When I caught news of the Coronavirus and its almost inevitable pandemic reach. Just like everyone else, I promptly turned to Google in search of preventative measures. According to the World Health Organization in order to avoid the Coronavirus, we should be washing our hands frequently, maintaining appropriate social distance (3 feet from anyone coughing or sneezing), as well as practicing respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. As well as avoiding touching your face, mouth or nose.
We’re talking basic flu precautions here folks. So why the hysteria?
I’m not sure how things are looking in your neck of the woods, but over here in Southwest Florida, people are getting a little nutty. Let me begin by explaining how difficult it was to get my hands on this facemask earlier today.
Will a facemask help prevent Coronavirus?
For the record, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does NOT recommend that healthy individuals wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. According to the CDC, facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Back to the story.
Earlier today I decided to blog about my personal preparations regarding the Coronavirus. Considering the photo, I thought a headshot with a facemask would be appropriate. So I took a little trip to Walgreens. Much to my surprise (which really shouldn’t have come as a surprise at all considering the panic), every last facemask had been wiped clean off the shelf— along with rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer.
That would have been a good indication to just stop. But I’m a determined son of a bitch, so I carried on to three other drug stores followed by Publix— same scenario— wow! Either I was missing the memo, or this freak-out was worse than I thought.
I had one last hair-brained idea before forfeiting the mission— Home Depot. Surely, people weren’t trying to protect themselves with facemasks designed for painters.
Wrong-o— they most certainly were!
I finally found this mask (displayed in the picture) at an obscure, locally-owned paint store. They told me I was lucky to get my hands on it— that they didn’t expect the stock to last long.
Coronavirus Case Studies
Now I’m certainly not trying to downplay the serious nature of this current epidemic. I understand thousands of lives have been lost, and more are at stake. However, keep in mind the largest case studies out of China reveal roughly 80% of those infected with the coronavirus had symptoms of a bad cold and are expected to recover. Another 14% became severely ill, and 5% percent became critically ill. People in their 70s and 80s are at the highest risk— with an increased risk in those suffering from pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and hypertension.
But the reason I decided to blog about the Coronavirus was not to spew a bunch of information you could easily obtain in a quick Google search. What I’m interested in sharing is the preventative information that no one is talking about. Information so powerful— that if widely shared— would have tremendous impact on the hysteria as well as the overall global reach of the Coronavirus.
I’m not talking about some top-secret vaccine. I’m talking good old-fashioned immune boosting. The following are five simple actions you can take in order to empower your mind and body against the Coronavirus.
5 Ways to Seriously Boost Your Immune System
1. Go Keto
As a Keto Coach, I can’t help but start here. Recently, the keto diet has gained popularity for its ability to shed weight. But that’s not all this diet is good for. When properly formulated, a clean ketogenic diet has the ability to fight off the flu. Recent studies confirm that the keto diet has the ability to trigger the release of immune system cells. This allows the body to produce mucus in the cell linings, trapping the virus before it spreads.
2. Supplement with Panax Ginseng
There is no lack in literature describing the capacity of ginseng treatment in physiological processes such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, insulin resistance, and hypertension. What’s more, ginseng has been extensively reported to maintain homeostasis of the immune system. Which means, ginseng has the ability to enhance resistance to illness by regulating the immune system. Beyond that, ginseng is said to be calming and have a positive effect on stress.
One thing to be aware of when purchasing Panax Ginseng is that it’s fairly expensive. The reason being, it takes six or seven years to cultivate. Which means, if you think you’re getting a killer deal you may want to think twice about your purchase. The good news, it’s not recommended that you take Panax Ginseng over a prolonged period of time, so you won’t need to cough up the cash consistently.
3. Reduce Stress
Stress is a complex concept, often promoting different complications depending on the individual. Regardless of its varied manifestation, what we know to be universally true of stress is that it limits our body’s ability to fight off antigens. And the more antigens in our system, the more we’re susceptible to infections. In fact, the stress hormone corticosteroid is directly responsible for suppressing the effectiveness of the immune system by lowering the number of lymphocytes within the body.
The bottom line: Whatever it takes for you to reduce stress— whether a bath, meditation, or making more time for play— do that!
4. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar, Daily
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an old-school home remedy that’s making a grand comeback. ACV is antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial and antifungal. We’re talking serious superfood! The only problem is, not all ACV is created equal.
Organic, cold-pressed apple cider vinegar contains a substance called “must.” Must is the bits and pieces of the fermented apple. The must is what holds the “mother.” And the mother is a colony of probiotic bacteria. Studies suggest that probiotics have an immune-boosting effect which is helpful in preventing and combating illness.
If you can’t handle ripping a shot of this high-quality elixir, you could always dilute it with water and serve it with some freshly squeezed lemon. I personally prefer Fire Cider (in terms of taste as well as additional health benefits).
5. Do a 3-Day Water Fast
I believe water fasting to be the holy grail of immunity. Not only was it practiced by our Paleolithic ancestors, but it also has a slew of documented health benefits.
It’s suggested that a 72-hour water fast can reboot your entire immune system. Basically, when you fast for a prolonged amount of time, your body goes into a state of autophagy. According to Priya Khorana, PhD, “Autophagy is the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells.”
Having just completed a 3-day water fast myself, I can absolutely attest to the benefits! Honestly, I began this fast in part due to the Coronavirus and in part due to a current cold I was suffering from. I’m not shitting you when I say that within three days my cold symptoms went from 5-0. Unbelievable!
Side note: if you’re planning on participating in a water fast I would recommend incorporating an electrolyte supplement as well as a daily shot (or two) of apple cider vinegar. This will help curb your hunger, as well as lessen the severity of side effects.
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Brand New to Keto?
If you’re brand new to keto and not sure where to begin I encourage you to check out my FREE Keto Kickstart Masterclass!
Whether you’re well-versed or brand spankin’ new to keto life and looking for some help, you should check out Katie’s coaching program. Coach Katie lives keto all day, errryday. She keeps up to date on the latest science, so you don’t have to. But more importantly, she addresses your specific goals to help you achieve ultimate success on your keto journey. And it’s always better to have someone in your corner, guiding you along. So if you’re ready for total life transformation and ultimate keto success, schedule your FREE initial keto consultation today!
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Katie Rodriguez nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
The post 5 Ways to Seriously Boost Your Immune System (and Fight Against Coronavirus) appeared first on Muse + Me.
