It is a known fact that viruses mutate rapidly, and these mutations cause the production or release of new variants of that virus. And, the novel coronavirus is no exception to this.
At least three variant strains of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have been studied.
What’s more? There is a need for people to be concerned about these new strains. There is evidence that these strains may be more infectious than the original strain, resulting in massive spikes in new cases.
CDC has made some discoveries about the strains
An increase in COVID-19 cases would greatly overwhelm global healthcare systems, resulting in many “preventable” deaths.
Although a lot ofstudies are still being done on the variants — their ease of spread, whether or not they cause severe illness, and if the current vaccines will be able to protect against these variants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made the following discoveries about the new strains of the virus:
· There’s a large number of mutations in the B.1.1.7 variant of the virus. This variant was discovered in the UK and has spread across the globe, affecting industrialized nations like Canada and the United States. Agreed, the B.1.1.7 variant spreads very fast, but it is unknown whether it increases the risk of death or causes severe illnesses.
· The 1.351 strain was discovered in South Africa. This strain is independent of the UK variant, but both share a couple of mutations. Several cases have occurred outside South Africa. However, the 1.351 strain is yet to manifest in the United States.
· The P.1 strain originated in Brazil. It was discovered in four Brazilian travelers who underwent screening at Haneda Airport on the outskirts of Tokyo. The P.1 variant has not been detected in the US. P.1 contains a couple of mutations that may influence its ability to be identified by antibodies.
How can you protect yourself against these new variants?
The best way to defend yourself against the coronavirus's old and new strains is by minimizing your chances of exposure to the virus by naturally strengthening your immune system.
Medical researchers believe that the new strains of the virus have spike proteins that are longer and more open than the original strains. This allows efficient penetration of human cells, thus increasing their level of infectiousness. This means that transmission of infection will not require many virus particles — just a small number can do.
This explains why people should be more vigilant.
Here are a couple of ways to naturally protect yourself and your loved ones from the new strains of SARS-CoV-2.
1.Vitamin D
Research keeps coming out about the effectiveness of having optimal levels of vitamin D and defending against COVID-19. Having adequate levels of vitamin D can reduce hospitalizations and fatalities among COVID-19 patients.
A recent study published out of India showed that vitamin D supplementation of 50,000 IU reduced the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. Always consult your primary care physician before supplementing a large dose of vitamin D.
2. Omega-3's
Another new study showed that 21% of critically ill COVID-19 patients given 600 mg of fish oil daily for two weeks had a 1-month survival rate compared to only 3% of the patients given a placebo.
Omega-3 food sources include grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish. If you do not have access to these food types, then I highly recommend you start supplementing omega-3 that is molecular distilled, and 3rd party-lab tested such as this one.
3. Exercise
It is a fact that exercising boosts our immunity and makes us fit. A new study of nearly 50,000 people shows that being physically inactive doubles the risk of coronavirus death. It is therefore important that you engage in moderate exercise. This will boost your immune function and minimize your risk of respiratory infections. Intensive or vigorous exercise is good, but you should avoid it if you’re not feeling too well.
References
Sallis R, Young DR, Tartof SY, et al. Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients.British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 13 April 2021. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021–104080
Oristrell et al., Preprints, doi:10.20944/preprints 202104.0173.v1 (Preprint) Association of Calcitriol Supplementation with Reduced COVID-19 Mortality in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Population-based Study
Disclaimer
Dr. Brett Berner received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2015. Dr. Berner is a licensed and practicing Foundational Chiropractor in Lutz, Florida. This article is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berner and you. It would be best if you did not change your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Foundation Chiropractic and Brett Berner, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this article or others.
