Bloomer’s Work Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nutrition, habits and the vaccine
Introduction
Dr. Richard Bloomer, dean of the College Health Sciences, wrote an article titled “Healthy Habits Can’t Replace Vaccine” in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Bloomer considers himself to be a fitness enthusiast as well as adhering to a nutrient-dense “clean” eating program which in turn optimizing his health. In doing so he minimizes his sugar intake and eating a lot of whole foods. One would seem to wonder how effective a similar diet and exercise plan would be in a battle against COVID-19. Some consider having this lifestyle without the combination of the vaccines to be able to withstand against the virus without supporting evidence. Bloomer is a research scientist who has studied nutrition for 20 years and has consistently watched the wellness community’s response to COVID-19 vaccines with a very peaked interest. Although eating right is a good way to put a positive impact into one’s immune system, it would not be wise to consider that nutrition alone can defend against a life-threatening virus.
Experience with Nutrition Science
Bloomer then transitions in his article to discuss his experience with Nutrition Science. His lab group at the University of Memphis studies the effects of food and isolated nutrients on human health. In January of 2009, he and his lab group conducted a study regarding the stringent vegan diet. They enrolled 43 men and women who were allowed to eat as much plant-based food as they desire, but they could only drink water for 21 days. The results that occurred demonstrated that there were improvements in the variables that were related to cardio-metabolic health. These variables included blood cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin and C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a protein that increases in response to inflammation in the body. Bloomer and cohorts have since then completed multiple human and animal nutrition studies using this type of dietary program. The lab’s research has resulted in 200 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and book chapters that are specific to nutrients and exercise and the interactions that occur between the two variables. The results of their work as well as by other scientists, this clearly demonstrates the power of food to be a favorable condition to impact health.
For many individuals, having a positive change in eating habits can result in an improvement in clinically relevant measures such as blood cholesterol and glucose in which doctors can reduce or eliminate certain medications used to treat this as well as diabetes. In other cases, this improves, however the patient still requires the use of medications and ultimately tells that in some situations, a great nutrition program is simply not enough to overcome challenges that occur in the body. Natural products have been discussed as a treatment for COVID-19, but little emphasis is placed on whole food nutrition as a protective measure. Although this is unfortunate, Bloomer believes that strengthening our immune systems with the primary goal of battling COVID-19 and other viral infections is of great importance. Evidence does tell that having a nutrient dense diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can all contribute to optimal immune function. In regards to nutrient intake, a study that was published recently, used a sample of health care workers who contracted COVID-19 and noted that those who had followed a plant-based or pescatarian diet had a 73% and 59% lower odds of moderate to severe COVID-19 respectively in comparison to those who did not follow those diets. It is important to note that these findings note an association and not a causal effect. People can use nutrition to store to help shore up their immune system against COVID-19, diet is only one important consideration. There are other variables that matter a great deal such as stress management, nutritional supplements, physical distancing, and mask wearing. To make things clear, all of those elements should be considered tools in the toolbox that aid in combating COVID-19 but it is simply not a replacement for potentially life-saving vaccines.
Vaccines Are Not Perfect, But They Save Lives
Finally, Bloomer gives his final thoughts regarding the vaccine and people’s decision on whether to obtain the vaccine or not. Bloomer finds it interesting that nearly all parents understand the importance of having their kids vaccinated against illnesses such as mumps, measles, and varicella. They do not expect that certain foods or even a nurturing environment will do the job of a vaccine. When it comes to COVID-19 however, this thought process is abandoned and that a healthy lifestyle can replace or substitute for the vaccine without considering what the vaccine actually does which is to provide protection against the virus. A healthy lifestyle cannot do this alone. When one is contemplating whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to consider the following: All medications have risks including things that are considered benign such as aspirin. Hormonal contraception which is something that is used by millions of women every month has caused an estimated 300 to 400 deaths annually in the United States. The same is true for cosmetic surgery, Botox injections, and other procedures that are considered elective. Many people are willing to accept the low risks in those cases, but not willing to accept those that are involved with the COVID-19 vaccines. Despite the fact that the risk of serious complications or death from COVID-19 far outweighs the low risk of serious adverse events from the vaccines. No lifestyle approach whether adhering to a holistic nutrient-dense diet, vegan, and plant-forward or otherwise will confer total protection against COVID-19. The vaccines are not perfect and breakthrough infections do occur in some cases, even so, vaccines continue to provide a robust protection against a severe illness and death. Bloomer encourages people to do all they can to improve the health and the function of their immune system naturally. Then, it is important to seriously consider what additional protection would be gained from obtaining vaccination against COVID-19. When people make a decision based on the latest science, which is always evolving, rather than on emotions and misinformation, the decision should be much clearer.
For more information, contact Bloomer at rbloomer@memphis.edu.