SF_Advanced_Cardio_Profile_0520_Profile 5 / 22 / 20 3 : 56 PM Page 1 profile cells , damaging the immune system and leaving own the body unable to fight the virus , ” Dr . Bahal says . PROTECTING Supplements are something Dr . Bahal routine - ly recommends as preventative measures , after all , he is at the forefront of identifying and treating in - flammation and endothelial dysfunction as the root YOUR HEART cause of heart disease . Quadruple board certified in Internal Medicine , Cardiology , Vascular Medicine , Anti - Aging / Functional / Regenerative Medicine and FROM COVID - 19 Integrative Cardiology , Dr . Bahal has learned so much about how different supplements can be applied to treat different ailments not just for the heart , but in Dr . Vic Bahal discusses how an integrative the whole body . “ Supplements are tailored to each patient , ” he approach can help the body fight the says . “ We ta into account the social factors and spend ke novel coronavirus . by LIZ HUNTER time going over it with the patients who often don’t know these supplements are out there . ” medicine and nutraceuticals , ” he says Along w time has passed , more is being learned . ith integrating supplements , studies about the novel coronavirus ( COVID - 19 ) , Dr . Bahal says a naturally occurring antioxidant show eating certain foods can reduce inflammation . scientists and health care professionals As in our body — glutathione — may provide a key for “ We should be eating things like fish , turmeric , black are seeing th fighting the virus . Glutathione is an an e impact it has on various parts of pe tioxidant that pper and spices in general , along with taking sup - the body , including the cardio - vascular system . can prevent damage to cells . More glutathione in plements such as vitamin C , vitamin D3 , probiotics , Experts have warned the older population and the body could slow down or inhibit replication of fish oil , ALA and NAC supplements to lower inflam - those w the coronavirus in th ith pre - existing medical conditions of their high - e body . This has been shown mation . Regular exercise and good quality sleep is also er risk . Those with coronary heart disease , diabetes , to occur in other viruses . Unfortunately , glutathione important because there is a lot of stress and anxiety high blood pressure , obesity or levels decrease as we get older . A study done in Rus - history of stroke need surrounding us right now , and that is bad for the heart , ” to take extra precautions during this uncertain time , sia revealed those individuals who had lower levels Dr . Bahal says . because if they contract COVID - 19 , their symptoms of glutathione had worse outcomes when infected He urges everyone , especially those with high could be with the coronavirus , Dr . Bahal says more severe . risk , to continue practi . However , cing the recommended guide - Dr . Vic Bahal , founder of Advanced Cardiology there are ways to raise a person’s levels . lines from the Centers for Disease Control , including of South Jersey , says doctors are seeing more patients “ Alpha lipoic acid ( ALA ) can trigger the production avoiding being around people . admitted to the hospit of glutathione . ALA is a very p “ Nobody knows what’s goin al with congestive heart fail - owerfulantioxidant which g to work to stop the ure and heart attacks who are also testing positive protects the heart and blood vessels , and has shown virus completely , but there are a lot of little studies for COVID - 19 . to reduce stress and inflammation , ” says Dr . Bahal . showing we have to stop inflammation , ” Dr . Bahal “ We now know the virus is causing infla “ Foods says . “ We mmation like avocados , asparagus , spinach and broc - can’t destroy the virus but we can put a shell at the vessel wall , which leads to endothelial dys - coli also have glutathione , and ALA is found in toma - of armor around us . It may hit us but it won’t hurt function and ultimately to heart attacks , ” Dr . Bahal toes , potatoes , Brussels sprouts and o us because our immune system will be rgan meats . ” strong and says . “ The heart muscle can become inflamed and Another supplement that is essential for producing not as inflamed . We’re not going to let it kill us . ” cause myocarditis which in turn can lead to heart glutathione is N - acetyl cysteine ( NAC ) . “ The combi - rhythm problems . This inflammation can also weak - To further discuss how to protect your heart in nation of ALA and NAC can prevent a massive release en the heart muscle and if it becomes severe , it can this pandemic , call for a of inflammatory cells known as a ‘ cytokine storm ’ in n appointment at u cause cardiogenic shock , where the heart is not pump - coronavirus patients , where the body is attacking its ( 856 ) 241 - 3838 . ing enough blood around the body . ” And it’s not just the arteries but the veins , as well , he adds . “ The virus affects the vessels , causing vascular inflammation which contributes to a hypercoagulable state , which in turn causes blood clot formation ( thrombosis ) in the lungs and legs , both of which can prove to be fatal . A lot of younger people are ac - tually presenting with this diagnosis . ” First and foremost , Dr . Bahal recommends any - one at risk with underlying conditions see their car - diologist for an EKG , blood test or echocardiogram to detect any changes . Because symptoms are often subtle , people need to act fast . Using Integrative Medicine to Protect the Heart Although there is no cure or proven effective treatment lap to defeat or prevent the coronavirus , Dr . Bahal states un that optimizing immune function and decreasing D on general body inflammation with lifestyle modifications Alis and supplements will go a long way in surviving the by phypandemic . “ While research is underway on different ravaccines , Advanced Cardiology of South ogJersey treatment of COVID - 19 should not just be one hot method — it should be integrative , using conventional 4 Burton Lane , Suite 100 | Mullica Hill | ( 856 ) 241 - 3838 | AdvancedCardiologySJ.com P SUBURBANFAMILYMAG.COM volume 11 issue 3 SUBURBAN FAMILY 25