Health and Beauty, Immune Health, Your Brain
Is a healthy gut enough?
Feb
It seems like I got out of Europe on time. I didn’t know about the situation until several days after I returned home. And recently I learned from my Milanese friends that their city seemed like it was close to being on lock down. It saddened me at the thought of quiet somber streets; a drastic change from my recent holiday experience. One friend was sent home to work remotely as a result of a company-wide shutdown, just outside the city. (One of their employees was infected with the coronavirus). The majority of cases occur in the Lombardy region and he said Italy is being called the “China of Europe”. NPR just reported a 50% spike in cases and 17 deaths in Italy. And as of February 27th, there were more than 3,474 cases in 44 countries outside China.
CNN reports there may be more cases here in the U.S. than the numbers show. By the time you read this newsletter, the numbers have increased. And several cases are undetected, to begin with.
My intention is not to bear dismal news and raise fear. But most of us are already aware of this global health concern. So, how can you best protect yourself? I am currently doing the same things now as I did to protect myself in Europe from any bug or virus. I do believe with these measures (and a little luck), I managed to escape any illness during the 7 weeks moving through Europe. Hopefully, they help you too!
13 WAYS TO BUILD IMMUNE RESISTANCE
- Limit to eliminate sugar.
- Avoid gluten.
- Drink bone broth – it has powerful immune properties in addition to collagen.
- Drink ginger tea. You can
make your own – so simple! - Drink plenty of water.
- Take Vit D3 (I recommend a minimum of 5,000 IU per day but please check with your physician first.)
- Take a probiotic daily.
- Eat prebiotic foods (flaxseed, sauerkraut, kimchee, garlic, onions, asparagus, dandelion greens, apples, and bananas) – just limit the amounts of the last two due to fructose.
- Wash your hands as often as possible, especially after handling currency, electronic keypads, keys, public handrails, doors, and bathroom fixtures, supermarket produce.)
- Use antibacterial wipes for surfaces in any uncertain situation.
Carry and use a hand sanitizer. (I use the EO Organic lavender wipes or spray) - In crowded areas and in flight (including necessary airport travels) consider wearing a protective mask. I carry one of these with me in my carry on.
- Get enough quality sleep.
- Don’t panic.
If you have any doubts about a cough, fever, a headache or any other symptom, especially if you also traveled recently or you’ve been exposed to someone who has, please do not delay and check in with your medical doctor or Urgent Care.
I returned to America just 5 days before the first reported case (China), both relieved for myself and concerned for those already afflicted. I hope my family and friends everywhere stay safe and healthy. And I sincerely wish the same for you and your loved ones. Do you have additional strategies for keeping yourself healthy during outbreaks? Feel free to comment and use the buttons above to share with someone you love.
Dr. Melanie
