Here are the slides for my presentation on Integral European Online Conference 2020. This is a fully integral & comprehensive approach to optimizing your immune system and also a closer look at the pandemic from a systems analysis perspective as well as from 1st person perspective.
An integral and comprehensive approach on biohacking immunity // Integral European Conference 2020
1. AN INTEGRAL & COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
ON BIOHACKING IMMUNITY
28th of May 2020 // Integral European Conference // IEC Online 2020 // Dr. Olli Sovijärvi, M.D.
2. Dr. Olli Sovijärvi
Licentiate of Medicine, University of Helsinki [2000–2006]
Integral Theory Online Certificate @ JFK [2010-11]
Private practitioner @ Helsinki Antioxidant Clinic [2012-18]
CEO of Biohacker Center [2015- ]
Head author of Biohacker’s Handbook [2019]
Future book projects:
Biohacker’s Brain Nutrition Book [estimated 2020]
Resilient Human Being [estimated 2021]
Ken Wilber meet-up in Denver 2011.
6. BIOHACKER’S FLU GUIDE
https://biohack.to/fludownload
• Transmission of viral and bacterial diseases
• Immune system and its function
• Behavioral strategies for strengthening the
immune system
• Nutrients, foods, supplements, and herbs
relevant to the immune system
• Foods and substances that can weaken the
immune response
• Common supplements and drugs that show no
promise in infection prevention
• Technological and practical interventions to
prevent infections
• Air purification
• Disinfection
• Detecting an infection with laboratory testing
and self-quantification
• Air travel and suggestions for a travel kit
• Food recipes for supporting the immune system
7.
8. (1925–2008) an American molecular biologist
known for his work in microbial genetics, artificial
intelligence, and the United States space program
13. 389 000 DIES
15.2M CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
3.0M COPD
3.0M PULMONARY DISEASES
1.6M DIABETES
1.5M ALZHEIMER’S
1.4M GASTROENTERITIS
1.4M CAR ACCIDENT
Lähde:
Paget, J. et al. (2019). Global mortality associated with seasonal
influenza epidemics: New burden estimates and predictors from
the GLaMOR Project. Journal of Global Health, 9(2).
– WHO (2018)
TO SEASONAL INZLUENZA YEARLY
14.
15.
16. Source: Karesh, W. et al. (2012). Ecology of zoonoses: natural and unnatural histories. Lancet Ecology of
zoonoses: natural and unnatural histories. The Lancet 380 (9857): 1936–1945. Review.
TRANSMISSION OF A DISEASE FROM ANIMAL TO HUMAN (ZOONOSIS)
17. THE WORLD HAS BECOME
A MASSIVE PETRI DISH
FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
20. WHAT COVID-19 HAS INITIATED GLOBALLY?
Individual fear-mongering
Negative self-talk
Chronic emotional distress
PTSD (in worst-case), psychosis, anxiety,
depression
Interest in immune system & overall
health
Awakening of a new level of
consciousness
Collective MASSIVE fear
Peer pressure from the government,
WHO, work places, families
More family distress, arguing etc.
due to ”lock-down”
Violence & suicide rates?
Couples finding each-other again
More time for family & kids etc.
Physical chronic stress symptoms, sleep
disturbance, nervous system problems
etc.
Disease itself (COVID-19), but also
normal flu’s interpreted as being
COVID-19
Downregulation of the immune system
More exercise, better nutrition, self-care
Reduction in air pollution
Purification of global air quality
Wild animal life flourishing
Ozone layer repairing
Technological innovations
More aggressive build-up of 5G
(?)
Fall of millions of businesses
21.
