New Years SPECIAL
Buy 2 bottles for $69.98
$30 Savings.
(Price will change at Check out)
Reverse
SPIKE
Want that pre-covid feeling back? Reverse the last 3 years with KOR Nutritionals Reverse Spike. Vaccinated or not, toxic spike proteins may create long-term threats to your health.
Reverse Spike gives your body the natural immune support it needs to protect yourself and your family.
-
Supports human health
-
May reduce anxiety and improve mood
-
Helps to support brain function
-
May reduce inflammation
-
Supports digestion
-
May reduce coughing, wheezing and various respiratory attacks
Buying Options:
$20.00 Savings
$45.00 Savings
Reverse Spike gives your body the natural immune support it needs to protect yourself and your family.
Our revolutionary Reverse Spike is the only product that contains NAC, Velvet Bean, Licorice root and Bromelain – ingredients which may support breaking down spike proteins inside your body.
Making the powerful antioxidant Glutathione, which helps detoxify the body and protect the kidneys and liver.
Kor Nutritionals Reverse Spike is a unique combination of natural ingredients that may help the body recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection, known as "Long COVID" or "long haulers."
Long COVID and Post Vaccine Syndromes
Long COVID, Post COVID, or Long Haul COVID is a condition where the symptoms of COVID-19 persist beyond four weeks. The most common symptoms are brain fog, headaches, muscle pains, tiredness, fever, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. They can last weeks, months, or years.
The Post-COVID vaccine syndrome are symptoms that start after a COVID vaccination and no other condition can explain. The presentation may be the same as Long COVID but can be more severe. Treatment is individualized based on the symptoms.
The symptoms of Long COVID and Post- COVID vaccine syndrome are due to chronic inflammation in the blood vessels, internal organs, and the skin. The inflammation stems from the presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in human cells.
What is NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine)?
N-acetyl L-cysteine, more commonly known as acetylcysteine, comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. This amino acid is semi-essential and is generated from other amino acids in the body. If a person’s intake of methionine and serine is extremely low, then cysteine converts into an essential need. Naturally, cysteine can be found in food that is high in protein, such as eggs, turkey, yogurt, chicken, legumes, cheese and sunflower seeds.
N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) is the supplement form of cysteine. Taking N-acetyl L-cysteine has a range of health benefits for both direct and therapeutic use. It is frequently employed as a treatment for patients who have overdosed on paracetamol and it has proven effective in reducing the thickness of the mucus of cystic fibrosis patients. NAC comes in several forms — as a mist, an oral supplement, or an inject-able supplement. In some cases, N-acetyl L-cysteine is given topically like in dental situations to reduce plaque or it is used to treat dry eyes.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine Benefits
Kidney and Liver Detoxification
N-acetyl L-cysteine plays a vital role in detoxifying the kidney and liver. It has been proven to help combat the negative side effects of various pharmaceuticals as well as combat toxins from the natural environment. Patients who have overdosed on certain drugs such as Tylenol or paracetamol can be treated with NAC to limit liver and kidney damage.
Antioxidant Production
N-acetyl L-cysteine paired with glutamine and glycine plays an important role in the replacement of glutathione. This is one of the most important antioxidants that your body produces naturally. Glutathione helps to neutralize the free radicals that cause damage to various tissues and cells in the body. It helps boost your immune system and may even increase your lifespan.
Mental Health
Glutamate is the most important neurotransmitter in the brain. It is essential in order to have a normal level of brain function. If there is too much glutamate in the brain but not enough glutathione, the brain is in danger of becoming damaged. N-acetyl L-cysteine helps to ensure that the level of glutamate remains steady by regulating those levels. Properly regulating glutamate levels may help reduce addictive behaviors such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It has also shown promise in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. In the case of those addicted to brain-altering substances, NAC has been proven to help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Brain Function
NAC supplements help boost brain health by regulating glutamate levels in the body. This essential neurotransmitter is tied to memory, learning and behavior. It also helps to decrease oxidative damage to the brain cells, which is a result of the aging process. Patients who suffer from various memory issues or brain ailments may benefit from supplementing with NAC. Oxidative damage severely affects people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease. NAC has shown progress in reducing the symptoms of these diseases.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Inflammation in adipose tissue has been closely linked to obesity and high blood sugar levels. When left untreated, this can damage or destroy the insulin receptors in the body. Faulty insulin receptors increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Preliminary studies have shown that N-acetyl L-cysteine helps reduce fat cell inflammation, which in turn helps improve insulin resistance and stabilizes blood sugar .
