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Tag Archive for: immune system

Posts

Human_Optimization_Podcast

LISTEN NOW: Why You Are Still Sick

December 4, 2023/in Long Covid, Wellness/by Kaplan Center

Dr. Kaplan was a recent guest on the Human Optimization Podcast with host Lisa Pitel Killah, BCHHP, FDN-P, hTMAP.

In this podcast, Dr. Kaplan and Lisa discuss

  • How inflammation influences chronic pain and depression/anxiety symptoms
  • What are “microglia”, how they influence inflammation, and what sets them off
  • How stress and adverse events in childhood can impact your immune system
  • What it means to have a brain on fire
  • The importance of finding the root cause(s) of your symptoms to get to the bottom of why you are still sick
  • Supplements and medications that are effective in treating long COVID and other chronic illnesses
  • The importance of a healthy gut and good sleep hygiene, and so much more!

Listen now: Episode #77: Why You Are Still Sick

 

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

vitamin_d_benefits

Health Benefits of Vitamin D

August 6, 2023/in Bone Health, Nutrition, Wellness/by Gary Kaplan, DO

Though there is an abundance of research on the health benefits of Vitamin D, some estimate that up to 50% of certain populations in the US may have lower than advisable levels in the body. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the definition of what constitutes a deficiency, making analysis of the scale of the problem more difficult.

Mechanisms of Vitamin D

Vitamin D receptors are present in nearly every tissue and cell in the body, making it essential in maintaining many of the body’s physiological functions. At a minimum, it maintains bone health by helping the body to absorb calcium, keeping bones healthy and strong. A deficiency over a prolonged period of time can lead to a loss in bone density and a higher likelihood of fractures and falls as a person ages.

We also know that adequate Vitamin D levels can lower the risk of developing heart disease. Research shows an inverse relationship between Vitamin D and C Reactive Protein (CRP), which is a marker associated with heart disease (the higher the CRP levels, the higher the risk of heart disease). Higher CRP levels are also indicative of other inflammatory illnesses in the body.

Vitamin D is essential for the normal and healthy functioning of the immune system. When adequate levels are not maintained, the microglia – the immune cells of the Central Nervous System that initiate temporary inflammatory responses to attack foreign invading organisms – are unable to function optimally. Subsequently, people with low levels of Vitamin D are at higher risk of developing a host of inflammatory conditions such as Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, migraines, Depression, Fibromyalgia, and various forms of cancer.

Vitamin D Intake

Vitamin D can be obtained in the following ways:

  1. Exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D3 is produced when bare skin is exposed to UV rays. Factors such as sunscreen use and geographic location can affect a person’s Vitamin D level. Experts say that approximately 5-10 minutes per day without sunscreen, 2-3 times a week,
  2. Food. While there are not too many foods that naturally contain Vitamin D, good sources include fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. It can also be found in eggs (specifically the yolks) and in liver.
  3. Nutritional supplements. Taking a daily supplement is an easy and effective way to maintain adequate levels in the body. However, because Vitamin D is fat-soluble, it is harder for your body to eliminate it if levels get too high. Therefore, make sure to talk to your physician about the dosage that’s best for you. Make sure also to only use supplements from a reliable manufacturer given that supplements are not FDA regulated.
  4.  

How much is enough?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored by the body in fat tissue and remains on reserve for future use. This also means, of course, that it is possible to reach toxic levels if too much is taken.

The Institutes of Medicine (IOM) recommends supplementation of up to 600 IUs per day, and up to 800 IUs per day for those over 70 years old. The IOM also suggests, however, that a person may need a much larger dose depending on his/ her state of health.

These are general recommendations – the only way to determine appropriate dosage is by having serum levels measured by asking your doctor to order a “Vit. D 25-OH-D” test (also called Vit. D 25, Hydroxy). This is the best test to accurately determine if you have adequate levels of Vitamin D in your body.

Serum levels are considered normal in the 30-100ng/ml range, but when the goal is optimal health, maintaining a level of 50-70ng/ml is ideal.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

LISTEN NOW: Dr. Gary Kaplan on Me&My Health Up Podcast

August 1, 2023/in Press, Wellness/by Kaplan Center

Dr. Gary was a recent guest on Me&My Health Up podcast with Anthony Archer. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the immune system’s role in chronic conditions and how to maintain a robust immune system!

