We’re definitely in the thick of the Coronavirus Covid-19 which has infected thousands worldwide, raising fear and anxiety among the general population. Whilst there’s still many unknowns about this illness, one thing’s for sure — like other viral infections, practicing proper hygiene and bolstering your immune system is essential to protecting your health.
In this blog, I offer suggestions for how you can help build up your immune system so you can fight off anything you might be exposed to. I cover what symptoms to look out for, foods to avoid/remove, immune-boosting and anti-viral foods, supplements, and recipes plus lifestyle tips. All these practices can help you recover more quickly and effectively from anything you might contract.
The information and the tools I share here are not only useful during heightened times such as now but are also helpful year-round. I hope that having these tools in your toolkit will empower you to take charge of your health and give you peace of mind.
This is really important stuff so grab a cuppa and let’s dive in.
SYMPTOMS
According to the World Health Organisation the symptoms of Coronavirus Covid-19 are:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Pneumonia
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome
• Kidney failure
FOODS TO REMOVE AND/OR REDUCE
Viruses need food to survive inside our bodies. There are certain foods that viruses love to eat which allow them to strengthen and proliferate so weakening our health. Therefore, it’s key we remove and/or reduce these so we can fight viruses.
The key culprits are dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, yoghurt plus gluten and corn.
If you don’t want to remove these all at once, you can still start protecting yourself by removing one or two and continuing to remove the rest as and when you’re ready.
Overall, keep your diet clean and avoid as much as possible all food and drinks that strip your body of vital nutrients and create inflammation such as processed foods, sugar and sugary foods, alcohol and so on.
IMMUNE BOOSTING FOODS
These are particularly great immune-boosting foods.
• Celery – this will fight off viruses and kill off viral overgrowth. Celery is also very antiseptic and rich in vitamin C which will strengthen your entire immune system
• Cucumber – has a great cooling effect which makes it a wonderful fever reducer when you contact a virus
• Garlic – highly anti-viral and rich in the phytochemical allicin, a sulfur compound that prevents disease. Raw garlic helps fight flu’s, colds and viruses giving you a powerful immune boost
• Ginger – also highly anti-viral and can bring the body out of it’s reactive state which can happen easily when you have a fever
• Turmeric – one of my favourites as it’s so anti-inflammatory so reducing your viral load
• Lemon – another solid food to use as it’s +alkaline in the body and rich in vitamin C
IMMUNE BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS
Several nutrients are known for their immune-boosting properties and the ability to ward against viral infections. My top picks are as follows:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has two major functions that help explain its potent health benefits. First, it acts as a powerful antioxidant against disease. It also acts as a cofactor for enzymatic processes. Viruses are also highly allergic and sensitive to vitamin C. This vitamin also has the ability to oxidise a pathogen causing it to become injured and weakened. It’s also anti-inflammatory and increases our white blood count.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR VITAMIN C NOW
Zinc
Zinc feeds the immune system and is very important to overall health. Sadly, most people are zinc deficient. If we don’t have enough zinc our body may overreact or underreact to an invader such as a virus. When there’s an abundance of this trace mineral these reactions rarely take place. Zinc is also an essential component of more than 300 enzymes and supports a wide range of health benefits including good immune function, tissue healing and repairing wounds. It’s also an antioxidant that contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR ZINC NOW
Vitamin B12
Nearly everyone is deficient in vitamin B12. The body relies on lots of B12 for daily functions. When you experience any kind of illness, your body utilises B12 rapidly so it’s key you have an abundance of it. B12 can protect your entire body from neurotoxin damage from viruses. It also repairs and strengthens the parts of the body that have been damaged by the virus. B12 will also boost you mentally and emotionally and is critical for a faster recovery from illness.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR VITAMIN B COMPLEX NOW
Vitamin D
Research shows high-dose vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of respiratory illnesses and lung infections in the elderly by 40%. I recommend boosting your immune system with regular sensibly controlled sun exposure and, when unable to do that, taking vitamin D3.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR VITAMIN D NOW
Here are some other vitamin blends/multi’s I highly recommend you look at too:
SUPER SUPPLEMENTAL VITAMINS & MINERALS
IMMUNE BOOSTING LIFESTYLE
Get Plenty Of Sleep
Research shows the microbiome in your gut is under circadian control, which means disruptions in sleep can affect the composition and health of your microbiome, which can have a significant impact on your overall health and immunity.
Get Adequate Sunshine
Vitamin D from sun exposure increases your body’s production of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides that destroy the cell walls of viruses and bacteria.
Move Your Body
Research published in journals has highlighted the importance of exercise noting the positive effect it can have on their immune system.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking adequate water is vital for proper hydration, flushing toxins in the body and contributing to an improved immune system.
Wash Your Hands
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. Also, be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms of cold or flu.
IMMUNE BOOSTING RECIPES
Keep your immune system strong with these recipes I’ve posted about in the past …
I hope all these tools and tips will empower you to take charge of your health in these challenging times. I’m thinking about each and every one of you.
Much love, Gaynor x