Respiratory Health
N-acetyl L-cysteine can treat several respiratory conditions. It benefits the lungs as an expectorant, which helps loosen thick mucus. It also increases glutathione levels in the lungs and bronchial tubes, which works to reduce inflammation and thin mucus. Studies have shown that supplementing with NAC may help improve the symptoms of COPD and improve lung function in the process. This reduces coughing, wheezing and various respiratory attacks. Patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis have found relief with supplementation.
What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a group of enzymes that break down proteins. These enzymes are called proteases. They are the active ingredient in pineapple juice and extracts that work to tenderize meat in various cuisines. It is present in all parts of the pineapple, including the fruit, juice and stem. You can certainly get some bromelain by eating pineapple, but most of these active enzymes live inside the stem of the plant. Bromelain has been around since ancient times, commonly used for its medicinal properties. Its main ingredient is called a glycoprotein, which is mixed with organic acids, pigments and other minerals. Bromelain powders, creams or capsules can be used in combination with most other remedies and medications safely. There’s something in it for everyone. It is not only a common treatment for various conditions, but it can also be an enhancer for athletic performance. Though research is limited, scientists have observed immune-boosting, anti-cancer benefits in bromelain extracts. It is generally good for promoting overall health and well-being.
Bromelain Extract Benefits
Decreased Swelling in Asthma and Allergies
One of the most popular and well-studied powers of bromelain is its ability to relieve symptoms of allergies. Its anti-inflammatory effects have long been used to help improve nasal swelling and airway reactivity, which reduces the symptoms of asthma or hay fever. A study from the University of Connecticut found that asthmatic mice given bromelain supplements had lower numbers of inflammatory cells present in the airways. Another pilot study, done in Germany in 2013, found that daily oral supplementation with bromelain improved symptoms in people who had chronic sinusitis. These pineapple enzymes could be helpful for your daily battle against allergies. So if you’re someone who’s got the everyday sniffles or itchy eyes, bromelain could be worth a try! Though we don’t know exactly how it works, we have seen bromelain in action in the lab. One 2012 scientific review performed by Indian researchers reported lab experiments showing interactions with various immune cells such as T cells, macrophages and natural killer cells, promoting anti-inflammatory effects.
Decreased Joint Pain in Osteoarthritis
If you have arthritis, relief from a painful joint can change your life. Joint pains aren’t always easy to treat, and they often get worse as we age. Because swelling and inflammation are the driving forces in arthritis, bromelain is a promising candidate to relieve our aches and pains. Its powerful ability to decrease swelling has been shown to provide some relief in mild cases of osteoarthritis. Though limited evidence exists, some patients in a 2014 study reported decreased pain and better quality of life after four months of daily bromelain supplementation. It’s not a total slam dunk, but bromelain benefits can be enjoyed with virtually no side effects, making it a great therapeutic option. Because it has minimal drug interactions, bromelain is an excellent choice if you’re taking any other medications as well. However, you should always check with your doctor first. If you like to use homeopathic remedies, you can combine this tropical fruit extract with other natural plant remedies. It’s safe to use this supplement with other anti-inflammatory treatments to fight inflammation and relieve arthritis pain. One 2014 study of 42 patients found some improvement in osteoarthritis pain in patients using bromelain with other plant-based supplements such as turmeric or Devil’s Claw. Its power isn’t unlimited, however. An older study published in 2006 found no detectable difference in patients using bromelain if they were suffering from more severe cases of osteoarthritis.
