Anyone who has watched one of Chris Whitty, Patrick Vallance, Nicola Sturgeon or Boris Johnson’s insufferable Covid conferences will know that they spend 95% of their time reciting case numbers or displaying terrifying graphs of usually wildly inaccurate death forecasts. The other 5% is usually spent explaining emphatically that they are as frustrated as we are by the new lockdown measures they’ve put in place.
Unfortunately, little to no time is spent encouraging the population to adopt changes in behaviour or take supplements which would boost their immune system to allow them to fight off a covid infection more effectively. As, bottom line, Covid is a respiratory infection; our bodies are designed to fight off respiratory infections and when our immune system is functioning correctly it will (and we don’t need Covid 19 antibodies to do it).
Perhaps, if the public realized there were pro-active steps they could take to reduce their chances of a severe reaction to the virus they wouldn’t be so afraid, perhaps they wouldn’t be afraid enough to accept a blanket lockdown, perhaps that’s why no emphasis is placed on the upcoming strategies.
Rather than scaremongering with meaningless case numbers/ R number statistics/ death forecasts, policy makers should be working tirelessly to educate the public about the following principles of strengthening their immune system:
Exercising regularly – Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables.
Maintaining a healthy weight – Aim for a BMI of 25 or lower. The best way to lose weight is with exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.
Getting quality sleep – Set a schedule and routine for sleep and practice good sleep hygiene.
Reducing stress and developing good coping mechanisms – Include activities in your daily life that help you handle stress, like virtually connecting with loved ones, going outside, practicing meditation regularly, exercising, making art or other hobbies.
Quitting smoking – If you smoke, you can get support to help you quit.
Drinking alcohol only in moderation, if at all – Limit the amount of alcohol you keep in the house or limit the number of glasses/bottles you drink.
Additionally, there are many supplements that can be taken to improve one’s immunity that they are not advertising to the public:
In addition to the above listed lifestyle and behavior practices, the following supplements in moderation to keep the immune system functioning at its best:
Vitamin C may help prevent viral, bacterial and other infections by shortening the duration of colds and acting as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin D is one of the most important immune system-strengthening nutrients that can reduce the risk of colds and flu; this should be taken on a regular basis.
Vitamin A, when used on a short-term basis, can help support the body's ability to fight infections, especially with respiratory infections.
Zinc can help reduce the number of infections and the duration of the common cold when taken within 24 hours of onset.
Selenium is a key nutrient for immune function and is easily obtained from foods like the Brazil nut. Selenium is also an antioxidant, which strengthens the body's defenses against bacteria, viruses and cancer cells.
Raw honey is good at relieving minor pain and inflammation of mucous membranes, like nose and mouth, and has antioxidant properties and some microbial effects; it is helpful for coughs and sore throats and can be added to tea or hot water with lemon. (Note that children under 1 should not be given honey.)
Garlic, fresh, aged extract and garlic supplements, may reduce the severity of upper viral respiratory infections and function in preventing viral infections of the common cold.
Probiotics contain "good bacteria" that both support gut health and influence the function and regulation of the immune system. They also can decrease the number of respiratory infections, especially in children.
Beta-glucans – numerous human trials have shown that beta-glucans stimulate activity against viral attack, these findings include a decrease in cold and flu symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections compared to placebo.
Mushrooms – a variety of mushroom species have been shown to help with immune function in a myriad of ways; some of the medicinal mushrooms include Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Maitake, and Reishi.
Berberine – found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of various plants, this natural compound has been shown to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties; it can be found in goldenseal, goldthread and Oregon grape species.
Sulforaphane – sulforaphane has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties; it can be produced in the body in small amounts by eating some cruciferous vegetables or in more therapeutic amounts in dietary supplements containing glucoraphanin and myrosinase enzyme.
Elderberry – studies have shown that elderberry has properties that appear to help fight viruses; choose a low-sugar capsule or tablet, if possible, as opposed to sugary syrup.
"All propaganda is a lie, even when it's telling the truth." - George Orwell
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