Tag Archives: COVID-19 variants

Health

Nutritionist shares list of ingredients to build robust immunity, fight Covid-19 | Health

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It is no secret that keeping our immune system strong helps the body fight diseases on an ongoing basis but as we enter into the third year of Covid-19 pandemic, our immune system requires support of many nutrients. There is no single ingredient that will minimise symptoms or our chances of contracting coronavirus hence, consuming a list of ingredients on a daily basis will help in building a strong immune system over time, that can fight the non-stop evolution of Covid-19 variants.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, holistic nutritionist and fitness expert – Veronica Kumra shared, “It has become very evident with the Omicron surge; new variants will continue to evolve with the virus getting weaker and making the symptoms milder. If we compare Omicron to the previous coronavirus variants like Delta and Alpha that had high fatality rate, Omicron variant has fortunately only shown flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, etc. Although the future is optimistic, we must continue to take precaution and work on building a strong immune system.”

Check out this list of ingredients by her, which she asserts should be consumed on a daily basis. This is because she claims it can build a strong immune system over time as it can fight the non-stop evolution of Covid-19 variants.

1. Load up on veggies – “Eat the rainbow”

2. Leafy Greens – Spinach, kale, bok choy (it’s still winter, have sarson ka saag cooked in ghee)

3. Berries – Strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry

4. Fruits – Pomegranate, pineapple, papaya, banana, apple, kiwi, citrus fruits like grapefruit, orange, lemon and avocado

5. Dates

6. Whole Grains – Quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice, amaranth, millet, teff

7. Nuts and seeds – Walnuts/pecans, almonds, cashews, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds

8. Ghee

9. Eggs (veg alternative: tofu)

10. Chicken breast, turkey breast

11. Fish – Salmon, tuna, cod, sardines

12. Greek Yogurt

13. Sweet Potatoes

14. Herbs and spices – Turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic

15. 3-4 litres of water

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Health

Study Finds Hemp Compounds Prevent Coronavirus Infection – NBC New York

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Some of the compounds in cannabis may prevent the entry of the coronavirus into healthy human cells, according to a study published in the Journal of Nature Products. 

The research was conducted at Oregon State University and led by Richard van Breemen, a scientist with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, College of Pharmacy, and Linus Pauling Institute.

The study suggests two compounds found in commonly found in hemp — cannabigerolic and cannabidiolic acid — prevent coronavirus from entering cells that typically line internal organs and skin in a lab setting.

In the study, these acids were able to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein — the same target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy. Once bound, this step could block a critical step in the pathogen process used to infect the cell.

“That means cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells. They bind to the spike proteins so those proteins can’t bind to the ACE2 enzyme, which is abundant on the outer membrane of endothelial cells in the lungs and other organs,” said van Breemen in a statement.

Both cannabis compounds were found equally effective against the SARS-CoV-2 alpha and beta variants.

Van Breemen hopes this trend seen in his findings will apply to other existing and future COVID-19 variants.

Hemp, part of the species Cannabis sativa, is one of the cannabis species grown for industrial and medicinal use, including in dietary supplements, animal feed, and cosmetics.

Van Breemen states these compounds can be taken orally. To him, they have the potential to prevent and treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.

“CBDA and CBGA are produced by the hemp plant as precursors to CBD and CBG, which are familiar to many consumers. However, they are different from the acids and are not contained in hemp products,” van Breeman noted.

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World

Hawaii reports its first omicron case

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Hawaii reported its first case of the omicron variant on Thursday, saying that the person who tested positive was unvaccinated.

The Hawaii Department of Health said a resident from the island of O’ahu had tested positive and was displaying moderate symptoms. The person had already contracted COVID-19 in the past. 

The person did not have a history of travel, according to the state health department. The department further noted that the variant had been picked up through community spread, meaning that other undetected cases are already in Hawaii.

The department said the case had been detected on Monday “with a molecular clue indicating it may be Omicron.” Hawaii confirmed on Thursday that it was the omicron variant after the state’s Laboratories Division performed an expedited genome sequencing on the specimen taken from the infected resident.

“This isn’t reason for panic, but it is reason for concern. It’s a reminder the pandemic is ongoing. We need to protect ourselves by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, distancing as best we can and avoiding large crowds,” Hawaii Health Director Elizabeth Char said in a statement. 

The report from Hawaii comes the same day that New York confirmed it had found five cases of the omicron variant in its state, after another confirmed case was reported in Minnesota earlier that day. 

The United States detected its first case of the variant on Wednesday, in a San Francisco resident who had just returned from South Africa. 

The country had on Monday adopted travel restrictions against eight southern African countries after South Africa first detected the variant. However, health officials acknowledged that omicron would “inevitably” hit the U.S. soon.

