a possible therapeutic rather than using antibiotics (a standard used for bacterial endotoxin LPS problems which is now limited for use in chickens; agriculture industry article). (23) Adequate copper and other trace minerals would likely be helpful.
  • Immunomodulators that promote Nrf2 help reduce risk from LPS - and spike may be suppressing Nrf2 levels. (141) 


Nrf2 is a gene and protein it encodes. Immunomodulators may increase the transciption of the gene or its production of the protein. It helps mitochondria function in part by promoting more production of the antioxidant glutathione. (142) Nrf2 also is involved in immune function, and growth and repair.


Quercetin and many other phytonutrients help promote Nrf2 activity.


  • Nrf2 Promoting Foods/nutrients. (5, 6)


G10. Nrf2 Promoting Foods

Fibrinolytics - clot & congestion busters.

Fibrinolytics are enzymes that can break apart protein tangles.

Lectins can bind with other proteins and make them easier for white blood cells to remove. This can help protect against blood clots, aid in thinning congestion, or bind foreign proteins. Fibrinolytics are enzymes that help bind and break-up proteins.

 

  • Bromelain, also called serratiopeptidase, is an enzyme in raw or fresh frozen pineapple. It can help asthma, and congestion from allergies.
  • Nattokinase is an enzyme from a fermented soy bean dish called Natto, also a good source of vitamin K2.
  • Colchicine - a plant hormone used as a fibrinolytic drug and treatment for gout. It was originally used as an herbal medicinal from the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). (144)

Streptokinase is a fibrinolytic medication that might be prescribed for clotting risks.


Magnesium is also important to reduce risk of stroke or heart attack. Magnesium helps relax muscle cells while calcium activates them. Too little magnesium and too much calcium may increase risks of muscle spasms leading to worsening pain and contractions. Leg cramps can be an early warning indicator of heart attack risk (145) and so can muscle spasms in the heart. (146)

Magnesium is also important for reducing clotting risks.

Magnesium is also important to reduce risk of stroke or heart attack. Magnesium helps relax muscle cells while calcium activates them. Too little magnesium and too much calcium may increase risks of muscle spasms leading to worsening pain and contractions. Leg cramps can be an early warning indicator of heart attack risk (145) and so can muscle spasms in the heart. (146) 

Magnesium

Zinc is also important for normal clotting.

Zinc deficiency leads to bleeding and clotting problems. It has roles in binding with plasma proteins in ways that promotes optimal structure and function for their roles within blood clotting and dissolving pathways: coagulation - clotting; anticoagulation - preventing clotting; fibrinolysis - breaking up clots.


"Prompted by the observation that zinc deficiency is associated with bleeding and clotting abnormalities, there now is evidence that zinc serves as an effector of coagulation, anticoagulation and fibrinolysis. Zinc binds numerous plasma proteins and modulates their structure and function." (147)

Zinc helps our taste & smell, & microbiome.
Thanks for visiting!

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the 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 Risks & Aids - Summary List
  • 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