22. BIOHACKER'S APPROACH TO COVID-19
1. PRECAUTION
Prepare internal
environment (body &
immune system)
2. PREVENTION
Prepare external
environment
(surroundings, air,
water, supplies)
3. AVOIDANCE
Active avoidance,
social distancing,
reducing exposure
4. MITIGATION
Slow down replication,
support immune
system, avoid infecting
others
TEST FOR ANTIBODIES
LEARN MECHANISMS OF ACTION, THEN:
5. SUPPORT
28. • Chronic sleep deprivation
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet
• Chronic stress
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• City life
• Emotional turmoil
• Negative thinking patterns
Impairing factors Fortifying factors
• A regular night's sleep
• Regular exercise
• Optimal dietary intake of nutrients
• Rest, meditation and relaxation
• Reduction of alcohol and tobacco use
• Nature connection
• Positive mindset & outlook on life
IMMUNITY-BALANING FACTORS
Source: Biohacker’s Invincible Immunity (2017)
29. QUIT SMOKING.
2019-nCov and SARS-nCov share the same receptor, ACE2. There is a
significantly higher ACE2 gene expression in people who smoke cigarettes
than in those who do not smoke. This indicates that smokers may be more
susceptible to 2019-nCov.
China is the “leading” country in the world: total prevalence was 27.7 %
(51.2 % among men and 2.7 % among women).
Cai, G. (2020). Tobacco-Use Disparity in Gene Expression of ACE2, the Receptor of 2019-nCov. Preprints 2020: 2020020051.
31. STOP OR LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION.
Excessive consumption of
alcohol impairs the immune
system and increases the
vulnerability to lung
infections.
Zhang. P. & Bagby, G. & Happel, K. & Raasch, C. & Nelson, S. (2008). Alcohol abuse, immunosuppression, and pulmonary infection. Current Drug Abuse Reviews 1 (1): 56–67. Review.
32. Environmental pollution in the form of
cadmium (Cd) has been shown to disrupt
mitochondrial function and potentiate
pulmonary inflammation in animal studies.
Cadmium elevates inflammatory IL-4 levels
and alters metabolites associated with fatty
acid metabolism, leading to increased
pulmonary inflammation during a viral
infection.
AVOID AIR POLLUTION
Hu, X. et al. (2019). Environmental Cadmium Enhances Lung Injury by Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. The American Journal of Pathology 189( 8): 1513–1525.
33. HORMESIS
ROS
Oxidative damage
Antioxidants
Oxidative damage
Oxidative damage repair
Resistance to Ox stress
Regular exercise
Strenuous exercise
overtraining syndrome
Too high
Ox Stress
Too low
Ox stress
BeneficialeffectNull-negativeeffect
Benefit
lack
Magnitude of Stress/Exercise
ROS
Oxidative damage
Antioxidants
Oxidative damage
Oxidative damage repair
Resistance to Ox stress
FOR EXAMPLE EXERCISE, PHYTOCHEMICALS, SAUNA, ICE SWIMMING, SUNLIGHT
INCREASE HORMETIC (BENEFICIAL) STRESSORS
35. GET ENOUGH SUN
VITAMIN D: POWER SOURCE FOR KILLER T CELLS
Source: Biohacker’s Handbook: Invincible immunity (2017) & Bergman, P. et al. (2013)
Several meta-analyzes support the use
of vitamin D in the prevention of
respiratory diseases.
40. GET ENOUGH SLEEP & RECOVERY
Besedovsky, L., Lange, T., & Haack, M. (2019). The Sleep-Immune Crosstalk in Health and Disease. Physiological reviews, 99(3), 1325–1380. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00010.2018
41. DOYOU USE
THE SLEEP HORMONE
MELATONIN?
Supplementing with melatonin may be useful in
the early stages of infection to facilitate proper
immune system response by increasing T-helper
cell production, particularly of CD4+ cells.
Production of IL-2, IL-6, and IL-12 are also
stimulated by melatonin.
Srinivasan, V. et al. (2005). Melatonin, immune function and aging.
Immunity & Ageing 2: 17.