“As we all know, when you have a virus that has already gone to multiple countries, inevitably it will be here,” President BidenJoe BidenBiden and Harris host ‘family’ Hanukkah celebration with more than 150 guests Symone Sanders to leave the White House at the end of the year Overnight Defense & National Security — Senate looks to break defense bill stalemate MORE’s chief medical adviser Anthony FauciAnthony FauciFauci says he ‘felt really badly’ about ‘difficult choice’ on travel bans Overnight Health Care — Presented by March of Dimes — Supreme Court weighs abortion restrictions Mask mandates on transit expected to be extended into March: report MORE told ABC’s “This Week,” anchor George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.



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Health

Coronavirus: 53 cases of new R.1 variant detected in California. Here’s what to know about the mutated COVID strain

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SAN FRANCISCO — The R1 variant is the new strain of COVID-19 researchers are keeping a close eye on. The CDC identified “multiple spike protein mutations” in this variant.

“The R.1 variant does carry some mutations that allow it to be less susceptible to the vaccine,” said Dr. Joe DeRisi, professor of biochemistry and biophysics at UCSF and co-president of Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.

Derisi’s team at Biohub is actively sequencing COVID variants.

“The Delta variant has quite a few more additional mutations in the spike protein that allows it to spread faster,” DeRisi said when asked how the Delta variant compares with the R.1 variant.

The R.1 variant has mutations that were found in the Gamma and Beta variants.

“While it does have some of those worrisome mutations it doesn’t have any more mutations than what we’ve seen before,” said DeRisi.

According to the CDC, the first cases of the R.1 variant in the U.S were detected at a nursing facility in Kentucky where both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents were infected. Meaning this variant has the capability to evade the antibodies produced by the vaccine.

“The virus is evolving to infect better human cells and to transmit better in the human population,” said Lorena Zuliani-Alvarez, PhD principal investigator for UCSF’s QBI.

So far 2,282 cases of the R.1 variant have been detected in the U.S since March.

The latest data aggregated by scientists worldwide on the outbreak.info data base, points to 53 cases in California.

Zuliani-Alvarez says they are waiting on more data to understand the power of the R.1 variant.

“What we have to monitor and check is how well these adaptations are happening,” said Zuliani-Alvarez

As it stands now, the Delta variant is the main variant of concern.

It has mutated more than 20 times and continues to be the dominant variant across the U.S.

The R.1 variant proves that mutations will continue to take place. The most effective way to stop these mutations from happening is to get vaccinated.

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Health

Case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant confirmed in Wisconsin

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Case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant confirmed in Wisconsin

Second South African variant case also discovered

A case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Wisconsin, along with a second confirmed case of the South African variant. Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinAccording to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Brazilian variant, or Variant P.1 was first discovered in four travelers from Brazil who were tested at an airport near Tokyo, Japan in early January 2021.Researchers have found this strain spreads more rapidly and easily than the original COVID-19 virus. The P.1 variant also has unique genetic mutations that may affect the body’s ability to recognize and fight off the virus. Typically, antibodies developed through previous COVID-19 infection or through vaccination can fight off the coronavirus. However, if the virus has mutated, antibodies may not recognize it and leave you exposed to COVID-19 infection by this strain.The South African variant, or Variant B.1.351, was first discovered in South Africa in samples dating back to October 2020.Researchers have found that this strain also spreads more rapidly and easily than the original coronavirus. It is not yet known if this variant has any impact on disease severity. There is some evidence that this variant may affect how vaccine-induced antibodies respond to this virus.As of Friday, there were also 78 UK variant cases in the state.Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

MADISON, Wis. —

A case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Wisconsin, along with a second confirmed case of the South African variant.

Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in Wisconsin

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Brazilian variant, or Variant P.1 was first discovered in four travelers from Brazil who were tested at an airport near Tokyo, Japan in early January 2021.

Researchers have found this strain spreads more rapidly and easily than the original COVID-19 virus. The P.1 variant also has unique genetic mutations that may affect the body’s ability to recognize and fight off the virus.

Typically, antibodies developed through previous COVID-19 infection or through vaccination can fight off the coronavirus. However, if the virus has mutated, antibodies may not recognize it and leave you exposed to COVID-19 infection by this strain.

The South African variant, or Variant B.1.351, was first discovered in South Africa in samples dating back to October 2020.

Researchers have found that this strain also spreads more rapidly and easily than the original coronavirus. It is not yet known if this variant has any impact on disease severity. There is some evidence that this variant may affect how vaccine-induced antibodies respond to this virus.

As of Friday, there were also 78 UK variant cases in the state.

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Get breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.
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