Ways to Avoid and Fight Viruses
We do not “catch” a cold, or flu. We are continually exposed to viruses which triggers our immune system to spring into action to fight the invaders, and if our bodies are well cared for, we will not develop full-blown symptoms of disease. It is when we are not meeting our daily nutritional and lifestyle needs (water, rest, exercise/stress release, emotional/spiritual connection) that makes us more vulnerable for the invaders to multiply and cause havoc. Our bodies will generate a fever to help a weakened immune system’s T-Killer cells to be able to better hunt down the pathogens. It can be helpful to let the fever assist, and here is a chart from babies to adults when it is time to intervene.
Air travel has made it so disease can spread rapidly before containment practices kick in. Dr. Li Wenliang, a Chinese doctor hailed as a hero who was hard at work at ground zero, tried to warn officials in December that a new serious virus was infecting people, but the authorities used their tactics to force him to sign a statement denouncing his warning as an unfounded rumor. (He died of the coronavirus now officially called COVID19 on February 7th). SARS, the first pandemic of this century started in 2002, and in the 8 months it was active it spread to 29 countries, infected 8098 and 774 died before it was contained. In comparison, the COVID19 in two months has spread to 30 countries, with close to 85,000 diagnosed, and close to 3,000 have died. What can one do to help avoid and be able to better fight viruses?
- The front line of defense is always meeting our daily nutritional needs of 9-13 cups of fruits and vegetables of all colors every day. An orange has over 10,000 known phytonutrients that our body can utilize, and science may know what Vitamin C does, but not about most of the rest of the thousands of nutrients. Our bodies are made for food (not a multi-vitamin), so rely on eating fresh and supplementing with a strategic blend of dehydrated plant powders to help bridge the gap between what you need and what you eat. (For more information on a product 3rd party tested and certified that research studies have found does boost the immune system, request it here.)
- We are twice as likely to be exposed to viruses on a plane because of the dry air, minuscule personal air space, and low outside air replacement rates. Avoid dehydrating caffeine, alcohol, sugary or salty snacks. Drink lots of good water. For a long flight, bring a personal saline nasal mister to keep the mucous membranes moist. When not traveling, stay hydrated (urine should be pale). When our nasal passage is dry and cracked, it is like an open door for invaders.
- Be well-rested. Develop a routine for bed by turning off electronics by 9PM to read, relax, and get ready for sleep. The hours asleep before midnight are practically worth double since we have an innate circadian rhythm and our bodies do repair while we are in deep REM sleep. Try not to eat after 7 PM, it can interfere with the release of hormones that help fight aging!
- Get exercise, move, do what you enjoy, get outdoors. Our lymphatic system accumulates unwanted waste and to transport infection-fighting white cells, but it is a passive system that relies on movement to be efficient. Exercise builds strength, relieves stress.
- Get more plant-based protein in your diet. Legumes are a good source of zinc, a mineral important for the immune system, and they are packed with fiber which helps with the building and maintaining of a healthy gut. Animal products are acidic, making one more prone to disease. Dairy products, including whey, do not promote health. As we age, we are not as efficient in the digestion of food, so you might want to consider a plant-based protein drink mix that is third party certified to only contain what is on the label. (for recommendation, click here)
- Avoid added sugar in food or drinks. White or brown sugar, artificial sugar, corn syrup, sugar alcohols—they come in many names and forms. Viruses, bacteria, fungus, candida feed and multiply when supplied with sugar which overworks the immune system trying to keep them at bay. Learn to adjust your sweet tooth to savor low glycemic fruits such as berries, pears, apples.
Finally, if there is someone in your household that does come down with a cold or flu, one is more exposed to the pathogen by touching a contaminated surface than being exposed to a sneeze. Besides the practice of frequent handwashing and not sharing eating utensils, there is an often-overlooked way that the proliferation of the virus is spread in the home. When one has a multiplying virus, it passes on through our bodies when we use the toilet. If one flushes the toilet without closing the lid, everything in the toilet (urine, fecal matter, viruses, germs, bacteria) is contained in a very fine spray that reaches up 6 feet and out 10 feet contaminating surfaces. (How gross if toothbrushes are exposed!) Wiping down surfaces with a rag won’t take care of it, it will require disinfecting. It is a very good habit to always flush with the lid down!
The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. Matthew 8:8
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