<p>This episode features Dr. Rhonda Patrick answering some of the most popular questions related to COVID-19. Look for another COVID-19-focused Q&A, coming soon. </p> <p><strong>In this episode, you'll discover:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>(00:00)</strong> Introduction</li> <li><strong>(02:37)</strong> Are children and infants susceptible to COVID-19? Are some more susceptible to a more severe form of the disease? Are they carriers of it and possibly spreading transmission?</li> <li><strong>(11:00)</strong> Can you explain a little about hydroxychloroquine as possibly treating COVID-19? How does it work? Does it have to do with it being a zinc ionophore?</li> <li><strong>(17:58)</strong> Can you talk about quercetin's role as a zinc ionophore?</li> <li><strong>(20:51)</strong> Is there any indication blood type influences COVID-19 risk?</li> <li><strong>(24:52)</strong> Would you shed light on the conversation regarding vitamin D upregulating ACE2 receptors and vitamin D's influence on susceptibility to COVID19 infection?</li> <li><strong>(43:45)</strong> Can you discuss whether sauna use might help prevent COVID19?</li> <li><strong>(52:55)</strong> Is it true that high dose intravenous vitamin C might help treat COVID-19?</li> <li><strong>(01:04:35)</strong> What are your thoughts on melatonin being a potential factor for impacting the severity of the virus via its effects on inflammation and oxidative stress?</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're interested in learning more, you can read the <a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/covid-19-episode-1">full show notes here</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Join over 300,000 people and get the latest information straight to your inbox weekly:</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/newsletter">https://www.foundmyfitness.com/newsletter</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Become a FoundMyFitness premium member to get access to exclusive episodes, emails, live Q+A's with Rhonda and more:</span> <a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/crowdsponsor"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.foundmyfitness.com/crowdsponsor</span></a></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Seek Professional Medical Advice
Do not use the information provided in this podcast to diagnose or treat any medical condition, as it does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a medical doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Prioritize Sleep for Immune Health
Prioritize getting adequate sleep, as it is crucial for regulating the immune system, and lack of sleep can significantly dampen immunity.
3. COVID-19 Breastfeeding Protocol
If a mother has COVID-19, the CDC recommends continuing to breastfeed, but she should wash her hands before touching the infant and wear a face mask, if possible, while feeding at the breast.
4. Avoid Self-Medicating Hydroxychloroquine
Do not take hydroxychloroquine at home without a physician’s guidance due to potential safety concerns like cardiac toxicity and fatal arrhythmias.
5. Sauna Not for COVID-19 Treatment
There is no data to suggest that sauna use or other heat stress modalities have any effect on preventing or treating COVID-19 illness.
6. IV Vitamin C Not for COVID-19
There is no published data on the effect of intravenous vitamin C on COVID-19, so it should not be relied upon as a treatment.
7. Melatonin Not for COVID-19 Treatment
There is no data to suggest that melatonin may prevent or lessen the severity of COVID-19 illness, so it should not be relied upon for this purpose.
8. Test Vitamin D Levels
The best way to determine appropriate vitamin D supplementation is through a baseline blood test, followed by another test a month after starting supplementation.
9. Vitamin D Upper Intake Limit
Be cautious not to take too much vitamin D; the tolerable upper intake for adults is conservatively set at 4,000 IUs per day.
10. Screen for G6PD Before IV Vitamin C
Patients should be pre-screened for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency before receiving high doses of intravenous vitamin C, as it could lead to hemolysis.
11. Hot Baths for Heat Shock Proteins
Consider taking hot baths (e.g., 140°F from waist down for one hour) as they have been shown to increase heat shock proteins, which play roles in cellular protection and immune response.
12. Avoid Blue Light for Melatonin
To support natural melatonin production, which starts in the evening, avoid blue light exposure as it inhibits melatonin synthesis.
13. Consider Quercetin as Zinc Ionophore
Quercetin, a flavonoid, has shown zinc ionophore activity in vitro, helping zinc enter cells to inhibit viral replication, and has been reported to block SARS-CoV-1 entry.