We haven’t been given much guidance beyond ‘wash your hands’ regarding the Coronavirus. With more than 30 years’ experience in alternative medicine, including 12 years working with cancer patients at a London hospital, I have seen firsthand the benefits of using natural therapies to boost the immune system. Please note, I am talking about boosting natural immunity, to all pathogens, and not suggesting a cure to COVID-19. There is science behind my suggestions and I will follow up with a post offering the studies shortly.

Our best defense against COVID-19 is a strong immune system, which can be enhanced by choosing a diet rich in protective foods. The research indicates vitamin C to be key, but you must have a good amount already in your body before you encounter a virus. Foods high in vitamin C include all citrus fruits, berries, peaches, mangoes, goji berries, all leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard, parsley), broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers and snap peas.

Carotenoids are protective and are converted by the body into vitamin A. Scientists conclude that a deficiency in vitamin A increases the mortality risk from infectious diseases, especially of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, which is typically where flu viruses thrive. Foods high in carotenoids are usually red, orange or yellow such as carrots, apricots, squash, plums, tomatoes, pumpkin and sweet potatoes.

Finally, the nutrient quercetin reduces infection risk through its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Foods high in quercetin include apples, red onions, honey, asparagus, tea, broccoli, leafy greens, tomatoes and berries. When eating for immunity, you must have seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Garlic has been celebrated as a healing agent for centuries. Research shows it stimulates certain critical cell types in the immune system designed to protect us. However, there is a certain method that makes it medicinally potent. Crushed garlic needs to sit for half an hour and ferment in its own stink in order to release the powerful healing agents. Crush your garlic and set to the side while you prepare your meal. Stir it in at the end of cooking. The other option is to slice up a clove, leave it for half an hour and swallow like a vitamin pill.

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that live in our guts. The gastrointestinal tract houses the largest number of immune cells in the body and has the task of protecting us from potentially harmful microbes. We can beef up the health of the GI tract through probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt and kefir. Go one step further and give the probiotics a nutritious diet with prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, apples, flaxseed, yams, oats and barley. Wise food choices impact your immune system far beyond what you can see.

Stimulating the lymphatic system is of utmost importance to immunity as the fighter cells travel through the body via lymphatic fluid. Ensure you are well-hydrated and take daily exercise. The lymphatic system needs muscular contraction to move lymphatic fluid as it has no pump like the heart. Inadequate water intake makes the body sluggish and the immune system suffers as a result.

OSCILLOCOCCINUM (Oss-ill-o-co-sin-um) is a homeopathic remedy taken at the first indication you are not feeling well (a chill, a sneeze, a shiver, or tiredness). Take a capful of the remedy six times a day until you feel strong again or until your symptoms change, at which point you select a more appropriate remedy.

Remember that most of us, if exposed, are simply going to ‘have the flu’. However, the more vulnerable of our population, those over 65 years and those with chronic disease conditions or impaired immunity, are at the mercy of our collective strength. We can prepare ourselves for what may come, and we must start now.