With many of our clients glued to the news of the spread of the novel coronavirus, we want to address the questions we’re receiving daily. Preventing illness altogether may be out of our control, however preparing our bodies, minds and homes can help us to navigate this era with more confidence.
Why Should I Prepare Myself?
Social distancing, sanitizing, masks do not stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures can only flatten the curve (slow the spread to prevent a surge in demand for medical care and supplies at one time).
Harvard epidemiologists are estimating that up to 40-70% of the global population will contract COVID-19.
According to Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, herd immunity or a widely available vaccine is not likely to happen in 2020.
As the country opens back up, there is a greater likelihood of being exposed.
The CDC is warning a second wind of COVID-19 could hit that could be worse than the 1st.
Staying at home, sheltering in place, not interacting with mother nature over an extended period of time depresses the immune system.
Those who have a healthy immune system are more likely to recover quickly.
Note: None of this information is meant to scare anyone. It’s only meant to help you prepare yourself.
Do Natural Remedies Really Help With Recovery If You Have COVID-19?
When a person has an active Coronavirus infection, the goal of immune support is to interfere with entry of the virus into cells, inhibit viral replication, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. At this point in time, there is not a lot of research on natural remedies for COVID-19 (also known as SARS-CoV-2). Suggestions for natural remedies are being made based on research that has been done on other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS) and Influenza A.
Plant Chemicals That Reduce Inflammation
In the later stages of disease, COVID-19 can cause inflammatory damage throughout the body and resulting multi-organ failure. The following have been shown in research to reduce release of inflammatory chemicals during cytokine storms.
Curcumin
Quercetin
Luteolin
Plant Chemicals That Inhibit Viral Adhesion
Luteolin
Hesperidin
Natural Remedies That Inhibit Viral Replication
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) - during active viral infections the body’s need for produce glutathione becomes higher, so supplementation is necessary, Shown in research studies to decrease:
Decrease symptom severity
Decrease length of viral illness
Decrease recurring illness
Monolaurin - derived from coconut oil, has been shown to inhibit viral replication and break down the viral envelope
Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant and immune support nutrient.
EGCG (active ingredient in green tea)
Andrographis
Luteolin
If you are in need of a quality source for supplements and vitamins, here’s an invitation to our online dispensary. All you do is create an account and shop. They can all be found under the “Acute Immune Support Kit” category. The best part is each formula can serve multiple purposes and be used throughout the year once the current viral outbreak has subsided, so they will not go to waste.
What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19 I Should Look Out For?
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Dry cough with shortness of breath
Fever or chills
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
If I Do NOT Have COVID-19, What Can I Do to Boost My Immune System?
Immune Support (Before Exposure)
Of course nothing can provide 100% protection, but a good base of immune support can give you a good foundation. Each of these formulas are all great to take on a regular basis to build and maintain a healthy immune system.
Multivitamin or other combination immune support formula - essential for a daily dose of immune support Vitamins A, C, D, E, Selenium, Iron, Zinc.
High Potency Fish Oil - plays several key roles in defending against infections
Vitamin D3 - plays a key role in regulating the immune system. Most multivitamins do not have enough.
Immunoglobulins, Probiotics - build the mucosal barrier in respiratory and digestive tracts. Viruses have to break down your mucus barriers to get into your cells.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) - helps to produce glutathione, the most abundant anti-oxidant in the body. Should be taken at higher doses during an active viral infection.
The best part is each formulas can be used throughout the year once the current viral outbreak has subsided, so they will not go to waste. Here’s an invitation to our online nutritional dispensary if you are looking for a place where you can find high quality supplements and vitamins. All you do is create an account and shop. They can all be found under the “Daily Immune Support Kit” category.
Rest & Sleep Properly
Even though we are all extremely busy, make sure you are getting enough sleep. When you sleep your body goes through natural healing and detox processes that are important for maintaining a strong immune system. It is important not to deprive yourself of that healing time.
Good sleep hygiene includes:
Reading a good novel at bedtime instead of catching up on the day’s news on your phone
Turning off your phone’s notifications in the evening
Turning down the lights to create a more soothing bedtime environment
Sleeping in complete darkness
Maintain a Healthy Diet
During a time like this, the Standard American Diet is definitely not in our favor. Sugar and processed foods are detrimental to the immune system. Eliminate sugar, processed foods, limit consumption of grains. Increase intake of nutrient dense vegetables and fruits. Limit fruits that are high in sugar. Here are some foods that are considered to be immune-boosting. If you are unable to find them fresh, frozen is also good.
Protein - adequate protein intake is needed in order to make antibodies.
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are high in vitamin C and E and flavonoids, all helpful for the immune system to work optimally.
Orange foods such as oranges, red bell peppers and sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, a protective antioxidant.
Salmon and other oily fish provide healthy fats for strong cells, and may be helpful in reducing immune-related conditions.
Turmeric both fresh and powdered is helpful in reducing inflammation in the body. Garlic and ginger may also provide some immune-boosting effects.
Berries, especially blueberries which contain flavonoids, compounds helpful in fighting off upper respiratory tract infections.
Reduce Stress
Fear and psychological stress are definitely counterproductive. Stress reduction is top of the list of healthy lifestyle habits, and is particularly important at times like these. Find small ways to calm things (and yourself / kids) down throughout the day, and definitely try to avoid blasting CNN 24/7.
When we are feeling stressed out our body feels it too. This is not just a psychological issue, it’s physiological as the stress hormone cortisol changes the body’s reactions to food, sleep and immunity.
Take a bubble bath, break up the day with some outdoor time, take up meditation, read a good book, do some coloring, start a craft project, sing a little karaoke… the list is endless… make some time for calming activities daily.
We hope this information helps you to feel calm and confident in your ability to handle whatever may or may not come your way.
Written By: Dr. Shayna Peter, NMD, CNS, LDN
Want More Powerful Immune Boosting Strategies?
Check Out Our New Immune Boosting Training: Arm Yourself Against Viral Outbreaks.
**** Medical Disclaimer ****
The products, supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc mentioned in this article are not intended to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19 in people. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over the counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The information in this article is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9230243/
https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/04/30/herd-immunity-covid-19-coronavirus/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863266/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100810122045.html
http://www.mcgilltribune.com/sci-tech/montreal-researchers-propose-a-treatment-for-covid-19-170320
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092861/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7114094/