EPISODE 168: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Immune System: A Deep Dive into Chronic Conditions with Dr. Gary Kaplan

  • Are you curious about how your immune system plays a role in chronic conditions?
  • Ever wondered why some people recover quickly from illnesses while others struggle with prolonged symptoms?

In this episode, Dr. Gary Kaplan sheds light on how infections can trigger your immune system, often leaving it in a rogue state that contributes to chronic illnesses. He  also discusses the role of inflammation in the brain or neuroinflammation, a common factor in chronic pain and depression.

Praise for Dr. Kaplan’s book – Why You Are Still Sick: How Infections Can Break Your Immune System & How You Can Recover

“Gary Kaplan is not only a pioneer in his field, he’s a badass who is changing the face of medicine. This book holds everything I wish I knew twenty years ago about autoimmunity. It’s an incredible resource for anyone with chronic pain and illness. It will bring hope and health to so many people.”

– Dave Asprey, founder, Bulletproof 360

Lucas-Rockwood-Show

LISTEN NOW: Dr. Gary Kaplan on The Lucas Rockwood Show

July 18, 2023/in Press, Wellness/by Gary Kaplan, DO

Dr. Gary was a recent guest on The Lucas Rockwood Show.

Episode 575: Is Your Immune System Broken? with Dr. Gary Kaplan

Do you get sick easily? Do you catch every cold and flu that comes through town? This could be due to a depleted immune system or even chronic immune deficiency. This is more common than most people realize, and for a number of lifestyle and environmental reasons, it’s a growing problem with a glaring lack of medical support or recognition. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a doctor who focuses on boosting the immune system and treating those with immune problems.

Listen & learn about:

  • How fecal transplants can help with extreme gut problems
  • Why cardio and strength exercise and sleep are the foundations for immune health
  • Genetic ApoE test
  • Genetics vs. epigenetic influence on our health

 

Praise for Dr. Kaplan’s book – Why You Are Still Sick: How Infections Can Break Your Immune System & How You Can Recover

“Gary Kaplan is not only a pioneer in his field, he’s a badass who is changing the face of medicine. This book holds everything I wish I knew twenty years ago about autoimmunity. It’s an incredible resource for anyone with chronic pain and illness. It will bring hope and health to so many people.”

– Dave Asprey, founder, Bulletproof 360

Healthy behaviors sleep

Everyday Behaviors That Can Impact a Healthy Immune System

May 13, 2022/in Lifestyle, Long Covid, Press, Wellness/by Gary Kaplan, DO

The key to longevity and optimal health is a healthy immune system. If our immune system is not in the optimal shape we are at risk for infections, autoimmune diseases, and even cancers. There are simple steps to take every day to keep your immune system healthy so that it can keep aggressors at bay. Read on to find out more.

1 – Sleep

Everyone knows that you need 7-8 hours of good quality sleep at night, but why? Your brain is the most metabolically active organ in the body. All that activity generates a lot of cellular waste products that need to be removed to keep our brains in optimal health. The glymphatic system is the brain’s specialized waste disposal system and it is most active during slow wave sleep at night. A healthy brain is essential for a healthy immune system.

Three quick hacks:

  • Keep a regular bedtime and waking time. Varying your bedtime impairs the normal restorative cycle of the brain and actually increases inflammation.
  • 1-3 mg of melatonin at night can improve sleep and help reduce brain inflammation.
  • Eat a lighter meal at dinner time and do not eat anything for 3 hours before bedtime, this allows the brain to optimally regenerate itself.

2 – Intermittent Fasting

Chronic or intermittent food restriction has a profound life-enhancing effect on the health of your brain and immune system. Unless there are medical reasons for not doing intermittent fasting doing a 1 or two day water-only fast a week or compressing your eating time to 6-8 hours a day while of course eating a healthy diet can help protect you from a number of neuroinflammatory diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

3 – Keep Your Mitochondria Happy and Healthy

The mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and are also essential for a healthy immune system. Exercise, proper sleep and nutrition are again essential. A nutritional hack is NAD. NAD is essential for optimal energy and metabolism. There are several NAD supplements on the market but NAD is also available as an IV supplement in some centers. As we age or burn the candle at both ends we deplete NAD and keeping our NAD tank full is essential to healthy aging and optimal health.

More on NAD IV treatment.

