The Costco shelves are empty. No toilet paper or paper towels to be found for miles. We are being told to wash our hands, use hand sanitizer, fist bump instead of hand shake and avoid large crowds.
Of course we need to listen to the WHO and what's being recommended for Covid-19. But why isn't anyone talking about gut health? Gut health is of utmost importance if we want to gain protection! Our immune system is the first line of defense and fights off the foreign invaders entering our bodies, every minute of the day. Our immune system is only as strong as our gut microbiome, the body’s home to 100 trillion bacteria.
It would make a lot more sense for there to be a run on frozen organic berries, broccoli, oranges and yogurt rather than the aforementioned paper products we are all having trouble locating.
The Coronavirus is real. There is nothing we can do about its existence. So we have to practice Acceptance. What can you control in this situation, as it relates to your stress level? You can control how you react to the news, what kind of news you’re watching and how often you’re engaging in news reports and social media. So get the facts, then turn it off for the day.
For a strong immune system, you need to be physically fit. White blood cells can be sedentary. Exercise mobilizes them by increasing blood flow, so they can do their job .. to seek and destroy invaders. Stress also increases cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your immune system. Ways to decrease cortisol levels are light to moderate exercise and mindfulness exercises, like meditation.
Anxiety can feel very uncomfortable and you may not know what is happening to you. Amino acid supplements like Tryptophan or 5HTP can help with worrisome anxiety and panic. Try GABA supplements for stress and overwhelm symptoms. A good probiotic can help if you’re not able to eat fermented foods. *
Sleep is really important for stress levels to remain low and for the body to recover from the exertions of the day. Set a sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time, every day. Things like white noise or earplugs can help if there are distractions in the room. Lavender essential oils can be soothing. Take an epsom salt bath right before bed for relaxation.
Water helps your body produce lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune cells. Consume at least half your body weight in ounces, of water, daily. Avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol. Alcohol is also implicated in reduced levels of lymphocytes, and first-line-of-defense macrophages may not be as effective in people who drink heavily.
For gut health: Kimchi, kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut are great choices. Plain, full-fat greek yogurt or plant based yogurt increases the immune cells ability to phagocytize or engulf and destroy invaders.
Eat dark greens, yellow/orange squash, carrots, yams, red peppers and tomatoes. These contain carotenes and other antioxidants to help support thymus gland activity (the major gland of our immune system). They prevent damage with free radicals and pro-oxidants. Carotenes also enhance function of several types of white blood cells and increase the antiviral and anticancer properties of our own immune system mediators. Garlic and antioxidant rich berries are also wonderful choices.
Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage all reduce inflammation by activating detoxification enzymes, clearing free radicals and inducing immune functions.
Other vitamins that are crucial are Vitamin C, for the production of white blood cells (oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, kale), Vitamin B6, which is important for biochemical reactions in the immune system (chicken, cold water fish, green veggies and chickpeas). B6 is also vital to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones contains gelatin, chondroitin, and other nutrients helpful for gut healing and immunity. Finally, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection. Foods rich in VItamin E include nuts, seeds and spinach. It’s a fat soluble vitamin, so it needs fat to absorb properly. A handful of almonds is a great choice!
Both green and black teas are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, another powerful antioxidant. EGCG has been shown to enhance immune function. The fermentation process black tea goes through destroys a lot of the EGCG. Green tea, on the other hand, is steamed and not fermented, so the EGCG is preserved.
Preparation
Retrieved from: DrMarkHyman.com/blog
*Be sure to talk to me if you would like to try the amino acid supplements, for an informed recommendation. I am a Nutrition Consultant and Amino Acid Therapist, and not a physician. I don't diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Please see a doctor if you think you have a medical condition. I will not be held liable for failure to diagnose or treat an illness, nor will I be liable for failure to prevent future illness.
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