I want to kick this post off by saying I am NOT a doctor, always check with your medical professional before using any supplements or starting a protocol for your health.
This blog, however, is a cumulation of amazing tips I have learned from doctors, herbalists and professionals, and studies.
Whether this virus is completely freaking you out, or you could care less, it doesn't hurt to be cautious. And really what I'm about to share with you is stuff that you could be doing every day anyway. That way when hysteria like this comes our way, we can feel more confident because we've been taking care of things all along!
So here's what I'M focusing on during this corona virus hoopla!
1. Wash your hands: groundbreaking, isn't it? But I want to get more specific here. Hand sanitizers unfortunately have chemicals in it that can kill good and bad bacteria (just like antibiotics). I'm not saying don't use it, but when and where you can, wash your hands (sing the ABC's). Use a soap with limited chemicals that eliminates germs without killing your healthy bacteria that you need to fight off diseases. I've been using Branch Basics All purpose concentrate as my hand wash (and for pretty much everything else in my house) because it safely removes germs without compromising my immune system. You can use their concentrate for the surfaces in your home as well and add some vinegar & hydrogen peroxide to. Here is a full article on how to do this.
2. Sleep: its been found in studies that poor sleep makes you susceptible to becoming sick. From the SleepFoundation.Org ,"Without sufficient sleep, your body makes fewer cytokines, a type of protein that targets infection and inflammation, effectively creating an immune response. Cytokines are both produced and released during sleep, causing a double whammy if you skimp on shut-eye.". Stay off electronics at least 1 hour before bedtime (no listening to the news before bed), sleep in a dark, quiet environment, and let your immune system build!
3. Exercise: working out has been linked to decreasing your risk for illness. But how are you supposed to workout and build up your immunity in a cest pool such as the gym? Theres always the option to take your movement outside now that the weather is getting warmer. But if you don't like running (like myself), then I highly suggest at home workouts to get yourself healthy while avoiding big crowds. I've been using Beachbody workouts for the past 8 years and besides the results it gives me, I can say I'm glad I don't have to worry about exposing myself to bacteria while I get my sweat on (I'm getting married in June, I'm not skipping workouts ya'll!). Not only have these workouts kept my interest the past 8 years, but on top of that its cheaper than any gym membership I know, rounding out to about $9/month. Try 2 weeks for free here (while the corona chaos passes)
4. Limit Booze: I know with the mayhem that comes from the news, social media and people at work, it may seem nice to kick back with a glass of vino and forget about it for a while why you find yourself knee deep in a Love is Blind on Netflix binge. From RecoveryWays.com : "Excessive drinking reduces the number and function of three important kinds of cells in your immune system–macrophages, T and C cells. Macrophages are the first line of defense against disease. They eat anything that’s not supposed to be there, including cancerous cells, and they sound the alarm if pathogens are present. T cells are antibodies to specific pathogens. They are the reason vaccines work and why you can’t get chicken pox twice. Your T cells already know how to kill those specific kinds of viruses. B cells are white blood cells that secrete cytokines that attack bacteria. When B and T cells are suppressed, your immune system is less efficient at identifying and destroying invading pathogens." Not to mention that when you drink, you are not sleeping well, and that points us back up to point #2!
5. Food: you are what you eat, blah blah blah. But seriously, what you eat will determine how your body is able to defend against germs and viruses. Specifically, increase the amount of vegetables and fruits you are eating because they are filled with the most vitamins and minerals our body's need to be strong. Eating more fruits and veggies will also quicken recovery time if you do find yourself sick. Eating should be high up on your list of things to do to prevent not only the corona virus, but thousands of other diseases out there! Start by just adding 2 extra servings a day.
6. Supplementation: vitamins and supplements should not be taken in place of actual food. But in times where we may need an extra boost, it's a great add on. I personally am adding extra zinc and spirulina to my smoothies to help boost my immunity. In addition, something I take year round (since I have a tick-borne illness its important to always be helping my immunity) is Immune Shroom by Organic Olivia. This supplement has 5 superfood mushrooms in it, that supports your body’s production of “natural killer cells” that fight harmful organisms in your environment (if you are a teacher or nurse you NEED this!). If you find yourself with a cold or exposed to someone who is sick, another thing to add to your arsenal is Elderberry syrup. This tells your immune system to work NOW, so its best taken at first sight of symptoms (where the Mushroom blend can be taken all year round daily).
7. Limit News/Social Media: Before you come for my head, I'm not saying ignore this virus. I am saying however that what you consume, you become. If you have CNN on every few hours and they are repeatedly instilling fear, drama and chaos into your brain, thats what you will become If you are interacting on FB/IG with articles and posts that have to do with this virus, it will only keep popping up on your newsfeed (thanks Algorithm.) Check in once a day. See whats happening, then move on with life because really all we can do is what I mentioned above, and how we react to it. I refuse to let someone else determine my mindset for the day and instill fear. If you want to follow proactive professionals who are solution oriented I highly suggest following Doctor G, Empowered Autoimmune, Organic Olivia, Dr. Joseph.
*For some of the products mentioned in this blog I do recieve a small commission. I only reached out to be an affiliate with these companies after trying and loving their products myself.*
I hope you found this blog helpful, resourceful a
