From the Desk of Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC.....

COVID-19 can sometimes overwhelm young and old immune systems and in some cases can result in ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome’ pneumonia and death (CDC (2020). The risk is greater for older people who may simultaneously be dealing with cancers, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema or other health issues.  As we age the immune system deteriorates  (immunosenescence) which reduces the response of the adaptive immune system that needs to respond to the virus infection (Aw, Silva & Palmer, 2007; Osttan, Monti, Gueresi, et al., 2016).

Severity of disease may depend upon initial dose of the virus

In a brilliant article, How does the coronavirus behave inside a patient? We’ve counted the viral spread across peoples; now we need to count it within people, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and cancer physician Siddhartha Mukherjee points out that severity of the disease may be related to the initial dose of the virus.  Namely, if you receive a very small dose (not too many virus particles), they will infect you; however, the body can activate its immune response to cope with the infection.  The low dose exposure act similar to vaccination.  If on the other hand you are exposed to a very high dose then your body is overwhelmed with the infection and is unable to respond effectively.  Think of a forest fire. A small fire can easily be suppressed since there is enough time to upgrade the fire-fighting resources; however, during a fire-storm with multiple fires occurring at the same time, the fire-fighting resources are overwhelmed and there is not enough time to recruit outside fire-fighting resources.

Read More

For those going through recovery, overall health and well-being are crucial. Balance is the key to successful recovery. There are many factors that can affect sobriety. The acronym HALT, for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired, is a well-known tool for understanding what outside forces and internal feelings increase vulnerability during recovery. Part of balance involves not only avoiding using but also ensuring that your body and mind are well.

Read More

Eating balanced, nutritious meals and exercising is often associated with your physical health but eating properly and maintaining your fitness can also help keep your mind healthy. What you’re consuming can affect the structure and function of your brain, as well as your mood. Because food fuels your mind, you need to be mindful of what you’re consuming.

Similar to a new car, your brain functions best when it is given high quality fuel — in other words, food. When you choose to consume foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, your brain can perform at an optimal level. When you eat a balanced and nutritious diet, you’re giving your brain premium fuel to protect it from oxidative stress (waste), which can damage cells.

Processed and refined foods can be considered “low-premium” fuel that may damage your brain because the brain has little ability to eliminate them. People who eat a lot of sugar are harming their brain because the excessive sugar can negatively impact the body's regulation of insulin. Refined sugars can also cause inflammation and oxidation stress.

When your brain is deprived of quality nutrition, free radicals, or waste, circulate within the brain potentially causing additional brain tissue injuries.

Read More