42. 24:00
YÖ
12:00
PÄIVÄ
06:00
AAMU
18:00
ILTA
02:00
04:30
06:45
07:30
08:30
10:00
14:30
15:30
17:00
18:30
19:00
21:00
22:30
Syvin uni
Matalin
ruumiinlämpötila
Nopein nousu
verenpaineessa
Suolen toiminta
aktivoituu
Melatoniinin eritys
loppuu
Korkea vireystila
Paras koordinaatio
Nopein reaktiokyky
Tehokkain verenkierto
ja lihasvoima
tehokkaimmillaan
Korkein verenpaine
Korkein
ruumiinlämpötila
Melatoniinin
eritys alkaa
Suolen toiminta
vaimenee
NIGHT
DAY
MORNINGEVENING
Deepest sleep
Lowest body temperature
Sharpest rise in blood pressure
Melatonin secretion stops
Bowel movement likely
Highest testosterone secretion
High alertness
Best coordination
Fastest reaction time
Greatest cardiovascular
efficiency and muscle strength
Highest blood pressure
Highest body temperature
Melatonin secretion starts
Bowel movements suppressed
Fix your natural
circadian
rhythm
Haspel JA, Anafi R, Brown MK, et al. Perfect timing: circadian rhythms, sleep, and immunity - an NIH workshop summary. JCI Insight. 2020;5(1):e131487.
43. CIRCADIAN REGULATION IN MAMMALS
Haspel JA, Anafi R, Brown MK, et al. Perfect timing: circadian rhythms, sleep, and immunity - an NIH workshop summary. JCI Insight. 2020;5(1):e131487.
44. Source: Froy, O. (2007). The relationship between nutrition and circadian rhythms in mammals. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 28 (2–3): 61–71. Review.
45. Multilayered circadian control of
leukocyte trafficking.
Schematic depiction of the circadian
regulation of specific leukocyte trafficking
steps (55–57, 68). These include the egress
of leukocytes from the bone marrow;
adhesion of circulating leukocytes to
endothelial cells in the capillary beds of
end organs; and removal of leukocytes
from the parenchyma of organs by
phagocytosis or by migration to area
lymph nodes.
Haspel JA, Anafi R, Brown MK, et al. Perfect timing: circadian rhythms, sleep, and immunity - an NIH workshop summary. JCI Insight. 2020;5(1):e131487.
46. FIX YOUR GUT LINING
How to fix:
L-glutamine
Rao, R., & Samak, G. (2012). Role of Glutamine in Protection of Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junctions. Journal of Epithelial Biology & Pharmacology 5 (Suppl 1-M7): 47–54.
47. Roxas, M. & Jurenka, J. (2007). Colds and influenza: a review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, and nutritional considerations. Alternative Medicine Reviews 12 (1): 25–48.
Berlutti, F. et al. (2011). Antiviral properties of lactoferrin--a natural immunity molecule. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 16 (8): 6992–7018.
LACTOFERRIN
48. Wu, H.-J. & Wu, E. (2012). The role of gut microbiota in immune homeostasis and autoimmunity. Gut Microbes 3 (1): 4–14.
UPREGULATE YOUR MICROBIAL DIVERSITY IN THE GUT
49. PROBIOTICS
◦ Especially older adults can benefit from a long-term use of an oral
blend of probiotics including Lactobacillus plantarum,
Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis which enhance
secretory immunity and increase IgA antibodies.
◦ In another study, a probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis, was shown to
stimulate IgA in the elderly to reduce the frequency of respiratory
infections by 45 %. Lactobacillus plantarum has been shown to
enhance human mucosal and systemic immunity and also prevent
NSAID-induced (such as ibuprofen) reduction in T regulatory cells.
Pregliasco, F. et al. (2008). A new chance of preventing winter diseases by the administration of synbiotic formulations. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 42 (Suppl 3 Pt 2): S224–S33.
Lefevre, M. et al. (2015). Probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis CU1 stimulates immune system of elderly during common infectious disease period: a
randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Immunity and Ageing 12 (1): 24.
de Vos, P. et al. (2017). Lactobacillus plantarum Strains Can Enhance Human Mucosal and Systemic Immunity and Prevent Non-steroidal
Anti-inflammatory Drug Induced Reduction in T Regulatory Cells. Frontiers in immunology 8: 1000.
