While currently being in the presence of the expected national COVID spike, and while also finishing off my interviews with Professor Schrijver in the US, I decided to recap immune boosting tips this week. How to prevent catching COVID, what helps fight it if you do get it, and what builds you back up afterwards. I’ll address the last two here briefly, but more thoroughly in upcoming weeks.
Prevention:
Food:
I’ve spoken about it before, and tips from Prof. Iris Schrijver confirm it, that the best way to stay healthy, is to be healthy. This sounds ludicrously simple I know, but some of the best ways to prevent not only COVID, but many other health issues from colds, flus to chronic illness later in life are 1) Eat a base of whole-foods. This means foods that aren’t in a wrapper or container yet, so; 2) Fresh vegetables (aiming for 7-10 different types a day is best,) 3) Fresh fruit (1-2 a day), 4) Nuts/seeds, eggs, every day or so, 5) A good protein like fresh chicken, fish or other meats, (1-3 times a week) 6) Increasing more vegetarian proteins like legumes (lentils, mung beans, chickpeas, hummus, tofu, tempeh,) and 7) whole grains, (brown rice, quinoa, oats…)
Good quality sleep:
Sleep seems to be a key factor for physical health and mental health. Generally, for most & ideally 7-8 hours a night is best, going to bed by 10pm and waking at a set time each morning, and addressing apnoea/snoring if it’s persistent.
Stress free boosts immunity-
That’s easier said than done, but this interesting field of science called psycho-neuro-immunology, study’s just that: The effect of stress, fear and anxiety (interestingly prominent tools often lent on by the media. I know, because I used to work for them.), on the mind and immunity.
What we know, is that in states of stress, our immune system decreases, even the number of protective and fighter immune cells we have decreases. That’s a problem when facing an epidemic which can be a fear inducing event, that we need our immune system to be high functioning for.
What can you do?
Meditate and make regular conscious relaxation a part of your daily/weekly routine. Joe Dispenza is great, as are other guided meditations you can get online very easily.
And Whenever you can, laugh. The worlds pretty crazy right now, there’s no shortage of material.
Supplements:
-Vitamin D
-Vitamin C
-Antioxidants, like selenium
-Zinc
-A & E
If you catch COVID:
-Seriously, just go to bed. Rest will be your best friends.
-Lots of water and herbal teas, like my immune tea, or ginger, lemon tea to flush that sucker out.
-Soups, stews
-Avoid high iron (red meat) foods. As we discussed previously, science found viruses like COVID, use the iron in your body, to replicate themselves.
-And more rest.
To recoup after COVID
-Don’t rush this thing. If you just had COVID, it has its own timeframe. And pushing too early out of bed, sets you back, trust me, I watched my hubby try to very stubbornly, and very unsuccessfully, outmanoeuvre it.
Jumping the gun on reintroducing exercise or high levels of activity is also one of the potential factors contributing to the myocarditis and heart issues that CAN arise (rarely) after the vaccine or virus. So, don’t start jogging yet.
-Vitamin C is great to go on after any virus. It replenishes your adrenal glands, helps with the fatigue.
-Withania/Indian ginseng/Ashwagandha- Yes, this miraculous herb comes under many names, and not to be confused with any other type of ginseng. Withania is very beneficial for burn out and building your body strength after a virus.
Contact me for an appointment via here or my website www.noosa-nutrition.com.au , I’m offering short immune consultations to get proper dosing on the supplements and foods I suggest. And always consult your Dr if you’re on medication, before starting anything new.
https://www.discoverymedicine.com/Ronald-Glaser/2009/07/18/stress-damages-immune-system-and-health/ 
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