Covid 19 MO
Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.
Dorothy Thompson
I was recently asked which supplement I thought might be most beneficial for boosting immunity and preparing to fight viral illnesses during the recent COVID 19 Pandemic.
So often, I believe people get overwhelmed by differing opinions–take this take that.
This post represents my attempt at helping people who trust my opinion to prepare themselves.
Though I will discuss supplements, let us not forget how the human body builds immunity, repairs, and rejuvenates itself
Sleep
Research is very clear, 7-9 hours of sleep is essential. Anything less and inflammation, immune function, cancer prevention, stress, and hormone balance decline. Please, turn off cell phones, TV’s, media fast, and give yourself the opportunity to take the important step of allowing yourself 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Diet
Sugar, Soda, Alcohol, fruit juice, pastries, candy and all forms of processed, carbohydrate laden foods suppress immunity. Give your body the best chance against viruses by limiting these addictive and harmful foods. As best as you can, eat vegetables, meat, and good fats. These are the foods that help us repair, defend, and win against outside bodily invaders. A strong immunity requires minerals, vitamins, proteins, and good fats.
Exercise
Movement and exercise have shown to have massive influence on heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and yes immune function. Regular aerobic exercise is fundamental to keeping our immunity maximal. During this pandemic, consider walking or light calisthenics 5-6 x per week. Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. Remember any physical activity helps. Sedentary people get sick more, have more chronic ailments and die more frequently. Get Moving!
Supplements
First, I tend to recommend food based supplements. Better yet, get most of your vitamins from food if you can. But, circumstances may limit access to quality food.
I recommend, in order of importance, the following supplements to help prevent illness during flu season and to prevent or reduce effects of COVID-19
Each of these have a therapeutic rationale for improving health, thereby boosting bodily immunity.
Multi-vitamin
When in doubt, take a quality food based multi-vitamin. These were designed to fill in the gaps in the modern diet. My favorite is CATALYN. Made by Standard Process, I typically recommend this product to everyone. I normally recommend 3-6 tablets daily.
Probiotics
“Good Bacteria” serve as the first line of defense in our body. A tiny layer of bacteria live in the lining of our digestive tract. Introducing probiotics builds a healthy layer of defense against outside invaders. Combined with a health diet, may be the most powerful way to fight outside invaders.
My favorite pro-biotic, though there are many high quality pro-biotics, is ACIDOPHILUS 4×6 Billion, made by NOW PRODUCTS. I normally recommend 1-2 daily.
Zinc
This key mineral shortens the course of viral illnesses and helps prevent them. This is especially true when taken within 24 hours of the onset of a virus (Like COVID 19). This is a Category A recommendation based on 13 randomized controlled trials. It works, use it.
Personally I prefer ZINC LIVER CHELATE (Food based version of zinc from Standard Process) 3 daily recommended
Summary
Do the little things– they matter.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Maintain social-distancing until we receive the all clear.
Protect and support older friends and family.
Do with less, serve others and we shall all get through this situation.
IF you would like more information or my team to mail you the supplements suggested, call 361-387-3500.