Aids Digestion and Decreases Gut Inflammation
When taken by mouth, these proteases stay relatively stable and can help you digest your food. That’s why bromelain is a great candidate to help people with digestive issues. What’s unique about bromelain is that these enzymes don’t break down easily and remain active in a wide range of acidity levels. That means they can make it through the high acidity of our stomach and to the low acidity of our intestines. Proteases help break down proteins, so for people who suffer from enzyme insufficiency, bromelain could be a natural, plant-based enzyme replacement. Examples of patients who may benefit from this include those who have pancreatic insufficiency or people who have pepsin deficiency. Additionally, those who have Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis could potentially find bromelain healing. That’s because this plant-based extract helps reduce inflammation, the key player in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A Chinese study done in 2017 found that bromelain can help prevent intestinal inflammation and dysfunction, promoting a healthy intestinal barrier
Improved Muscle Function
If you’re an avid athlete, bromelain could help you push your limits. Intense exercise regularly injures our muscles, and the process of rebuilding that muscle is what gets us stronger. Well, bromelain’s protease activity could enhance that recovery process, and the anti-inflammatory effects are good for healing any injuries as well. Though studies are limited, one 2017 review suggested positive effects of bromelain when used in combination with other therapies to improve muscle function for intense physical activity. Another study by Australian and New Zealand researchers found some evidence suggesting that bromelain supplementation was effective for lowering fatigue and improving testosterone levels in cyclists after a race.
Bromelain has also been used to help heal strains and sprains after intense exercise. Some athletes use it to try and prevent these aches and pains after a hard workout or competition. Who knew that this tropical fruit could take your athletic performance to the next level? Some also claim that bromelain aids weight loss too. However, there hasn’t been any research to support these claims.
What is Licorice Root Extract?
Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that’s up to 50 times sweeter than sugar. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many often confuse licorice with the confectionary known by the same name.
But licorice root is a perennial medicinal herb that originates from the Mediterranean — treasured for its therapeutic benefits for centuries. Indeed, Egyptian papyri and Assyrian clay tablets recorded the use of licorice root.
In ancient Arabia, it was famous for treating coughs, while ancient Greece also used it for coughs related to asthma. In China, the herb eased spasms in the digestive tract and irritation of mucus membranes.
Almost all Chinese herbal preparations contain licorice as it helps with gastrointestinal absorption and brings the herbal blends into line. It enhances the properties of other herbs.
In India, ancient Ayurvedic medicine considers licorice a spasm-relieving expectorant and anti-inflammatory demulcent that affects how the adrenal glands work.
Licorice Root Extract Benefits
Helps Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Conditions
In people with high cholesterol, taking ethanolic extract of licorice — glycyrrhiza glabra — for a year reduced LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
In a study of a heart attack in mice, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of licorice root help minimize damage to heart tissue and facilitate faster recovery, too.
However, standard licorice that contains glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhizin can increase blood pressure and make the body excrete more potassium, which can cause heart conditions to worsen. You might want to discuss this with your primary health care provider.
Licorice Root for Skin Health
Eczema is a clutch of skin diseases that affect over 30 million Americans. It can cause itching, scaling, redness and inflammation.
According to an Iranian study, licorice root extract can help fight off bacteria that may infect the skin. The study revealed antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus — bacteria that may cause skin infections like folliculitis, cellulitis and impetigo. In this study, researchers used roots and leaf extracts of the plant.
Anti- Inflammatory Properties
A 93-paper analysis showed that licorice root extract contains anti-inflammatory properties.
In mice, licorice supports regulatory Treg cells, suggesting that it can protect against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Ethanol extract of the plant also relieved alcohol-induced liver damage in mice by lowering significant liver inflammation markers by enhancing the antioxidant defense.
Licorice Root for Reflux and Heartburn
In one study, licorice root extract proved capable of helping treat functional dyspepsia, which includes not only heartburn but also indigestion, stomach pain and nausea.
