You are probably already aware that as a functional nutritionist I encourage everyone to keep their immune system up using nutrition and lifestyle choices as much as possible.
During this time of uncertainty over the coronavirus, it is even more important that we all act to protect ourselves and our families.
All the team members of the Living Well Health Group have discussed this topic. Here are our recommendations that everyone can, and should, do to keep their immune system strong.
Take care of gut health and immunity by eating onions, leeks, garlic, artichokes, asparagus, tomatoes, potatoes, yams, beans such as Navy beans, lentils, berries (organic) of all colors, whole grain rye, barley, wheat, rice, leafy green vegetables.
Aim to eat 6-8 servings of vegetables daily, 3-4 servings of fruit, 2-3 servings of whole grains, and grass-finished beef, free range chicken, or wild caught fish. (These sources of proteins have better nutrient profile than conventional proteins.)
Get plenty of rest, sunshine, fresh air, and movement. Exercise outdoors when weather permits, keeping in mind ‘social distancing’ guidelines. And be sure to keep hydrated—lots of pure, clean water is the best.
Keep in mind a strong immune system will help your body fight off all sorts of illnesses, not just the Coronavirus. It does NOT keep you from picking up germs, so it is still vitally important that everyone practice safe hygiene.
Get your health information from reliable sources. Don’t rely on “remedies” that you might see online. They can create a false sense of security and actually allow for quicker spread of the virus.
On the other side of the coin, paying too much attention to the media can instill fear and even panic.
While it can be challenging, it is important for people to stay calm. Remember, stress (including fear) is an immunity DEPRESSANT. So, use tools that work for YOU to reduce your stress levels. Maybe that is singing and dancing, walking in the woods, writing, taking a long bath, petting the cat or dog, playing games with your kids.
Bummed you can’t travel? Take advantage of the many free online offerings. Many museums have virtual tours for free.
School kids at home? Many educational organizations are offering online classes and training at no cost.
Just because we are ‘distancing’ doesn’t mean we should become isolated or disconnected. Now, more than ever, our human to human connections are important. We can still communicate while keeping a safe distance.
I was so inspired by a video taken in Italy where the virus is rampant. Many people there are taking to their balconies and singing together. You can watch it on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/LADbible/videos/636076133849868/
And in Norway, the people are clapping as a way to thank and encourage the care givers and emergency workers, all while keeping a safe distance. Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernNorway/videos/150296366212390/
In office appointments for treatments such as bio mat, Vibroacoustic mat are done for single (individual) patients only. The Bio May is an infrared mat and the Vibroacoustic acoustic mat utilizes vibration and sound at specific frequencies to optimize cellular health. Every tissue in the body has a specific frequency and we can support those frequencies using physics via the mat.
Foot baths appointments are single patient or can be done 2 at a time for family members such as sisters, mother-daughter, husband-wife.
Relax during and after your treatments knowing all surfaces are thoroughly sanitized after each appointment.
If you already feel ill or just prefer to not come to the office, Zoom appointments are always available. Zoom is a video conference system that we can use for personal or small group meetings. All you need is a computer with a camera and audio, or your smart phone!
Let’s share with each other ways that boost our morale as well as our immune system and make it through this health situation together.
Below are important links so you can find the latest news from the national and internal medical authorities.
CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Photo credits
Coronavirus Photo by CDC
hand washing Photo by CDC on Unsplash
fruit & veggie Photo by Dose Juice on Unsplash
running on the beach Photo by Yuliya Kosolapova on Unsplash
drink water Photo by Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash