COVID-19 (a.k.a. Coronavirus) has taken the world by storm. Although many of us aren’t sure whether to panic, stay calm, or hoard toilet paper, it’s important to remember that knowledge is power, so let’s fight fear with facts and identify:

• The symptoms of COVID-19

• Who’s most at risk

• 10 natural preventions and remedies

symptoms of COVID-19

The majority of infected people appear to have mild infections. Reported symptoms include:

😷 Fever (although may not be present at times)
😷 Uncomplicated upper respiratory symptoms include cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache, muscle aches
😷 Difficulty breathing
😷 Mild pneumonia
😷 Severe pneumonia, which is now named severe acute respiratory infection - SARI if caused by COVID-19
😷 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
😷 Sepsis and Septic shock
😷 Death (certain population set)

If you do start exhibiting some symptoms similar to those above, don’t panic. The CDC recommends that providers test for other respiratory pathogens because, let’s face it, we’re still in the middle of flu season.

WHO’S MOST AT RISK

Coronavirus is not an “equal-opportunity killer.” Similar to the influenza virus, the elderly and those with underlying chronic medical conditions appear to be most at risk for serious complications and death from COVID-19. Here’s what we’ve learned three months into this pandemic. (Source)

The vast majority of cases (87%) in China were in people ages 30 to 79. Teens (1.2%) and twenty-somethings (8.1%) don’t seem to be contracting the disease at significant rates. Only 0.9% of all cases were 9 or younger. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) mission to China found that 78% of the cases reported as of Feb. 20 were in people ages 30 to 69.

Of all those infected, China CDC found that 2.3% of confirmed cases died. However, the fatality rate was 14.8% in people 80 or older, 1.3% in 50-somethings, 0.4% in 40-somethings, and 0.2% in people 10 to 39. This basically means that the disease has a nearly 99% recovery rate for individuals under 50 who are not immuno-compromised.  And unlike influenza, which kills 12,000 - 60,000 people a year, children appear to be relatively protected so far.

10 Natural preventionS & Remedies

Here are the 10 most important steps you can take to defend against coronavirus:

1. Get enough sleep

You are more susceptible to getting sick when you are short on sleep, which can also lead to elevated levels of cortisol and, therefore, increased inflammation. Aim for no less than 7 hours every night.

Being tired and stressed out depletes minerals and oftentimes makes us sick. In fact, most disease states can be traced back to mineral deficiencies, which are often caused by stress (and even persistent negative thoughts). To combat this state, make healing bone broth, the traditional SUPERFOOD that has stood the test of time, from grass-fed beef bones, which are full of marrow that has tons of youth promoting collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and gelatin.

If you’re too busy to make your own, buy Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides (which I use twice daily and recommend to all my clients). It’s sourced from grass-fed Brazilian cows and is the only hydrolyzed collagen on the market that has tested negative for glyphosate (the main ingredient in the herbicide RoundUp). It gives you all the benefits of homemade bone broth, i.e., it: reduces inflammation; improves metabolism and gut function; keeps your joints strong and flexible; supports strong bones, healthy hair and nails; and even works magic on wrinkles and cellulite!!!

2. EXERCISE REGULARLY AND GET OUTSIDE

Regular exercise is one of the pillars of healthy living.  It improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases. Exercise may boost your immune system by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently. In addition, exercise boosts your body's feel-good chemicals and help you sleep better. Even as little as a 30 minute daily walk can help.

Even better is if you take yourself outdoors as often as possible for some sun and fresh air. Ultraviolet radiation (a.k.a. ☀️) inactivates influenza virus and other viral pathogens and sunlight kills bacteria (Source).

3. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

To maintain ever glowing skin, strong hair and nails, and, most importantly, optimal health and immunity, you have to follow a blood sugar balancing diet that consists of meat from pastured animals, high quality healthy fats, and a rainbow of organic fruits and veggies. And curb the sugar, which suppresses immune system cells that attack bacteria.

Don’t forget to consume plenty of natural anti-virals like raw garlic, bone broth, and the classic remedy of chicken soup. Studies show it can actually help you get well faster!

