CORONAVIRUS CHAOS - KEEP CALM AND STAY STRONG

Considering the spreading fear and panic regarding Coronavirus here is something to consider….

Fear, panic and ensuing chaos are highly contagious, as can currently be observed the world over. It is widely acknowledged that stress is extremely threatening to the immune system, the very thing that we all need to rely on when we encounter pathogens such as this virus. The major cause of the current panic epidemic is mainstream media. Yet it seems that people are obsessed with listening to this dangerous source of misinformation.

The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). It is essentially a virus which primarily affects the respiratory system causing widely varying breathing issues, depending on the status of one’s immune system and pre existing medical conditions.

There is much talk about prevention of the spread of this virus, in terms of hand washing, coughing into elbows, avoiding human contact etc. Sadly, there has not been much information offered on how to boost one’s primary defence – our mighty immune system. This virus is not going away and we cannot live the rest of our lives following current advice to stay away from others, so we need to arm ourselves with some internal defences which will not only afford protection from this particular virus, but from ALL potential pathogens that we may come into contact with throughout our lives.

Here are some things that are very easy to implement to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON – well I can’t help being British! The panic epidemic is now in full swing as seen with the panic buying, empty supermarket shelves, stock market crashes etc. Fear and stress are an enormous burden to our immunity, the very thing we all need to be able to rely on right now. Choose carefully what you are exposing yourselves, and your children to. Turn off the news. It will not serve you positively. I have never watched or read the news in my entire life, yet somehow, I am more than well informed as to the situation. What I am not is fear- ridden but it seems that I am pretty much alone in this emotional state of calmness. Please come and join me. It’s a much better place to reside.

2. STAY OR GET PROPERLY HYDRATED Most people do not hydrate adequately. Yet it is one of the simplest measures to being healthy. For a great functioning body it is vital that you stay hydrated. Cellular hydration is key. This means drinking approximately 1 litre for every 25 kg of body weight in small quantities frequently throughout the day. Adding a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon will help with absorption at a cellular level, which is essential for optimising and maintaining immunity. Make sure the water is adequately filtered and not stored in plastic.

3. NUTRITION There are many opinions on what is the healthiest diet; keto, paleo, vegan, Mediterranean, vegetarian etc. Ultimately what matters most is that the diet is based on REAL, CLEAN, WHOLE foods. Not things out of labelled cans, boxes and packets. Ideally it is also organic, non GMO and locally grown.

Specific antiviral immune boosters and anti-inflammatory foods include garlic, ginger, turmeric, coconut oil, medicinal mushrooms, lemongrass, cinnamon, black pepper and fermented foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, and apple cider vinegar as well as drinking herbal teas.

4. IMMUNE BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS

ZINC is a key mineral for immune support, found in nuts, seeds, oysters, beef, lamb and green leafy vegetables. You can also choose to supplement with a 20-50mg daily dose (highest during winter months) and the best forms which are highly absorbable are picolinate and citrate.

VITAMIN C (ascorbic acid) is also vital for immune protection and support. Small regular doses through the day will optimise levels 500mg 2-4 times daily. Vitamin C is found in fresh fruit and vegetables; especially berries, kiwifruit, capsicum, citrus and onion. Add a squeeze of lemon juice in your first (or more if you love the taste) glass of water each day. Liposomal vitamin C is the most absorbable oral form.

VITAMIN D levels are essential for immune protection. Sun exposure helps to convert Vitamin D in our skin. A daily dose of 20 minutes early morning sun preferably to as much exposed skin as possible (no sunscreen) but also include foods rich in Vitamin D as well as a supplement of 1 x 1000 IU capsule daily minimum (I take 5000 IU and am still struggling to optimize my levels – ask your doctor to test if you are unsure, and be aware that recommended lab levels are woefully inadequate, see my blog post on Vitamin D). Foods include cod liver oil, oily fish and grass-fed butter, egg yolks and organ meats.

5. HERBS Traditional herbs such as Astragalus. Echinacea and Olive Leaf extract are high on the list of choices for prevention against traditional colds and flus due to their immune boosting capacity.

Arming yourself with the knowledge to self-protect is extremely powerful in allaying fear which stems from a feeling of loss of control. These are times when we need to stay as calm as we can and amid the current chaos this is a great example. Fear and anxiety deplete our immune systems. Choose to only read and listen to reliable and credible news sources.