2 minute read
Herb Doc
from July 2020 Prime Time
by Dave Rivord
Shellie Rosen, DOM Herb Doc Shellie Rosen is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She can be reached via her website at Bodyvolve.com
The best defense against a virus or bacteria is robust immunity. The immune system isn’t a static part of biology but an ever-changing part of human health, dependent on consistent behaviors. Some basics are fundamental for an optimal environment to defend the body from external threats every day: Get enough sleep, maintain low stress, hydrate, don’t overeat (especially carbohydrates), and walk outside with skin exposed to the sun.
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Direct daily exposure to the sun provides optimal circumstances for the body to create Vitamin D (amongst other things that assist health). A Northwestern University team led by Vadim
Sun Exposure For Robust Immunity
Backman published research illustrating “data from hospitals and clinics across China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States.” Researchers found “a strong correlation between severe vitamin D deficiency and mortality rates” for patients diagnosed with coronavirus (or COVID-19).
Vitamin D performs a role in supporting the body’s innate immune response to a potential threat. Patients suffering from severe cases of COVID-19 often experience what is called a cytokine storm. A cytokine storm occurs when the immune system cascades out of control, no longer targeting just the external pathogen but also healthy body systems. Vitamin D may assist in harnessing immunity and preventing a reckless cytokine response to an external threat. Higher levels of vitamin D correlate with lower risks of many illnesses. However, the research is not straightforward in associating how vitamin D levels develop best in the body.
Cholecalciferol sulfate is the form of vitamin D naturally made in the skin after sun exposure. Cholecalciferol is the supplement form of vitamin D. Sunshine offers a bio-available form of vitamin D along with many other healthy chemicals, like endorphins and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide assists in blood pressure regulation and prevents blood clots. It also helps to block viral replication and is being considered as blood and respiratory defense against Covid-19.
Stress affects the immune system, as well. Sun exposure increases both serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF improves memory and is necessary for preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Serotonin not only relieves depression but also protects against cancer while offering a full night of rest.
Remaining indoors away from sun exposure to protect immunity can be dangerous. A sedentary, sunless lifestyle contributes to co-morbidities leading to disease. Every errand offers a few minutes of sunshine, giving a minimal but sufficient amount of chemicals to support health. If concerned about skin cancer, limit time in the sun each day and consider other factors, such as the role vegetable oils and polyunsaturated fats may play as dermal lipids that may be negatively affected by sun exposure.
If you must take a supplement rather than direct sunlight as a resource for Vitamin D, take D3, not synthetic D2 ergocalciferol. Remember that nitric oxide, serotonin, and BDNF acquired from sun exposure will not be included in a supplement.
Abundant Courageous Blessings, Dear Friends! Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, DOM, L.Ac.
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