4 – Emotional Traumas and Stress

Emotional traumas and stress injure the immune system. Unaddressed childhood emotional traumas, PTSD weakens the immune system and make you more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease and a host of other life diminishing and life-shortening diseases. Don’t just live with it, get help. Seeing a therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma is important. Techniques such as EMDR and medications such as ketamine can help.

5 – A Defensive Lifestyle

Our environment is literally killing us. Air and water pollution. Lead in our water systems Mercury in our fish. Pesticides and herbicides in our food. Water damage to buildings results in mold growth in the walls that produce toxins that can cause brain and immune damage when breathed. Removing yourself from a toxic building is the first step. Regular detox with saunas, taking activated charcoal and chlorella periodically can help but you need to be careful because these can also interfere with the absorption of medications and other supplements. Testing the indoor air for mold toxins with an ERMI kit that can be ordered online and of course eating clean is a great start. There are tests available to help you understand your toxic burden. Some can be ordered online but working with a physician who specializes in functional medicine can also get you on the right path.

6 – Last Word From Doctor

If our immune systems are weak then when infections occur they can literally break the immune system and cause chronic disease. Post-acute COVID Syndrome (Long COVID), Chronic fatigue syndrome, Chronic Lyme disease, Chronic anxiety and Depression, Fibromyalgia, PANS/PANDAS, and more. These are diseases of a broken immune system. We now understand so much more about how we get sick. Why do we stay sick, and most importantly how we can recover and maintain optimal health for life.

 

Written by Dr. Gary Kaplan for Eat This, Not That, May 13, 2022

 

exercise_for_immune_health

7 Minutes a Day For Better Health

July 20, 2020/in Treatments, Wellness/by Lisa Lilienfield, MD

Get moving and boost your immune system!

A N.Y. Times article cited a 2020 study out of Stanford where 36 subjects with various fitness levels exercised on a treadmill for 9-10 min and using the latest techniques showed almost 10,000 molecular changes during and after exercise.

With these new techniques, called “omics”, the researchers have isolated various molecules in our bloodstream that alter our biology. Metabolomics looks at molecules like appetite hormones and enzymes produced by the microbes in the gut; genomics looks at changes in gene expression; immunomics looks at the changes in the immune system; and, proteomics and lipidomics look at changes in proteins and fats. The list goes on. The author of the study quotes there is an “ orchestrated choreography of biologic processes” demonstrated to occur.

Why is this research important?

Recently we find that we are spending more time at home. We find ourselves sitting in front of the computer more than ever. Sitting too much weakens our immune system, increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression and decreases bone density. We need to learn to be more creative about how we move our bodies.

We are all concerned about how robust our immune system is against potential illnesses.

One of the best immune boosters is exercise and this recent study out of Stanford, published in the journal Cell, showed even less than 10 min of exercise produces changes in thousands of molecules which affect inflammation, DNA and tissue repair, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, metabolism, immunity, and appetite.

Questions? Give Us a Call!

703-532-4892 x2

With less access to gyms, we need to be creative about making sure we incorporate exercise into our daily routine.

Hiking, biking, running, and many online classes including yoga are available. In addition, a total body workout is ideal to keep all of our muscles strong and stimulate bone density.

If time is short, one way is to do a 7-8 min workout using body weight and minimal props. Combining this with yoga improves bone density, strengthens our immune system, and stimulates proteins that reverse aging. So get out of your chair and move!

And there’s more to keep in mind…

  • Post-menopausal women have an increased risk of osteoporosis. Exercise is a key factor to improve bone density. Make sure you get a DEXA scan and review options for treating osteopenia and osteoporosis.
  • Evaluating gut health not only can boost your immune system but also can improve brain health. We have several tests to look at digestive health and a dietitian to help you navigate food choices.
  • Balancing your hormones (i.e. thyroid and sex hormones) can improve your metabolism. We have advanced testing to look at these hormones including cortisol to evaluate adrenal function.
  • NAD infusions can reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), improve cognition and fatigue, reduce pain, and improve sleep.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

Supplements May Be Helpful for COVID-19

April 10, 2020/in COVID-19, Long Covid, Nutrition, Treatments/by Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac, Dipl.OM

Those of us in the integrative medicine field have long seen the benefits of supplements and herbal medicine in healthcare.

COVID-19 is a novel virus, meaning it has never been seen before in nature. There is a lot that we don’t know about this virus, but there is a lot that we are learning as well. There have been studies done with supplements for other types of coronaviruses like SARS CoV. We also have research about the effects of supplements on the immune system suggesting that they may be helpful for upper respiratory infections in general.

