I’ve focused on strengthening your immune system with tips for staying healthy during coronavirus and beyond. Many people are stressed right now due to the fear surrounding the novel coronavirus. I am certain you have already heard enough tips about hand washing so I won’t review that.
I’ve posted some tips that I recommend to my patients as daily self care and during any cold/flu season.
Take A Breath…
By breathing out more slowly than you are breathing in, you will automatically calm your nervous system. Focusing on lengthening the exhale will also take the work out of this effort. The inhales will come naturally. Do this for a few moments anytime you’re feeling stressed.
Prioritize Sleep
Do all the things we know we should do regarding sleep. Go to be early. Don’t read the phone or watch TV in bed. Make your room dark and comfortable but not too warm. Take a warm bath before bed.
Have dinner earlier so you are not overfull when climbing into bed.
Get Your Daily Movement In, But If You Are Sick, Don’t Overdo it.
Take a walk outside, even just around the block with help your immune system. You need access to nature and outside air. Exercise helps to move the lymph system which is critical for immune health.
Gentle yoga or stretching at home is very helpful and grounding. Many yoga studios now are even offering online courses so you may practice at home if needed. Plus there are numerous youtube yoga and workout courses available.
Take Specific Supplements
Take specific supplements to boost your immune system. I provided general tips below for you to discuss with your health provider. Please check with your doctor and pharmacist first before taking any new supplements, herbs or foods, as they may interfere with your current medications or be contraindicated for you.
I’m offering medical grade supplements through Fullscript with a 10% discount when you click on my dispensary icon below. Feel free to browse the store on your own or let me know if you need recommendations.
Vitamin C, Zinc, selenium, and Vitamin D are very important to maintain a healthy immune system. Especially Vitamin C-Please read this article.
All of these have immune boosting and antioxidant qualities. Zinc can upset some patient’s stomachs, so look for a glycinate form and take it with food.
Oil of oregano helps reduce the viral load on your body. Its available as a tincture (oil or alcohol base) form and as capsules. You may also add a few drops to water to clean and disinfect your home.
Receive 10% off Professional Grade Supplements
I have set up an online dispensary through Fullscript. Use the link below to receive 10% off all your supplements.
Essential Oils Are Great Selfcare
Ellen Geary, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and long-time colleague of mine offers a wide range of essential oils, more than what I stock in the clinic. She is happy to personally coach you on how to use them.
Eat The Right Foods
Stay healthy with foods that are right for your body and avoid the junk foods and sugary items that mess with your gut biome. Getting enough greens daily helps with mood and digestion, nourishing your biome.
Try this vegan healing soup or this bone broth as a base to nourish your gut biome. Feel free to add your favorite plants and protein to it. Adding some grated ginger will aid digestion and reduce body aches. Sip on either broth during the day.
An easy way to have quality ginger on hand is to wash and peel a couple roots and grind in a food processor to small shredded chunks and store in a freezer safe container. This will save you time.
If your stomach is upset, try some simple steamed rice or sweet potatoes. Bland soothing foods are more appealing when you’re not well, so dial down the spice and oil while you recover. Plenty of time for that 5-star spiced Thai dish when you’re well again.
Retreat, But Don’t Recoil And Please Don’t Isolate
Its always a good idea to stay home when you have the flu or cold. This is not my idea. Most grandmothers have been telling us from the beginning of time. This is not only to prevent spreading of germs, but to allow your body to actually rest, heal, and recover.
If you are staying in, please take a moment to connect to your friends and loved ones via phone or Skype so you are not holed up and in isolation. Staying in is for prevention and recovery and not punishment/exile. Being alone and disconnected from your daily life, work and friends adds to fear and anxiety. Anxiety and disconnection lowers your immune response.
Briefly keep in touch with the news, so you are aware but don’t go crazy with the media. Hunching forward over your phone, puts your body in a constricted, grieving position; not a good idea if you’re already feeling bad.
Listen to uplifting material, podcasts or comedies to lift your mood. If you are physically under the weather, no need to add to it with negative programming. Here is a free EFT video by Mira Kelly on clearing overwhelm of coronavirus.
Make use of the delivery services we are lucky to have these days. Groceries are available now on Amazon and many other delivery options are available for take out.
When you are well, or if you are staying in, take a moment to call and check on your elderly neighbors and friends to see if they need anything. It only takes moment to drop something off at their door, or place an order for them.
Be Kind…
At the end of the day, kindness and compassion are both superpowers and secret weapons. It costs nothing to be kind and we always can be kind no matter the circumstances. Have compassion for yourself and and others as we move forward.
Any questions about tips for staying healthy during coronavirus? Please send me an email.
If you are feeling anxious or need a proactive immune boost, I am currently seeing patients who have not exhibited any symptoms, on a case by case basis.
