The Nutritionists Thoughts on COVID-19

Does it seem like our world has turned upside down? This last week things have seemed to erupt in the U.S.--closed schools, canceled meetings, grocery stores being cleaned out, restaurants closing. If you weren’t stocking up on food for the Coronavirus, maybe you are now stocking up on food to survive the wave of panic. It’s hard to not react...especially in the face of having no toilet paper. In times like this, I am confident we can all get creative. There is definitely a balance between overreacting and prepared versus . I am supporting my clients and want to likewise support you with tips to boost your immune system. You can be prepared as much as possible to guard against this offensive virus, as well as the flu and common colds still lingering in this viral season. Symptoms First, a quick review of the common symptoms of COVID-19. They are much like the flu or cold. Here is an excerpt from the World Health Organization, “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is characterized by mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.[1]” It is suggested that if you are showing any of the above signs that you limit your contact with people for up to two weeks...and work on boosting your immune system! Preventative Hand washing is huge (as long as you don’t wash them raw!) This can kill off unwanted germs before we have to deal with them internally. But that is just the first step. There are so many immune boosting vitamins, minerals and essential oils as well as antiviral herbs that we can take! What if instead of fearing the virus, we took the approach to optimize our health, and thus narrow the chance of illness. So, whether you are in top health, have a current medical condition or are elderly, the following recommendations are great for you! Remove the stressors: stress causes our immune system to be weakened. Stress comes in the form of anxiety, work overload, dehydration, sleep deprivation AND consuming sugar and processed food. It is much easier to simply reach for more hand sanitizer, but to take action with these “bigger picture” lifestyle recommendations, you will give your immune system a HUGE head start to fight any unwanted infections. Strengthen the defenses: This second strategy is powerful after removing the stressors--otherwise you are fighting against yourself. -Vitamin D: The best source of Vitamin D is the sun! It’s still hard to get enough though. Biotics brand is my go to for liquid Vitamin D. You can supplement with 2,000 IUs daily or up to 50,000 IUs weekly under your doctor's supervision. Cod liver oil or beef and chicken liver are two great food sources! -Vitamin C: Supplement with ascorbic acid or a vitamin C complex. Lemons and oranges are packed with Vitamin C. Start by adding organic lemon juice (1-2Tbsp.) or lemon essential oil (2 drops) to your water 2-4 times daily. -Zinc: Supplement with liquid or tablets. My favorite food sources include grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds and raw milk! -Bone Broth: You can purchase organic bone broth or make your own by simmering marrow bones in a stockpot. (Be sure to add a few Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar w/ water to help pull the nutrients from the bones.) Additional support: I am lathering myself with essential oils these days! Young Living is my go to company. Thieves, Lemon, Tea Tree, Purification, and Raven are some of the oils I am using to guard against ALL viruses. I am also stocking up on antiviral herbs such as astragalus and mushrooms such as cordyceps. That is a LOT of info in a few paragraphs. If you need additional support on brands and dosage, please reach out to me! I am offering consultations via phone video call and can direct ship supplements to you. Stay tuned for an upcoming online class to dive deeper into immune health with food, herbs, and essential oils. [1] https://www.who.int/ The information provided above does not constitute medical advice; nor is it intended to diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.