Although for many of you this is easier said than done, you should know that very few of us wake up one day to give up all the foods and beverages we've been consuming for years and stay on track forevermore. I know I didn't. It took me a couple of years to fully get off the toxic cocktail of processed foods that had been my mainstay for many years.  

The best and most sustainable way to change your eating habits is to do it gradually and find someone to be accountable to. Clients who work with me find that the process is so gradual that they don't even notice how they go from eating poorly to cooking every day and eating healthy foods. The best part is that it becomes so habitual that there's no going back for most of them, especially given that they have more energy, have lost weight, look and feel better, are better able to manage stress and rarely fall ill. To find out more about my customized programs, contact me.

4. SUPPLEMENT WISELY

There are nine supplements I recommend and take religiously during cold and flu season. They boost the immune system and should be taken as a preventative measure and in the event of contracting a viral illness.

Note: Please consult your physician before starting any new supplements!

💊 1-Vitamin D & 2-Cod Liver Oil are vital for regulating the immune system, protecting against viruses, and reducing fatigue. Most experts agree that Vitamin D should be at levels that are nearly impossible for your body to produce naturally, unless you live on the equator, consume an all fish diet (scientists speculate that many of our ancestors did) and work outside everyday.

You can supplement your levels of Vitamin D by eating more pastured eggs, sardines and wild salmon (eat the tiny bones!), and grass fed dairy, but that is usually not enough to attain optimal levels.

The two best sources of Vitamin D (my family and I take these daily and in unison) are Rosita Extra Virgin Raw Cod Liver Oil and Nutridyn Micellized Vitamin D3 to maximize absorption and bioavailability.

I recommend using 5,000 units a day preventatively and about 10,000 units a day for a week when you're sick, according to your blood levels.

If you need to test your Vitamin D levels, you can purchase this handy GX Sciences Personalized Vitamin D Testing Panel.

💊 3-Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boosts the immune system and is vital for protecting  the respiratory tract. However, here’s a fun little fact - humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously (in the body), so we need to consume it via our diet or through supplementation.

I know what you’re thinking: “I got this down! Check out my 6 cartons of Emergen-C in the cupboards.”

Nope, not at all what I had in mind. Not only does Emergen-C contain several different types of sugars made from corn (since sugar can depress your immunity for 5-6 hours, isn’t that antithetical to taking Vitamin C?), but it also contains synthetic Vitamin C.

What’s so bad about synthetic Vitamin C? The majority of synthetic vitamin C is derived from GMO corn and processed with chemicals like acetone (think nail polish remover!). The worst part is that a growing amount of evidence shows a correlation between high consumption of synthetic ascorbic acid and health implications, like the thickening of arteries and the formation of genotoxins that can even lead to cancer. Suddenly the flu isn’t sounding so bad after all.

Worse yet, your body can only absorb as much oral Vitamin C as your limited number of nutrient transporters can carry — from the digestive system to the bloodstream, and then from the bloodstream to the cells.

The amount of NON-liposomal Vitamin C absorbed in the blood decreases dramatically as the dose size increases (e.g., you can absorb 19 mg (98%) of a 20 mg dose vs 1,920 mg (or only 16%) of a 12,000 mg dose) with all that excess causing some major gastric distress when it leaves the body.

Because vitamin C is water-soluble, your body can’t store any excess when it gets left behind in either the blood or the digestive system. That’s why you end up flushing as much as 80% of the vitamin C you get from pills, powders, and even foods down the toilet (not to mention the money you’ve spent on it).

In addition to eating lots of foods that contain vitamin C, such as broccoli, any leafy/crunchy greens, red peppers and herbs like parsley, you should supplement with Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Vitamin C, one of the most absorbable and bio-available Vitamin C brands on the market. The liposomes protect it on its way through the digestive system and transport it into the bloodstream for absorption directly into the cells. This gives you all the benefits of high-dose Vitamin C without the gastric distress. Oh, and it can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles in 4 weeks. Win-win!

💊  4-Quercertin, a plant compound known to help lower cholesterol and treat inflammatory disease, is also a “broad spectrum” antiviral drug that could fight a range of viruses.