The study used deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) in the study, leaving participants with no adverse side effects of glycyrrhizin.
What is Mucuna Pruriens?
Initially grown in eastern India and southern regions of China, the Mucuna pruriens vine prefers a tropical climate. Its cultivation has since spread to the Caribbean and some parts of Africa. The plant itself is a vine that creeps along other surfaces and can grow up to 50 feet long, with roots that are over twice that length. The flowers can display a range of purples and pinks.
The bean pods are an eye-catching orange and have a fuzzy, hair-like coating that can cause persistent itchiness after it’s touched. These woolly pods create such an intense sensation that they’ve been used to make itching powder. In the 1930s, pranksters bought the powder in joke shops and tricked others who came in contact with the powder. They itched for hours until they washed it off. The active compound that causes this reaction is mucunain, and it is not present in Mucuna pruriens extract. It’s safe to take the extract for remedial purposes.
Mucuna has several names. The most used is velvet bean, and other interesting ones are monkey tamarind and lacuna bean. These legumes can be black or white and eaten as food in some parts of the world, though in small amounts. People either call them beans or seeds.
The Mucuna pruriens seeds contain levodopa, L-DOPA, in high concentrations. Also included are tryptamines, hallucinogenic, phenols, and tannins. The content of L-DOPA treats Parkinson’s disease.
The bean is also a food rich in raw protein, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and starch. The whole plant holds medicinal properties. Several scientific studies support that Mucuna pruriens contain anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and pain-relieving. Consult with a medical practitioner before you take any new supplement.
Mucuna Pruriens Extract Benefits
Relief From Stress and Anxiety
Stress can build up faster than you realize. From a rough meeting at work to sitting in traffic, many things can add to your stress level. But stress isn’t just a psychological thing. It takes a toll very physically, such as hormone imbalances, decreased immune function and elevated blood pressure.
Stress relieving strategies like meditation or yoga is a good start but might not be enough. They may also take more time than your busy schedule allows. This is where the adaptogenic Mucuna pruriens comes in. The L-DOPA, combined with the antioxidants in Mucuna pruriens, may help relieve physical and mental stress. Studies show that it reduces feelings of anxiety and rebalances the hormones that have triggered these feelings, most notably by decreasing cortisol.
Cognitive Health improvements
Improving physical health is an essential piece of the puzzle to living a full and active life. It’s easy to focus on the visible, tangible results you can get from foods, supplements and lifestyle choices. Still, the effects on your overall spiritual and mental well-being appear to be more nebulous as we are sentient beings. Life today is more manageable with technology and automation, but it has become more stressful than yesteryear. Focusing and handling everyday problems of keeping up with the Jones can affect your mental stability. In the past, loss of mental well-being happens only to the elderly. However, research shows people can lose cognitive abilities earlier in life.
Research focuses on enabling the protection of your nerve cells from experiencing degeneration or how to heal them from injury by administering L-DOPA. What studies are showing, though, is that Mucuna pruriens extract is more potent than L-DOPA alone. It suggests that other compounds within the extract work synergistically to create a more substantial effect.
Mucuna pruriens can help your body become more potent to learn, recall, and focus. It is up to you to be willing.
It is also successful in clinical settings to treat Parkinson’s disease. This severe neurological condition involves a severe dopamine deficiency in the body. Interestingly, the L-DOPA from the plant extract seems more effective and causes fewer side effects with long-term use than isolated L-dopa.
Helps you feel better.
Could a supplement deficiency in your body cause a less than cheery disposition? It’s entirely possible since unhealthy bodies make people feel moody and stressed. The American College for Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) reports a study performed on individuals feeling depressed proved their diet and lifestyle caused their overall negative well-being and outlook on life.
