Enhancing immunity: The road to optimal health
Controlling the COVID 19 pandemic is a serious matter. The advice disseminated by our public health authorities is simple, practical, and effective: Keep 6 feet of distance, wash your hands frequently, and wear a face mask. Doing these 3 things goes a long way toward protecting our families and communities.
While these measures definitely can help prevent you and your family from being exposed to the virus, there is a second side to the story. Even with conscientious social distancing, exposures do happen nonetheless. When this occurs, some people who get COVID 19 barely have any symptoms, while others become seriously ill, with potentially fatal consequences. The next logical question is: Are there things that we can do to maintain the health of our immune systems to help keep ourselves out of trouble in the event of an exposure to SARS–CoV-2?
Fortunately, the answer is YES! In addition to social distancing, we can help keep ourselves healthy by applying simple, effective, lifestyle and natural medicine approaches. Here are a few of the basics:
-Make sure that you get enough sleep! People who are well-rested get sick less. As a rule of thumb, get to bed by 10 pm, and out of bed around 6 each morning. Getting the right amount of sleep, at the right time, optimizes immune system functioning.
-There are many natural remedies which will directly enhance your immune protection and overall health. Sipping hot water throughout the day, daily nasal sesame oil inhalation, and daily sesame oil mouthwash with gargle can all help to protect the cells of the upper respiratory tract. Including healthy spices in your cooking, such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, and fennel, all help to boost your body’s immune function. An herbal supplement called ashwagandha has potent immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. Drinking tulsi (holy basil) tea helps to keep your respiratory tract clear.
-You are what you eat! Favoring a plant-based diet rich in fresh fruits and cooked vegetables provides nutritional support and helps to maintain a healthy microbiome. Be sure to have your main meal at lunch, when your digestive capacity is at its strongest. Over-eating at night can lead to the accumulation of toxins which in turn can clog the physiology and derange metabolic function
-High levels of stress and anxiety make us more vulnerable to viral infections. Mind body and stress reduction techniques have been proven effective for improving anxiety, treating PTSD, reducing substance abuse, and helping with other stress related mental and physical disorders. One of the most popular and widely researched meditation techniques is the Transcendental Meditation program. Many other approaches can also be helpful, including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, guided imagery, positive affirmations, prayer and religious practice, and getting out in nature.
So there are many things we can do to keep ourselves healthy during this challenging time. We are working hard to get out the word! For more details, check out these media links:
8/19: ABC 7, Los Angeles – https://abc7.com/health/ayurvedic-medicine-may-offer-natural-ways-to-fight-illness-boost-immunity/6378586/
7/24: MindBodyGreen – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/second-wave-coronavirus-immune-support
7/21: Thrive Global – https://thriveglobal.com/stories/what-to-do-now-to-build-immunity-before-potential-2nd-covid-19-wave/