Quercetin has been shown to be a potent antiviral agent by inhibiting viral replication of several respiratory viruses, including influenza virus and the common cold. In high doses (e.g., 3-7 grams per day), Quercetin has also proven successful at treating Ebola and Zika viruses. Now, Quercetin is also a possible treatment for COVID-19. It is currently undergoing clinical trials in China and “remains one of the biggest potential leaps in finding a treatment for the deadly coronavirus strain.”

Note: Quercetin works by helping with zinc absorption, so you may have to supplement with zinc as well to make sure you are not zinc defficient. Additionally, there are health risks associated with high doses of Quercetin. Make sure you check with your physician before commencing any new supplement regimen.

💊  5-Zinc Picolinate is the most absorbable form of all zinc supplements, which are a popular remedy for fighting off colds and respiratory illnesses. Some studies have found that zinc may reduce the duration of colds by about a day and may reduce the number of upper respiratory infections in children. Some doctors argue that there is little science to support taking zinc as a preventative measure, but in my experience and the experience of my clients who take zinc per my recommendation, it has been instrumental in avoiding falling ill, as long as you can take it at the very first sign of any symptoms.

Note: large amounts of zinc are toxic and can cause copper deficiency, anemia and damage to the nervous system. Additionally, never take zinc on an empty stomach, as it may cause cramping and nausea.

💊 6-Oil of Oregano is known to have antimicrobial properties and is a traditional remedy that is incredibly effective at killing viruses and pathogens. It can be started at the onset of a viral illness, but should be taken for no more than 2 - 3 days as it can also kill the good bugs. As soon as you experience any symptoms of an illness coming on, start taking oil of oregano twice daily by placing a few drops under your tongue and keeping them there for several minutes.

In addition to being an effective antiviral, it can also help soothe sore throats and get rid of fungus on the outside of the body such as toe and fingernail fungus. 

💊  7-Sambucus Black Ederberry Extract is loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin C and immune-supporting minerals. One study showed that elderberry extract inhibited several strains of influenza and reduced symptoms. Another found that elderberry syrup flavonoids were effective against the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus.

In the most compelling study, a randomized trial of 60 patients aged 18-54 suffering from flu symptoms for 48 hours or less received 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of elderberry syrup or a placebo four times per day for five days. Researchers observed that “Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and the use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.”

A single teaspoon of Sambucus once or twice a day is sufficient as a preventative measure. If illness strikes, go up to 3 teaspoons, four times per day, as in the aforementioned randomized study.

💊 8-Probiotics increase the beneficial flora in your colon to help you fight off infection. You can easily get probiotics from eating fermented foods that are not pasteurized, such as Bubbie’s brand or Farmhouse culture. Eating a high sugar/high carb diet will cause an imbalance of beneficial bacteria causing you to catch every cold and flu that comes along because you have lowered immunity. If you hate the taste you can take a good probiotic like Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. Try my easy recipe for homemade sauerkraut here.

💊 9-Magnesium is vital for energy production and muscle function. When we are sick we feel achy and tired, both of which are signs of magnesium depletion. Most of the time we get sick because we are stressed out and lack sleep, which depletes magnesium. Broth and leafy greens are both good sources of magnesium, but it is also important to supplement with magnesium because nearly half of all Americans — and 70 to 80 percent of those older than 70 — aren’t meeting their daily magnesium needs. The problem is that oral magnesium can be hard on the kidneys and is definitely not advised for anyone with kidney problems. That is why I recommend Ease Transdermal Magnesium spray.

Ease Magnesium spray is the purest natural magnesium chloride supplement I have found and contains no chemicals or fillers. It’s not an oil so it’s non-greasy and doesn’t leave any residue on your skin. It goes on smoothly to supply magnesium throughout your body, absorbing through your skin directly into your bloodstream and bypassing the digestive system and kidneys, which makes it more bioavailable than any oral magnesium sypplement. Oh, and they don’t test on animals either!

5. DRINK HYDROGEN WATER

Molecular Hydrogen (H2) can be preventive and therapeutic for various ailments. (Source) Studies even suggest that H2 can help fight off viruses, as well as chronic disease over the long term. But where can you get H2? How about simply drinking the right kind of water!

