All you need to do right now is turn on the TV (which I do very seldomly), or check your socials to see the fear and panic which is overtaking the globe. As I wrote this (and was still able to visit a cafe!) I actually moved tables in the cafe I was in so I don't have to hear another conversation about Coronavirus! Regardless of what is going on right now, it's always a good idea to support our general health and vitality and strengthen our immune systems. Here are a few tips to keep you well this year:
Consume a Good Vitamin C Supplement
Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. Our bodies do not make vitamin C and so we need to get it from dietary or supplemental sources. I like to prescribe liposomal vitamin C due to it's enhanced bioavailability.
Medicinal Mushrooms Are Magic
Medicinal mushrooms can enhance the body’s immune response and provide antiviral actions. Specifically, these mushrooms activate the innate immune system, triggering the production of NK cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and inflammatory cytokines. These medicinal mushrooms are much different than the culinary version though, which taste great but don't have the same therapeutic action.
Food Really is the Best Medicine
Eating a whole food-based diet with lots of fresh fruits and veggies including berries, leafy greens and citrus-like lemon and limes are fantastic. The foods we consume each day can have a huge impact on our general health and vitality. When we feel tired and stressed, we tend to eat a lot of sugar and refined carbohydrates - consuming too much of these types of foods can have a negative impact on our immune systems.
Nourish Your Nervous System
Naturopaths have an amazing array of herbs that we can prescribe to support your immune and nervous systems. Herbs such as withania have a beautiful tonifying effect on your nervous system, and herbs such as kava have been shown in clinical trials to have a positive impact on anxiety.
Be Mindful of Everything You Consume
Stress and fear both have a negative effect on your immune system. Be mindful of everything you consume at the moment. This might include Facebook and Instagram as well as many mass media channels which like to present the most sensationalist versions of current events. The most up to date information on COVID-19 Coronavirus in Victoria can be found here
Express Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is good for your health too (and something I always practice when enjoying my morning Ritual Cacao It can also be a great way to reframe your day and your mindset. There is a lot of fear at the moment, which can weaken our immune system and general wellbeing, so it is important to be mindful of our thought patterns. Practicing gratitude, journalling and meditation are some great ways to shift our thinking to be more positive.
If you would like to chat about ways you can keep yourself well this year, book an appointment with me. I am still available for online video consultations. You can find more information and book here