51. • Upregulates glutathione
production
• Upregulates autophagy
• Increases ketone production
INTERMITTENT FASTING &
Time-restricted feeding
Anton, S. et al. (2018). Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding
and Applying the Health Benefits of Fasting. Obesity (Silver Spring,
Md.) 26 (2): 254–268.
58. NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2)
is a transcription factor that activates over 500
genes via molecules called sirtuins. NRF2
activation can be achieved through exercise,
calorie restriction (including fasting) and ingestion
of natural nutrients that are NRF2 activators.
63. Song C, Ikei H, Miyazaki Y. Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan. Tchounwou PB, ed. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016;13(8):781.
64. 10 mins in the forest:
blood pressure drops
pulse rate drops
20 mins in the forest:
mood begins to rise
60 mins in the forest:
better attention & cognition
120 mins in the forest:
immune system begins to recuperate
68. WHEN TRAVELING (is again possible…)
AVOID STRESS
AND QUEUES
•Avoid Friday afternoons
•Get Frequent Flyer status
•Avoid Check-in bags
•Pack just what you need
•Choose airport / airline
70. Dehydration accelerates:
Humidity in airplanes is
around 10-20% (standard
30-50%).
Moisture in the nasal hair
helps filter out pathogens.
DRINK 250ml H2O PER HOUR
HumidiFlyer
72. AVOID AISLE SEATS
• The biggest amount of possible
microbes lie in the aisle seats
onto which other passengers
touch.
• You will also be most exposed to
other passengers and aircraft
personnel.
73. AVOID GOING TO THE TOILET
• Go to the toilet before the flight
• 38 % passengers use toilet once, 9 % twice & 3 % more often
• If you have to use toilet, avoid touching any surfaces and wash your hands
Hertzberg, V. S. & al. (2018). Behaviors, movements, and transmission of droplet-mediated respiratory diseases
during transcontinental airline flights. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(14), 3623–3627.
75. DIRECT AIR CONDITIONING
TOWARDS YOURSELF
• Airplane air is filtered via HEPA multiple times per minute
• It creates an air bubble that protects from possible pathogens
76. IN REALITY: MASK IS FUTILE…
• If your are not sitting in front of
or next to a sick person
• Give the mask rather to the sick
person
• Many viruses go through N95
mask
79. • Essential to the functioning of
immune system cells
• Reduces oxidative stress and
inflammatory markers
Source:
Prasad, A. S. (2008). Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells. Molecular Medicine, 14(5-6), 353–357.
Science, M. et al. (2012). Zinc for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
randomized controlled trials. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 184(10), E551–E561.
Before going
in public:
Zinc acetate
lozenge or spray
84. SELENIUM – PROTECT FROM OXIDATIVE STRESS
2–4 Brazil nuts contain
selenium for daily need
Source: Guillin, O. M. et al. (2019). Selenium, Selenoproteins and Viral Infection. Nutrients, 11(9), 2101.
Virus infection increases oxidative stress (ROS) &
increases the severity of the disease.
85. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antimicrobial agent that kills viruses directly and
strengthens immunity in multiple studies.
Iciek, M. & Kwiecień, I. & Włodek, L. (2009). Biological properties of garlic and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 50 (3): 247–265.
Guo, N. et al. (1993). Demonstration of the anti-viral activity of garlic extract against human cytomegalovirus in vitro. Chinese Medicine Journal (Engl) 106 (2): 93–96.
Harris, J. & Cottrell, S. & Plummer, S. & Lloyd, D. (2001). Antimicrobial properties of Allium sativum (garlic). Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 57 (3): 282–286.
GARLIC & BLACK GARLIC.
86. MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
• Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
• Agaricus blazei
• Matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake)
• Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Numerous important drugs such as
penicillin, griseofulvin, erythromycin
and cyclosporin have been isolated
from medicinal fungi.
The medicinal properties of fungi are
often polysaccharides or triterpenes.
