Articles

On 30 April 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I drafted a letter and both emailed and posted it separately to two London Radio show hosts and never received even an acknowledgement of receipt.  Perhaps it is an illustration of their unwillingness to be receptive or to at least entertain other viewpoints that may not necessarily be ‘mainstream’.  However, I believe the letter provides an excellent and accurate view about my philosophy of health, and thought it important to share this with anyone visiting my website and wishing to know a little bit more in-depth about me.

Considerations on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

For several months, I have been listening to your radio station on a daily basis, and as I sit in my flat, I have become deeply saddened by the devastating influence this virus is having, and will continue to have on human health, especially the tragic loss of life.  In fact, those individuals working in front-line jobs and living in care home settings appear most vulnerable to this virus, and I am concerned about placing all emphasis and hope on avoidant, testing and vaccination strategies, whereas I think there are other helpful areas that do not appear to be discussed and which deserve mention.  It is therefore my aim to highlight other avenues that could be investigated, and to provide much-needed optimism to people in a climate where anxiety, fear, and despair appear to dominate.  This does not mean that I am attempting in any way to diminish the severity of the present situation, but rather trying to provide a slightly more balanced view of the landscape.

In 2012, Anthony Fauci, MD, the Director of National Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and David Morens, MD, published an article in the New England of Journal of Medicine titled ‘The Perpetual Challenge of Infectious Diseases’.  In this article these doctors state ‘Unlike many chronic and lifestyle-associated diseases resulting from multiple, interacting risk factors, most infectious diseases are caused by a single agent, the identification of which typically points the way not only to general disease-control measures (e.g. sanitation, chemical disinfection, hand washing, or vector control) but also to specific medical measures (e.g. vaccination or antimicrobial treatment)’.  Whilst this view seems perfectly sensible and reasonable given the current crisis (and the model that the UK government seems to adopt), its origin lies in a disease-based healthcare model.  This means it is focused on a symptom-driven approach.  Furthermore, the degree to which viruses cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe generally relates to the susceptibility of the host.  Otherwise, how else can one explain the varied response of individuals who become infected with COVID-19?  So my view is somewhat different to Drs Fauci and Morens in that viruses work in concert with other variables both biological and social to ‘take advantage’ of susceptible individuals, such as the elderly and people with comorbidities, and thus are not caused by a single agent.  I also think that some of the factors that make one susceptible to becoming infected with a virus may be modifiable.

If you take a holistic view of human health, and in this case supporting immunity against COVID-19, there are several factors that could be adopted to help encourage optimal immune function.  These supporting factors include dietary modification and nutritional supplementation, psychological wellness, physical activity, adequate sleep, limiting environmental exposure, microbiome health, and spirituality/religion (although some might find this a contentious issue).  If each of these factors could be addressed, wherever possible, it might help provide the milieu for developing greater immunity.  Please understand that I am not advocating this as a treatment against COVID-19 or any other virus.  What I am suggesting is a multifactorial way to support the body’s immune function in such a way as to make it more resilient against acquiring a virus, or at least potentially limiting the consequences once infected.  I am fully aware that this is a long-term strategy for overall health, which is going to require a radical paradigm shift from a society where individuals typically rely solely on the NHS and government agencies for their healthcare needs, to one in which there is more emphasis on self-reliance.  I am not for one minute suggesting what I have outlined is easy to implement, because it is not.  What I am categorically saying, however, is that there are alternatives that could be embraced, if only an infrastructure were developed to disseminate sound scientific recommendations through government backing at both the national and local level.

In an era where credentials seem to be paramount in persuading individuals to make necessary changes for improved health, I would like to say that I have worked for a private medical clinic for 14 years, and have provided consultations to many hundreds of individuals hailing from all over the world.  A significant portion of these individuals had been diagnosed via their GP with chronic fatigue syndrome, whilst others presented with symptoms of Lyme disease, and issues related to food.  In addition, I have volunteered for the charitable mental health organisation Bucks Mind for almost 5 years, and within the last few years in the Counselling Department of Bucks New University in High Wycombe.  So apart from obtaining formal relevant qualifications, I have a reasonable level of clinical experience in both nutrition and psychological health.

I have tried numerous times to speak with you during your usual radio slot, and have also tried another one of your colleagues too.  Regretably, I have been unable to get my perspective heard.  I would therefore be grateful if what I have proposed could be aired with the intention that others may find it helpful.  It may even invite other listeners to respond and initiate an open honest discussion.  I would certainly be more than willing to speak with you briefly on air if you deem this appropriate.

I look forward to hearing from you.

With best wishes

Yours sincerely

Ron Leon

MSc in Nutrition

MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy

Next: Counselling