The L-DOPA in Mucuna pruriens converts to dopamine in the body, helping your body achieve or maintain healthy levels. In this way, Mucuna pruriens extract helps to balance your neurotransmitters to achieve a more stable condition. Therefore, it is better to take nutrients and have a healthy lifestyle than take antidepressants, which are incredibly harmful to your body and overall well-being. In an ACAM article about the dangers of taking medications, studies support this claim of antidepressants damaging your body. The importance of looking at the entire body for underlying factors that cause symptoms of depression.
While the connection between the L-DOPA in Mucuna pruriens extract and increased dopamine levels in the body is clear, it’s interesting to note that vitamin B6 helps the body absorb the nutritional components and assists the neurotransmitters in your body. Chlorella has high levels of B6 so that it might be beneficial with Mucuna pruriens. Since this Mucuna pruriens extract can help bring your body back into balance, it may help you have more stable mental energy overall.
Increases Fertility in Men
Whether you take longer than you’d like to fall asleep each night, you wake up multiple times, or you just don’t feel rested after you’ve slept, Mucuna pruriens extract can help. Studies have shown that you can enjoy up to 50 percent better sleep after the daily use of this herb for four weeks. You can expect to feel more relaxed when you take Mucuna pruriens extract triggers dopamine, so not only will you fall asleep more quickly, but your body becomes calmer so you can drift off peacefully, feeling more rested the next day.
Improves Sleep Quality
Mucuna pruriens extract doesn’t seem to have much of an effect on fertile men or help them have a better sex life. However, it can be of significant benefit to men who are struggling in this area. For men who are suffering from infertility, Mucuna pruriens extract can improve levels of testosterone. Men can also experience a significant increase in sperm count and sperm motion.
Thanks to the dopamine increasing effect of Mucuna pruriens extract, men, and most notably older men, can enjoy more robust sex life. As dopamine declines, so does sex drive, and this has a lot to do with neurotransmitter balance. An increase in dopamine because of the L-DOPA content can help restore interest and stamina in the bedroom and life.
1
NAC
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) is a source of the amino acid Cysteine. Cysteine is essential for making the powerful antioxidant Glutathione, which helps detoxify the body and protect the kidneys and liver. NAC also supports healthy mood and brain function, promotes sexual health, and contributes to healthy skin. Additionally, it provides support for the lungs and fertility. NAC is derived from the molecule L-Cysteine. L-Cysteine is found in high concentrations in foods like red meat and poultry.
2
BROMELAIN
Bromelain is used to reduce nasal congestion, as a pain killer, and helps with digestive issues.
It comes from the stem of the pineapple plant. Bromelain can be absorbed in the intestines and has been detected in the blood with intact biological activity after oral intake.
It has proteolytic enzymes that dissolve mucus in the nasal passages and sinuses. The same protein lysing enzymes are used with N-acetylcysteine to destroy spike proteins. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and anticoagulant effects. These properties are helpful for cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, autoimmune diseases, Long Haul COVID, and Post COVID vaccine syndrome
3
MUCUNA PRURIENS
Mucuna Pruriens is a legume that is often found in the tropics. The extract of this plant has a number of benefits for human health, including reducing anxiety and improving mood, supporting brain function, and promoting sexual health. It can also help to increase libido and promote healthy sleep. The extract is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage.
4
LICORICE
For those looking for a heart-healthy way to support their cardiovascular health. This natural extract works to promote healthy skin and aids in digestion, while also providing anti-inflammatory properties and helping to maintain healthy teeth.
Inhibitory activities of licorice triterpenoids against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) demonstrated that at 10 μM concentration of GA, GA-g, and A3 they displayed inhibition rates of 51.9%, respectively, which were significantly higher.