88. OREGANO OIL.
Rodriguez-Garcia, I. et al. (2016). Oregano Essential Oil as an Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Additive in Food Products. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 56 (10): 1717–1727.
Oregano and especially oregano essential oil is an effective antifungal and antibacterial substance.
89. RAW HONEY.
Source: Maddocks, S. & Jenkins, R. (2013). Honey: a sweet solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance? Future Microbiology 8 (11): 1419–1429. Review.
Honey has antimicrobial peptides (including bee
defensin-1, defensin-2, hemenopectin and
apidaecin) and medicinal properties (such as
flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals) that
strengthen the immune system.
90. Isoliquiritigenin (ILG) present in licorice has been recognized as a potent inhibitor of influenza virus replication in
human bronchial epithelial cells and an inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines. Administration of ILG reduces the
morbidity of mice infected with the H1N1 virus. Glycyrrhizin, an active compound of licorice root, has also been used
to inhibit the replication of SARS-associated coronavirus.
LICORICE ROOT.
Cinatl, J. et al. (2003). Glycyrrhizin, an active component of liquorice roots, and replication of SARS-associated coronavirus. The Lancet 361 (9374): 2045–2046.
Traboulsi, H. et al. (2015). The Flavonoid Isoliquiritigenin Reduces Lung Inflammation and Mouse Morbidity during Influenza Virus Infection. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 59 (10): 6317–6327.
91. Kang, S. & Min, H. (2012). Ginseng, the 'Immunity Boost': The Effects of Panax ginseng on Immune System. Journal of Ginseng Research 36 (4): 354–368.
American as well as Asian ginseng, regulate immune cells such as macrophages, T-cells and
natural killer cells. It also has antimicrobial properties.
GINSENG-ROOT.
92. ELDERBERRY AND OTHER DARK BERRIES.
Taking 15 ml of elderberry extract 4 times per day 48 hours
after the onset of influenza virus A and B, can relieve the
symptoms on average 4 days earlier than without taking it.
Zakay-Rones, Z. & Thom, E. & Wollan, T. & Wadstein, J. (2004). Randomized Study of the Efficacy
and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections. Journal of
International Medical Research 32 (2): 132–140.
93. Eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, pimento, thyme and rosemary oils have been shown to have antibacterial
and antiviral properties on airborne pathogens.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Swamy, M. & Akhtar, M. & Sinniah, U. (2016). Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils against Human Pathogens and Their Mode of Action: An
Updated Review. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016: 3012462.
94. NITRIC OXIDE (NO) PRODUCTION
Supplementation with NO boosters (for example L-arginine and L-citrulline as well as foods rich in nitrates
such as beets and leafy greens) may inhibit viral replication cycles for example in SARS coronavirus.
Åkerström, S. et al. (2005). Nitric oxide inhibits the replication cycle of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Journal of Virology 79 (3): 1966-1969.
95.
96. WHAT DOES NOT WORK BASED ON STUDIES
Multi-Vitamins
Echinacea
Cough medications
Antihistamines
Analgesics such as paracetamol
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Acetaminophen or paracetamol has actually been
shown to increase the duration of colds as it
reduces the natural antibody response.
Prymula, R. et al. (2009). Effect of prophylactic paracetamol administration at time of vaccination on febrile reactions and antibody
responses in children: two open-label, randomised controlled trials. The Lancet 374 (9698): 1339–1350.
In the cases of pneumonia, NSAIDs are actually
harmful to the patient and impair neutrophil
intrinsic functions, their recruitment to the
inflammatory site, and the resolution of
inflammatory processes after acute pulmonary
bacterial challenge. This means slower recovery
from the disease itself.
Voiriot, G. et al. (2019). Risks Related to the Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adult and Pediatric Patients. Journal of Clinical Medicine 8 (6): 786.
97. TEST FOR ANTIBODIES > IF POSITIVE > GET TO WORK HELPING OTHERS
MEASURE THE CONDITION OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
5. SUPPORT