Below is a list of several supplements along with a short discussion on research and clinical experience and references where you can read more on each topic. Please note: None of these have been proven as treatments for COVID-19, and none of the information should be taken as medical advice.

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin C
  • Glutathione
  • NAC
  • Quercetin
  • Anti-Viral Properties
  • Chinese Herbal Med.
  • Monolaurin
  • Biofilm disruptors
  • Quercetin
  • Immune Support
  • Probiotics
  • Zinc/Copper
  • Vitamin D
  • Melatonin

Dietary supplements are generally considered safe, but it’s important to review your medical history and current medications with a practitioner before starting. Please call (703) 532-4892 to make an appointment with your provider, nutritionist, or acupuncturist/herbalist. If you suspect you have any kind of infection, please make a telemedicine/ cloud appointment with your doctor.

Please remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA and sometimes do not contain ingredients that they claim. At The Kaplan Center, we do extensive research to find the best companies with 3rd party testing to make sure you get the highest quality products. You can order your supplements directly through our online store at: https://store.kaplanclinic.com/

It is important to continue following guidelines from health departments and governments including frequently washing hands for 20 seconds, staying physically distant and socially innovative. When in public places like grocery stores, be sure to wear a mask.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is long known for helping the immune system prevent colds and flu. It is important for the function of white blood cells to fight infections and the overall immune system.  High dose Vitamin C is being used by IV in several hospitals around the world including in New York. There is a small study that showed critically ill patients with COVID-19 who were given 1-6 g of Vitamin C either intravenous (IV) or oral decreased ventilation time by 25%.  There are other trials in progress to see if high dose Vitamin C can improve outcomes. Doses range in 12-24g administered by IV. At this time there is no evidence that taking Vitamin C orally will prevent or cure COVID-19. As a supplement, it is suggested to take 3g of Vitamin C per day. Talk to your doctor about if IVs would be right for you.

Glutathione/NAC

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant in the body. It scavenges damaging free radicals and is involved in tissue repair and builds chemicals and proteins that are used for the immune system. N-Acetyl cysteine, or NAC, promotes the production of glutathione and is also used as a supplement. Studies in animal models of other viral infections have shown that NAC reduced the severity and duration of symptoms by increasing cellular defense and repair. NAC is taken in doses of 500-600mg. Glutathione can be taken orally 500mg or by IV 400-2400 mg with a doctor’s order.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that quercetin may inhibit a wide variety of viruses, including a coronavirus SARS CoV which is related to COVID-19. Quercetin supports antioxidant capacity and protects lung tissue. As a supplement is combined with Vitamin C, bromelain or sold as a single supplement. Recommendation is between 500mg-1000mg daily.

Food Sources: Leafy green vegetables, dill, peppers, apples, grapes, fennel leaf, red onion, oregano, chili pepper, green tea, and black tea.

ANTI-VIRAL PROPERTIES

Chinese Medicine

Computer analysis done in February of this year showed which drugs and natural compounds have the potential to inhibit COVID-19. Several Chinese herbs were shown to have the potential to interact with specific targets of SARS-CoV-2. These included Andrographis paniculate and Scutellaria baicalensis, two herbs that are commonly used in formulas for upper respiratory infections. This data is preliminary and does not meet the standards of evidence-based medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine is a complex system of medicine that is based on sequential diagnoses of signs and symptoms that change throughout the illness. It is personalized and a formula should be prescribed by an NCCAOM certified herbalist.

Monolaurin

Generally considered anti-viral, coconut oil contains lauric acid and the derivative monolaurin. It prevents the adherence of viruses to tissues by fluidizing the lipids and phospholipids in the envelope surrounding the virus that leads to the disintegration of viral particles and symptom improvement. Studies have not been conducted in humans on coronaviruses. Unrefined coconut oil contains the most lauric acid. Refined coconut oils and MCT oils contain very little. Supplementation of monolaurin is 1,200 -1,800 mg 2-3 times per day.

Biofilm Disruptors

Biofilm disruptors are enzymes that have the ability to weaken the virus by inactivating or fluidizing its outer layer, then exposing its viral content to the immune system. Biofilm disruptors are extensively studied for the treatment of bacterial infections, as most bacteria protect themselves within biofilms to hide away from antibacterial therapies. They slowly multiply until they form important colonies that then attack the body’s immune defense. An example of a biofilm disruptor is Lumbrokinase found in Buluoke, made from earthworms.

