All the factors I have researched that play a role in severity of infection:

1. Exposome – Like a genome, each of us have what is called an “Exposome”. Your exposome is all the environmental exposures in your lifetime, the biological manifestation of those exposures, and how the exposures effects relate to your health.

Genetics has been found to account for only about 10% of diseases, and the remaining causes appear to be from environmental causes. That means 90% of diseases come from your lifestyle. Do you smoke and/or drink heavily? Do you eat processed food? Do you have too many calories or too little? Do you have little vegetables and fruits in your diet? Are you physically active? What are your stress relieving activities? Are you exposed to toxic substances in your home or workplace? Getting control of your health and making better lifestyle choices is imperative to creating an immediate healthier self, as well as a healthier future self.

2. Mucosal Immunity – This is the largest component of your entire immune system. This provides protection at the main sites of infectious threat. The virus can be acquired through the mouth, eyes, and nasal cavity. The nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) are your first-line defenses against invading pathogens. So obviously, it is just common sense that preventative health behaviors including washing hands, wearing masks, and observing social distancing is a smart way that you can protect yourself.

3. Neutralizing Antibodies – These are crucial for virus clearance and to achieve protection against COVID-19. Nutrients support the growth and activity of immune cells and produce antibodies.

4. Viral Receptors – Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been proved to be the main host cell receptor for the binding of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. The spike protein binds to ACE2 to replicate. Higher levels of expression of the ACE2 are seen in patients with comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, obesity, and diabetes) and with a poor outcome in COVID-19 disease. Preventing disease and restoring health should be a top priority.

5. Innate Immune Response – Our innate immune system is built in us from birth. Your innate immune system goes to work for you when your white blood cells fight bacteria (like when you get a cut). COVID-19 appears to be due not only from a viral infection but also to a dysregulated immune and inflammatory response. If the innate response isn’t working up to par, uncontrolled viral replication can ensue paving the way for your adaptive immune response to kick in. The poorer of a diet you have the greater risk you are for bacterial, viral, and other infections. Nutrients support the growth and activity of immune cells and produce antibodies. Correct nutrient deficiencies and eat more plants.

6. Anti-inflammatory Cytokines – Proinflammatory cytokines are responsible for initiating inflammation in response to tissue injury, while anti-inflammatory cytokines are released to limit the sustained or excessive inflammatory reactions. In severe cases of COVID, proinflammatory cytokines are present and at overwhelming levels. Omega-3 fatty acids cause more anti-inflammatory cytokines to be made. Meanwhile, foods such as refined grains, soft drinks, red meat, processed meat, dairy products, and food sensitivities are associated with higher levels of major inflammatory cytokines. Change your diet and get tested to see what food sensitivities could be causing your inflammation.