Check out Elephant’s Continually-updating Coronavirus Diary. ~ Waylon

~

*Elephant is not your doctor or hospital. Our lawyers would say “this website is not designed to, and should not be construed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, or treatment to you or any other individual, and is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional care and treatment. Always consult a health professional before trying out new home therapies or changing your diet.” But we can’t afford lawyers, and you knew all that. ~ Ed.

~

We have reached a new level of concern regarding the Coronavirus.

Many are worried and want to know how to best protect themselves.

As a naturopathic doctor, I have recommended and used the below recommendations with many. And, I am seeing amazing results. I have personally helped a loved one who was quarantined to get through what looked exactly like Coronavirus. While taking care of her I also became sick. We could not be tested due to a lack of test kits in our area. However, using the supplements, herbal, and wellness recommendations below, we both got better easily and quickly. So, take heed; this stuff works.

Before we dive in, let’s talk a little about the virus itself. According to the Harvard Health blog as of March 16, 2020, “Some people infected with the virus have no symptoms. When the virus does cause symptoms, common ones include low-grade fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. For many, this looks like the common cold.

However, […it can also] cause more severe symptoms like a moderate fever, severe cough, and shortness of breath, which can often indicate pneumonia.”

This is where it could get serious, so if you have any of these symptoms contact your doctor. If severe, contact your local Urgent Care or ER.

We also know that this virus is very contagious because it produces thousands to millions of viruses in the noses and throats of people who have it, which is about 1,000 times more than with other types of viruses. It has also been found that those who have it are the most infectious before and at the onset of their symptoms. Thus, the high contagiousness has played a huge role in why governments are taking the measures that they are taking.

Lastly, if you have chronic health issues, lung conditions, are elderly, or are immunocompromised, and your local authorities are not already recommending it, it is recommended to stay home.

Nutritional Supplement and Herbal Recommendations:

Take the below supplements as recommended on the bottle. For prevention, take a lower dose and increase the dosage if you get sick.

Vitamin C: This is a powerful protector of the immune system. IV Vitamin C is being researched regarding the coronavirus. If you are sick, consider taking the highest dose you can without getting diarrhea. (If this happens, decrease by 1000 mg).

Colloidal Silver: This is a highly effective antiviral substance.

Monolaurin: This is also a highly effective antiviral that comes from coconut.

Olive Leaf Extract: This herb contains significant quantities of compounds that are antiviral and antioxidants.

Immune Mushroom Complex: Combinations of medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, maitake, shitake, can significantly increase the immune system, especially T-cells.

Echinacea Goldenseal Propolis Throat Spray: This supports a healthy immune system response and is great for sore throats.

Vitamin D: This is essential for maintaining the proper balance in the immune system.

Zinc: This mineral supports immune system function.

Other powerful herbs to consider: Lomatium, Pau d’Arco (both are antivirals), Echinacea (immune booster), Elecampane, Mullein, Yerba Santa (all are a great support for lungs).

*Note: These recommendations are for educational purposes only. I do not recommend these supplements and herbs for everyone, especially if you have an autoimmune condition or are on medications that might be contraindicated! Therefore, please use caution in deciding which supplements and herbs are best for you. To determine what you need specifically please see your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations:

Hygiene first: It’s important to keep your hands clean (wash for 20 seconds) and engage in social distancing by staying six feet away from others. Avoid touching your face. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using alcohol or bleach, especially metal surfaces.

Increase foods and spices that are antiviral and help your immune system: Such as raw garlic, oregano, ginger, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, medicinal mushrooms, walnuts, pomegranate, and green tea.

Stay warm: Information from China states that this virus is sensitive to heat. Therefore, keep yourself warm, drink hot fluids, and eat warm foods.

Eat colorful fruits and vegetables: Bright colored fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants that help decrease free radicals and keep our immune system strong.

Stay well-hydrated: Drink lots of water, coconut water, herbal teas, and bone broth. However, soda, sugary drinks, and juice don’t count (see below). Wondering how much to drink? Divide your body weight (in pounds) in half and drink that number in ounces.

Avoid simple sugars and processed/junk food: Sugar actually decreases our immune system…yes, really! “Lab evidence [has shown] a lowered immune system within 30 minutes of eating simple sugars (like glucose, refined sugar, and fructose),” states Dr. Elisa Song in a New York Times article.

Eat fermented foods: Probiotics and fermented foods increase our immune system. Therefore, increase kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, kefir, and kombucha.

Get fresh air, sunshine, and daily exercise: Going for a brisk walk in the sunshine does wonders if you have been cramped up inside. Plus, moderate exercise boosts your immune system, and being in the sunshine increases your Vitamin D. But, keep in mind, there is some research that states intense exercise can actually decrease immunity.

Get adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep increases your immune system. Good sleep can be as good as supplements in increasing immunity. So, don’t skip on your sleep.

Minimize stress: Emotional stress, such as fear, can negatively impact our immune system. So, do the things that help you decrease stress, such as going for a walk, doing yoga, or meditation. Also, work with any difficult feelings, such as fear, that may be arising in your being.

Minimize drugs: Many drugs stress our system. Stopping (or decreasing) caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and any other unnecessary drugs can be the determining factor of getting sick or not.

Engage in spiritual practice: Practices such as meditation, prayer, or yoga drastically help decrease our stress hormones and achieve optimal balance in our immune system. (For a spiritual perspective, read Coronavirus: A Higher Perspective on Elephant Journal here.)

Now, I invite you to breathe.

For most, this is just a bad cold.

Just because you get it doesn’t mean that you will get severely ill. It is highly contagious, and this is why the government is reacting the way that they are.

Remember, in the biggest picture, you are safe. You are held. You are not alone.

May you stay healthy and well!

Blessings,

Dr. Melissa Sophia Joy, ND

~