People with Long COVID can have a wide range of symptoms that can last weeks, months, or even years after infection. Sometimes the symptoms can even go away and come back again. For some people, Long COVID can last weeks, months, or years after COVID-19 illness and can sometimes result in disability. Long COVID may not affect everyone the same way. People with Long COVID may experience health problems from different types and combinations of symptoms happening over different lengths of time. Though most patients’ symptoms slowly improve with time, speaking with your healthcare provider about the symptoms you are experiencing after having COVID-19 could help determine if you might have Long COVID. People who experience Long COVID most commonly report:
Long Covid Symptoms
1
General symptoms (Not a Comprehensive List)
-
Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
-
Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)
-
Fever
2
Respiratory and Heart symptoms
-
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-
Cough
-
Chest pain
-
Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
3
Neurological Symptoms
-
Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
-
Headache
-
Sleep problems
-
Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
-
Pins-and-needles feelings
-
Change in smell or taste
-
Depression or anxiety
4
Digestive Symptoms
-
Diarrhea
-
Stomach pain
Other symptoms
-
Joint or muscle pain
-
Rash
-
Changes in menstrual cycles
Ways Spike Protein Harms The Body
During more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies have analyzed the effects of the spike protein from different aspects and have discovered that it’s harmful to the human body in several ways, including:
1. Damaging the lung cells (including the pulmonary alveoli and pulmonary endothelial cells).
2. Damaging the mitochondria and DNA structures.
3. Damaging cardiovascular cells.
4. Increasing the risk of blood clots.
5. Damaging brain cells.
6. Promoting inflammation.
7. Suppressing immunity.
8. Increasing the risk of cancer.
Spike Proteins Can Affect Multiple Organs
When the virus enters the human body, the spike proteins will affect multiple organs in different ways. Studies have shown that many organ cells can be affected by spike proteins, such as those in the heart, brain, and cardiovascular system. In addition, a paper published in 2021 in the bioRxiv preprint repository states that S proteins cause:
-
the Type 1 catalytic receptors in the kidneys to increase in kidney cell tissues, and these types of receptors can become hosts for the virus, making the kidneys more susceptible to viral infection.
-
cells in the small intestine to stimulate a large amount of L-SIGN (liver/lymph node-specific intracellular adhesion molecules-3 grabbing non-integrin) receptors to defend against pathogens. However, this causes a reaction that eventually makes the small intestine more susceptible to viral infection. A similar situation can also occur in other organs, such as the kidneys and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
-
the amount of DC-SIGN (Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin) receptors in the lungs to increase, which may cause inflammatory symptoms in the lungs.
In addition, spike proteins can cause different degrees of oxidation of the organs, leading to more cells suffering premature death and putting the body in a hyperoxidized state, which may further increase the risk of cancer.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that spike proteins also have a direct effect on lung function.
When spike proteins are present in the human body, the pulmonary alveolar cell walls in the lungs will begin to thicken and solidify, and lung functions will decline. The pulmonary alveoli are the tiny, balloon-shaped air sacs that expand and shrink in our lungs as we breathe.
The spike proteins will also affect the function of cellular mitochondria in the lungs. Mitochondria are the power plants of our cells and hence the body’s energy base.
Spike Proteins Damage Mitochondria, Possibly Causing Long COVID
Under normal circumstances, mitochondria in cells are tubular cellular power stations responsible for synthesizing energy.
When the spike proteins stimulate our pulmonary alveolar cells or endothelial cells (which line our blood vessels and lymphatic vessels), the mitochondrial structure will change dramatically and become heavily fragmented, and the number of tubular mitochondria will be greatly reduced. As the cells in the alveoli or endothelial tissues become damaged, they no longer produce energy efficiently, which is likely to cause the cells to enter a state of premature decline and death.
Scientists have hypothesized that long COVID may be caused by this damage to the mitochondria. One of the major symptoms of this chronic form of COVID-19 is fatigue. This may be because of the fact that the cellular mitochondria are damaged or dying, resulting in a lack of energy at the most essential level of our body.
Mitochondrial damage in different cells can also bring about different symptoms. If the mitochondrial function of lung cells are damaged, then the pulmonary alveoli’s ability to expand and contract will be weakened, oxygen absorption will be poor, and the body’s metabolic level will also be reduced. This also makes one more prone to fatigue.
