Anti-viral protection, or pro-immunity strengthening?
The explosion of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone on this planet, whether it is one extreme of contracting the virus and suffering secondary infections and hospitalisation or whether it is simply living through it in various levels of lockdown. What is clear among the confusion is that our leaders, medical and political and business, are all learning as they go along. There are discussions about how SARS CoV2 is evolving in its many different strains, and then debate about when and in what shape the next coronavirus will be. This can have an unsettling effect.
But, aside from certain supplements and herbal combinations that one can take, there are other things we can take away from this.
The first is that we should do what we can to build up our own resilience, both immunologically and psychologically. We have no control (at the moment) over viral development and evolution, but we can do something individually to be prepared.
One of the big players in the game is stress, whether it is physical or mental or emotional. Stress (or anxiety, which may be more appropriate for some people) via the stimulation of adrenalin and cortisol which turn on our “flight and fright” systems actually turns down or turns off our immune system -not ideal when facing viral challenges. We need to foster the “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) system, which is when we feel safe. So any of our stress management go-to’s need to be utilised, eg exercise, meditation, creativity (eg art, writing, woodwork, whatever is your chosen activity).
We need social connections – other human beings to communicate with, and this includes physical touch, hugs and kisses.These strengthen our immune system.
Keeping hydrated. In all my consultations I always ask about water (or non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages), and to the question “How much water do you drink?” 90% of people reply, “Not enough!”.
We need quality water and herbal teas. The heat of the drink does have an effect on the humidity of our nasal passages & mucous membranes so that it is less likely to be a favourable environment for viruses and pathogens.
There is research showing that by increasing the body temperature (eg, saunas or alternating hot & cold showers) we can combat viruses.
Eat well – low sugar and nutritious, well-portioned meals, ideally high in vegetables. While not deliberately fasting, an interval of 12 hours or more eg between the evening meal and breakfast gives the digestive system a chance to relax and repair.
All things we can do in the face of viral infections.