Some Suggestions and Some Hope - Covid 19
Hi Everyone,
In this post I highlight/summarize what I think are the main things we can all do to protect ourselves and stop the spread of this virus. And just this morning I ran across a useful post from Peter Diamandis that offers some hope that we can defeat this thing which I cover below.
1. Wash your hands frequently, but be careful and don’t go overboard. I am especially concerned with my contamination OCD clients that they will go far beyond what’s reasonable and necessary. Here are some of the reasons/times when I think handwashing would be appropriate:
a. After using the bathroom
b. Before eating
c. After handling/touching anything that others have touched
d. After coming home from being outside
2. Follow the Center for Disease Control’s suggestions regarding how to wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and be sure to wash each finger and even scrape under your nails.
3. Regularly disinfect any surfaces that multiple people have touched. Areas such as the kitchen counters, bathroom counters and door knobs would all be appropriate targets for this.
4. Leave your home only when absolutely necessary. If you must leave your house to go to work, if you must go see your doctor or visit the pharmacy to get a prescription or if you must buy some groceries are three of the exceptions when leaving your house would be appropriate. Otherwise stay home.
5. On those rare occasions when you do leave your home make sure that you maintain the safe distance of at least 6 feet between you and any of the people you happen to meet.
6. Take good care of yourself and your loved ones. Eat, exercise, hydrate, and get good sleep. All of which help maintain and even enhance your immune system (see the article below by Peter Diamandis).
These precautions are to protect you from getting ill, of course, but perhaps even more importantly to help limit the spread of the virus so that we can “flatten the curve” and get on top of the spread of this virus.
A concept that I’ve always enjoyed (even though I’m not exactly sure if it’s correct) is that in the Chinese language the symbol for crisis is the same as the symbol for opportunity. So what opportunities can you find in the midst of this crisis? Can you work on a talent/skill that you’ve wanted to get to such as becoming a faster typist, learning that foreign language you been considering, pursuing that hobby that you’ve always meant to get to, and perhaps rather than watching more TV now spend more time playing board games with your family/friends (if you’re fortunate enough to live with some additional family members/friends) and since the weather here in Oregon is quite pleasant these days spend more time outside - and if you happen to have a dog he/she will be thrilled to accompany you.
And here’s a link to a different blog post that I just received with some suggestions on how we might augment our immune system which, until we get a vaccine developed, may be our best way to protect ourselves from the virus. Some of the main points:
How Can We Enhance/Strengthen Our Immune Systems to Help Fight this Virus?
A healthy immune system reduces your chance of viral infection. Simply put, the stronger your immune system, the lower the chance of your falling ill. But then again, having a strong immune system doesn’t make you invincible.
Here are the fundamentals we should all follow:
Reduce Stress Levels: Chronic stress suppresses your immune system through the release of the hormone cortisol, which interferes with T-cells. Recommendation: practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing in your regular routine.
Exercise: Working out on a regular basis has been proven to boost the immune system. Exercise helps to mobilize T-cells.
Sleep: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is get 7-8 hours of restful sleep to strengthen your immune system. (I often use my OURA ring to monitor this; you can get one here at a $100 discount by using the code “Abundance.”)
Reduce alcohol consumption: Alcohol can interfere with your immune system. Consider only moderate use for relaxation purposes.
Vitamin C & Multivitamins: Vitamins can boost your immune system. Vitamin A, B6, C, D and E can help increase the strength of the immune system. Vitamin C is the biggest booster of all.
Zinc: Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system, and zinc-deficient persons experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens.... Zinc is crucial for the function of neutrophils and natural killer cells.
Oregano Oil: Oregano Oil is best known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and is an effective anti-parasitic, antiviral, antiseptic and immune booster.
Diet – Foods that boost your immune system:
Citrus fruits: Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. Your body doesn't produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health.
Red bell peppers: Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. They’re also a rich source of beta carotene.
Broccoli: Broccoli is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables.
Garlic: Garlic can help fight infections, lower blood pressure and slow down atherosclerosis. Its immune-boosting properties come from sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.
Ginger: Ginger may help decrease inflammation. It reduces nausea and can help to decrease chronic pain.
Spinach: Spinach is packed with antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems.
Yogurt: Look for yogurts with "live and active cultures" (e.g. Greek yogurt). These may stimulate your immune system. Also try to select brands fortified with vitamin D.
Almonds: Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with vitamin E, also key to a healthy immune system.
Turmeric: This bright yellow, bitter spice is an anti-inflammatory and can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.
Green tea: Green teas are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Green tea is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, which aids your T-cells.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are one of nature’s healthiest foods on the planet, rich in essential nutrients and minerals.
Try Colostrum: Colostrum is referred to as the first milk from nursing mammals that provides protective antibodies. These antibodies help you fight through the early years of your life. In powder form — obtained from cows, goats and other mammals — these antibodies can be mixed with water, juices and shakes.
Herbs: Herbs like AHCC, Echinacea, Elderberry, Andrographis and Astragalus can help reduce the duration and severity of illness.
Don’t Smoke: If you smoke, now is a critical time to quit. Smoking impairs immunity.
The Sun: Getting natural sunshine helps supplement your Vitamin D levels, which is essential for healthy functioning of the immune system. Also beneficial for stress reduction.
Just In… Breaking News: GAMECHANGER Therapy? Hydroxychloroquine & Azithromycin as a COVID-19 treatment... (an antimalarial & an antibiotic). Here’s the original article [which shows the stunning results from this combination of drugs and may give us hope that a vaccine is on the way].
So.... as towns, counties, states and nations go on lockdown, I hope these blogs give you some hope.
Never before has the whole of humanity faced a single common enemy that affects each of us as personally as this. Never.
So what happens when 150,000,000 - 200,000,000 scientists, physicians and technologists turn their attention to solving a crisis?
We science the shit out of it and solve the problem! I have faith and hope you do too!
As always let me know if you have any questions. All the best and stay well,
Dr Bob