Damage to the Cardiovascular System and Blood Clots
The cardiac and the myocardial systems of the heart contain a very important type of cell: the pericardial cells, which are outside the endothelial cells of blood vessels and are usually combined with endothelial cells to help blood vessels transmit different signals.
A study published in Clinical Science discovered that when the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the body, spike proteins will bind to the CD147 receptors on the surface of the pericardial cells, making them more likely to shed from the surface of the endothelial cells. This will affect some of the functions of the endothelial cells and accelerate the death of the vascular wall cells.
In addition, spike proteins themselves can directly stimulate pericardial cells to produce more pro-inflammatory factors that can damage the myocardium and cause blood clots.
Spike proteins can also induce thrombosis, which is when blood clots block veins. Another experiment published in the BioRxiv preprint repository investigated how platelets would change after being stimulated by spike proteins.
The experiment compared the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein with another viral protein called VSV (Vesicular stomatitis virus) and found that more platelets were induced to clot in the presence of the spike proteins.
Spike Proteins Impair Immunity
When the human body is infected by a coronavirus such as COVID-19, the immune system recognizes the spike protein as an invader and the innate immune system and acquired immune system get to work. Cytokines are released to signal the area to defend. In short, the impact of spike proteins on the immune systems is comprehensive. This is also shown in a paper published in the journal Leukemia.
For instance, there are 11 types of toll-like receptors in the innate immune system, and the seventh type of these toll-like receptors can recognize the RNA of single-stranded viruses. The mRNA (messenger RNA) that enters the body after COVID-19 infection or vaccination is also single-stranded, and immune cells will recognize the virus’s RNA and attack it. In the presence of spike proteins, the toll-like receptor expression quantity may increase in response to the viral attack and complementary immune cells may release more interferons in response to different viral variants.
If the amount of viral spike proteins in the body is too high, they may over-activate the expression of interferons, which may even induce the body’s immune systems to attack its own cells.
Can Long Covid Effect the Gut?
Emerging evidence suggests that GI problems may persist in some people who have had COVID-19.
-
support your cardiovascular system
-
lower cholesterol levels
-
maintain proper blood pressure
-
reduce inflammation
-
improve brain function and cognitive health
-
boost your immune system
What happens to the gut during a COVID infection?
As we head into the fourth year since COVID-19 became a global health emergency, hundreds of millions of people around the globe have been infected with the virus that causes it. Since 2020, we've known that the virus particles that cause lung illness also also infect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract: the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and colon. This can trigger abdominal pain and diarrhea, which often — but not always — clear up as people recover.
We know chronic gut problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sometimes occur even after illness caused by microorganisms like Campylobacter and Salmonella are cured. Could this happen with COVID-19?
What is long COVID?
While most people who get COVID-19 will survive, medical science is becoming aware of a group of people suffering from lasting declines in health. Well-reported long COVID aftereffects include tiredness, breathing difficulty, heart rhythm changes, and muscle pain. But few people, even in the medical field, are aware that long COVID symptoms may include chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Why might the gut be involved in long COVID?
It is not clear why chronic gut symptoms might occur after a COVID-19 infection. One possible insight is a well-known syndrome called post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that may occur after a stomach flu (gastroenteritis).
Long after the bug causing the illness is gone, a change in gut-brain signaling may occur. A complex network of nerves connects the gut and the brain, and controls communication between different parts of the gut. These nerves tell body organs to produce digestive juices, alert you to the need to go to the bathroom, or prevent you from having another serving of stuffing at the Thanksgiving table.
The nerve network of the gut is so complicated that it is sometimes called the second brain. When the nerves are working well, you won't notice a thing: you eat without pain, you move your bowels with ease, you have no GI worries. But what if the nerves are not working well? Then, even if the process of digestion remains normal, you may frequently have symptoms like pain or a distressing change in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Once known as functional GI disorders, these health problems are now called disordered gut-brain interactions (DGBIs). When viruses and bacteria infect the gut, experts believe they may prompt a change in gut-brain signaling that can cause a DGBI like IBS to develop.