Probiotics

Are friendly bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract, they actively participate in the modulation of the immune system, synthesize vitamins, and aid digestion. Studies have shown that probiotic use can decrease the number of respiratory infections, particularly in children. Food sources include fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, natto, and tempeh.  We can’t overstate the importance of gut health and nutrition on the immune system. For that reason, look for an entire article on this subject in a future newsletter.

IMMUNE BOOSTERS

Zinc/Copper

Zinc may improve the chance of avoiding respiratory tract infections in the elderly and those who are zinc deficient and is shown to have strong anti-viral properties.  It is found in beef, crab, lobster, and smaller amounts in chicken, cheese, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, cashews, and almonds. Supplementation can be taken in a pill or lozenge, daily recommendation is between 30-60mg.

Copper is a trace mineral that is needed in small amounts. It also has immune-boosting properties. The problem with supplementation of trace minerals is that they compete for absorption, so it’s necessary to take about 8 mg of copper along with Zinc. Typically a multivitamin supplement contains a small amount of copper for this reason. Be sure to eat food sources like two squares of 80% dark chocolate!


Food Sources of Immune-Boosting Nutrients

Food sources of immune boosting Nutrients

DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC

 


Vitamin D

Vitamin D is created in the body in response to sunlight. While vitamin D has not been studied for coronavirus, low Vitamin D levels have been linked to a higher risk of upper respiratory infections in general. Most people do not have optimal levels of Vitamin D, especially in the winter. Since it is not found in foods at doses needed, supplementation is recommended at 2,000-5,000 IU per day.

Melatonin

Melatonin is used as a sleep aid that also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Melatonin also has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasomes, which COVID-19 stimulates to create a cytokine storm in the late stage of the disease. This compelling research suggests the potential for melatonin as adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 but more research is needed. Dosage is typically 5-20 mg at bedtime.

 

Sources/ Additional reading:

Vitamin C:
https://jintensivecare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40560-020-0432-y

NAC/Glutathione:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033062020300372?via%3Dihub

Quercetin:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/019021490927088?journalCode=ielu20&fbclid=IwAR1ZQN3xo9wHbqsp_53Fq57o4AEO19y0ChJWcph9QND9Fp8F8elkgysp11g&

Chinese herbs:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383520302999

Monolaurin:
Seleem, D., Freitas-Blanco, V.S., Noguti, J., Zancope, B.R., Pardi, V., & Murata, R.M. (2018). In Vivo Antifungal Activity of Monolaurin against Candida albicans Biofilms. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin., 41(8), 1299-1302. doi:10.1248/bpb.b18-00256
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/act.2006.12.310?journalCode=act

Melatonin:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320520303313?via%3Dihub
http://www.melatonin-research.net/index.php/MR/article/view/71

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

Immune boosting nutrient food-sources

Food is Medicine: Sources of Immune Boosting Nutrients

March 23, 2020/in Nutrition/by Kaplan Center
Read more
Be Prepared for Covid

Preparing for COVID-19 and Immune Boosting

March 18, 2020/in COVID-19, Long Covid, Nutrition, Wellness/by Kaplan Center

Experts are predicting that many of us in our communities will contract the COVID-19 virus at some point in the next year. So what can you do to prevent getting sick? What do you do if you get sick? Here is some specific guidance:

Prevention:

Please click this link for a complete list of ideas, supplements and herbs for preventing colds and flu. Remember, we’re still in the middle of the flu season!

Here are some other things you can do to be prepared:

  • Make sure you have a working thermometer
  • Have a 30-day supply of all prescription medications
  • If you have a history of asthma, make sure you have an unexpired inhaler
  • Have food in the house for two weeks including foods you like when you’re sick. Check out our e-book with nutrient-packed recipes.
  • Have Tylenol available to reduce fevers. Don’t use NSAIDS like Advil which have been linked to worsening symptoms
  • Nyquil, Dayquil, Mucinex are all helpful over the counter medications for symptom relief
  • Have a saline nasal spray like Ocean Spray to rinse out your nose
  • Consider a consultation with our acupuncturist/ Chinese herbalist Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac. to be prepared with herbal medicine for COVID-19

If you do get sick:

Remember, this is cold and flu season so every cough, sniffle, and sneeze is not COVID-19. We want to appropriately use emergency rooms so we do not overwhelm our medical system. In addition, we do not want you to be exposed to people with COVID-19.

