Coronavirus (COVID-19) - word about it is everywhere!

Some people are saying it’s a huge, terrifying illness that we should be incredibly fearful about, others are saying it’s being completely overhyped. Regardless, the news about the coronavirus has been getting increasingly concerning for people all over the world and the consequences are affecting our daily lives.

Every day we’re getting reports with new startling details about the spread of the virus, quarantines, and travel bans. The stock market is tanking, the word “pandemic” is being thrown around, and the highly contagious infection seems to be spreading like… ahem… the plague.

While the coronavirus is certainly something to be concerned about, I need to also point out that we are constantly exposed to viruses and illness-causing bacteria. The common cold, influenza, MRSA, and staph are typical threats to our health every day. So why do some people get ill and others are just fine?

It all comes down to your immune system!

If your immune system is strong, it will be ready to fight off a viral attack. During a process called RNA interference, the immune system will produce antibodies that can bind to the virus cells and rend them as non-infectious. The body then sends T cells to destroy the virus.

If your immune system is low, you are at a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases as you will be unable to successfully fight off viral invaders.

What can be a cause for a low immune system?

Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, stress, allergies, autoimmune diseases, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, consuming too much alcohol, and poor sanitation all can contribute to an increased likelihood of contracting an infection.

While maintaining a strong immune system certainly isn’t the only precaution you should take in the event of a potential major health threat, it is something you should consider all the time for longevity and feeling your best.

Focusing on boosting your immune system, especially at the onset of an illness or even just after a poor night’s sleep can knock down a bug immediately.

With all that in mind, let’s focus on how you can boost your immune system!

1) Eat foods high in:

Vitamin C: Guava, bell peppers, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes, papaya, broccoli, pineapple, lemon, blueberries
Vitamin A: Cod liver oil, king mackerel, salmon, goat cheese, butter
- Your body can also produce vitamin A on its own from foods high in carotenoids, or provitamin A. This includes fruits and vegetables like:
  - Sweet potato, kale, collards, carrots, bell pepper, spinach, swiss chard, mango, cantaloupe, grapefruit, watermelon, papaya, apricot, tangerine
Zinc– spinach, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and high quality grass-fed red meat
Selenium – Brazil nuts and garlic
Take your supplements. Remember, taking vitamins will not override a poor diet. However, due to nutrients often being depleted in soil, it may be worthwhile to supplement even a healthy diet.
- Make sure you are always buying high quality supplements. Pay attention to the ingredient list and make sure there are no unnecessary fillers/inactive ingredients like magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and artificial colorings, that can be detrimental to your mission for great health.

2) Get some sun (aka vitamin D). Many people tend to be vitamin D deficient these days as we typically aren’t outside enough… and when we are outside, we wear sunscreen to protect our skin. While you can get some vitamin D from food, typically our best resource is exposure to sunshine. I recommend taking a supplement that also includes vitamin K for optimal benefits.

3) Add immune boosting and antibacterial/antiviral foods and herbs into your diet: Ginger, honey, coconut oil, garlic, mushrooms, turmeric, elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus.

4) Take probiotics daily. Again, do some research and find a great brand without additives. You can also eat and drink cultured foods such as kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut or kimchi for a wonderful variety of healthy probiotics and a happy gut.

5) Drink plenty of fresh, filtered water to flush out toxins.

6) Get great sleep consistently. I can’t say enough about this one. Lack of sleep is a huge contributor to a weakened immune system! Your body desperately needs the regenerating and detoxifying systems that occur while you sleep. Your mental, emotional, and physical health are hugely impacted by getting enough quality sleep.

7) Work on reducing stress. Deep breathing, gentle exercise, stretching, meditation, Epsom salt baths, and other forms of self-care are great stress reducing practices. Stress is the biggest contributing factor to chronic illness in our society. If you have a weakened constitution due to stress, you are much more likely to contract an infectious illness.

For an overall healthy immune system, your best bet is to practice all seven of these health tips all the time. You don’t have to be that someone who gets sick a lot, you can fight for your own health.

I would love to help you make some changes to ensure a healthier you. Whether that’s making immune boosting lifestyle changes or dropping some pounds before your summer trip (hopefully when there is no more fear of the coronavirus…), I am here to support, educate, and guide you.

Contact me to inquire into one-on-one health coaching today!

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