The vast majority of people who will get sick with COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms and will need to stay at home to recover. We are not sure how long after having the disease you are still contagious. The estimates from experts are between 10-37 days.

Over the years, our office has used a number of strategies to boost the immune system. The following are things that have been used for other viral infections and may be helpful for COVID-19.

These are strategies that might help to boost the immune system:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, go to https://washyourlyrics.com/ to create a washing guide with your favorite song lyrics.
  • Stay hydrated, drink at least ½ of body weight (in ounces), for example, if you weigh 130 lbs, your daily water intake should be about 65 oz.
  • Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hours), put your electronic devices to sleep at least one hour before you go to bed
  • Take a multivitamin that contains zinc, selenium, and vitamin C.
  • Relax and breathe! Relaxation and meditation can boost the immune system.
  • Please don’t watch the news all day long!!
  • Limit processed sugar consumption, as it weakens the immune system. Choose fresh fruits over desserts and ice cream.
  • Exercise, take a walk outside. Maximize your vitamin D exposure and absorption in the morning hours and take a vitamin D supplement if you’re deficient.
  • Talk to your doctor about Vitamin IVs
  • Cook with plenty of garlic, onion, fresh or dried herbs (especially oregano, thyme, and rosemary), and coconut oil, as well as foods rich in antioxidants.
  • Talk to your doctor, herbalist or nutritionist about supplements.

COVID-19 is a novel illness and we do not have any data showing evidence of protection or treatment with any supplement. There have been studies showing effectiveness on other coronaviruses, such as SARS. Some of these are listed below. Please make an appointment with your doctor, nutritionist, or acupuncturist/herbalist to personalize for your needs.

  • Monolaurin: 1800-2400 mg per day
  • Bioflavanoids / Quercetin
  • Vitamin C, oral: 3g per day
  • IV Vitamin C: requires a physician’s order
  • N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): 100 mg
  • Vitamin D: 2,000-5,000 IU per day
  • Zinc: 25-35 mg
  • Garlic supplement: Allicin 400-500 mg
  • Selenium: 200 mcg
  • Chinese herbal medicine, requires an appointment

If you are having difficulty finding these supplements in stores, food as medicine is the best way to get them in their most natural and absorbable form.

Click here for a reference guide on food sources for a variety of immune-boosting nutrients.

We are working hard to stay updated on the most current information in order to provide you with the best care. The Kaplan Center family is here for you as we go through these challenging times together. Please contact our office if you have any questions (703)532-4892.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

SPECIAL REPORT
Understanding Post-COVID Syndrome

Understanding Post-Covid Syndrome

Dr. Gary Kaplan Speaking at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine Conference

February 20, 2020/in News/by Kaplan Center

Dr. Gary Kaplan has been invited to speak at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine’s (A4M) Conference in Los Angeles, CA. Several educational workshops/modules will be offered to attendees; topics include Hormone Replacement Therapy, cardiovascular health, peptide therapies, and autoimmune disease.

Dr. Kaplan is participating in Module VI, “DRIVERS OF IMMUNE SYSTEM AND MITOCHONDRIAL DYSREGULATION”; his presentation is titled, “Redefining Chronic Pain: Etiologies, Immunology, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction”.

About Module VI

More than 50 million individuals living within the U.S. now suffer from one or more autoimmune illness and 80% are women. Thirty years ago only one in 400 people developed an autoimmune illness but today one in 12 within the U.S. and one in nine women are diagnosed with an autoimmune illness. Currently, there are 100+ autoimmune disorders all caused by the common thread of autoimmunity. Why the radical change in incidence? Module VI will review the various etiologies of modern-day living that are skyrocketing the incidence of immune and mitochondrial dysregulation and inflammation leading to the clinical manifestations of autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, pain, and sleep dysregulation.

About A4M

The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) is dedicated to the advancement of tools, technology, and transformations in healthcare that can detect, treat, and prevent diseases associated with aging. A4M further promotes the research of practices and protocols that have the potential to optimize the human aging process. A4M is comprised of 26,000 members across the globe, including physicians, health care practitioners, scientists, and governmental officials, all of whom collectively represent over 120 nations.

For more information, visit A4M.com.

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Tel: 703-532-4892
Fax: 703-237-3105

6829 Elm Street, Suite 300
McLean, Virginia 22101
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