There are three ways in which H2 works to kill viruses:

#1: H2 Helps Stop the Spread Of Viral Infection

When you contract a virus, it spreads throughout your body by a process called “viral replication.” It is why you initially experience negligible symptoms that intensify over time. If you can remove replication, viruses would not cause as many symptoms and would be far less dangerous.

In a recent study investigating the effects of hydrogen‐rich water on oxidative stress, liver function and HBV DNA in patients with chronic hepatitis B, it was found that “treatment with hydrogen‐rich water is required to confirm the protective effect of hydrogen on the liver function and its suppressive effect on viral replication.”

But H2 does much more than just treat viral infections of the liver. The antioxidant mechanism H2 uses to eliminate viral replication may work to treat other viruses like pneumonia, influenza, and many viral infections.

#2: H2 Boosts Your Immune System

There is no drug, no nutrient, and no therapy that is more effective at fighting infection than your own immune system, when it works properly, and H2 has been shown to boost immune response.

The effectiveness of the immune system and the digestive system are directly linked to your level of hydration. Being properly hydrated is one of the best ways to increase your immune system and prevent sickness and disease. 60-75% of your body is water and it should be no surprise that the type of water you drink directly influences the way you feel. Hydrogen enriched water can stimulate anaerobic microflora to naturally restore gut health. The health of your gut is directly related to the strength of your immune system and your susceptibility to disease and sickness.

#3: H2 Gets Rid Of Destructive Free Radicals, Protecting Your Cells

Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. When oxygen molecules split into single atoms that have unpaired electrons, they become unstable free radicals that seek other atoms or molecules to bond to. If this continues to happen, it begins a process called oxidative stress, a process that can irreparably damage the body’s cells, leading to a range of diseases and aging.

Although free radicals are produced naturally in the body, lifestyle factors (e.g., processed food, exposure to chemicals, pollution, smoking, alcohol, EMFs) can accelerate their production.  This destroys our cells, making us a ticking time bomb for chronic disease, illness, and infection. The symptoms of oxidative stress include fatigue, headaches, noise sensitivity, memory loss and brain fog, muscle and joint pain, wrinkles and gray hair, vision trouble and decreased immunity.

Hydrogen water stops these cytotoxic radicals before they even start.

For more information on hydrogen-rich, alkaline, antioxidant water systems, CLICK HERE or contact me.

6. WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY

The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water frequently and whenever possible because it is one of the most important acts in preventing virus spread. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others, but are not as effective as handwashing and, therefore, should only be used whenever soap and water are not available.

When washing your hands, make sure to lather for at least 20 seconds (count if you have to) and pay specific attention to cleaning underneath the nails, nail beds, fingertips, and spaces between the fingers when washing.

7. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE

Whatever you do, do NOT TOUCH your face, eyes, nose and mouth. You can transmit a virus in just a single touch. A contaminated surface does not guarantee that you contract the virus, but infection will occur the minute you touch your eyes, mouth or inside of your nose. You can also be infected by inhaling infected droplets or virus suspended in the air from a cough or sneeze, so make sure to cover your mouth and nose if you are coughing or sneezing and to stay away from people who exhibit any symptoms. Wiping down your surroundings with disinfectant wipes before coming in contact with them may also help prevent exposure.

8. Don’t smoke or VAPE

Smoking and vaping can lead to much more serious complications of the Coronavirus. Smoking is associated with increased development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in people with a risk factor like severe infection, non-pulmonary sepsis (blood infection), or blunt trauma.  Moreover, individuals who have even low levels of cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine) in their bodies (sometimes associated with secondhand smoke) have a substantially increased risk of acute respiratory failure from ARDS (pSource 1, Source 2, Source 3). 

Consistent with this science, analysis of deaths from corona virus in China shows that men are more likely to die than women, which may be related to the fact that many more Chinese men smoke than women.  Among Chinese patients diagnosed with COVID-19 associated pneumonia, the odds of disease progression (including death) were 14 times higher among people with a history of smoking compared to those who did not smoke. This was the strongest risk factor among those examined.

The CDC, FDA, the Surgeon General, state health departments and every other expert have been stating that stopping smoking, vaping, and avoiding secondhand exposure is one of the most important preventative measures you can take to lower your risk of serious complications or death due to the Coronavirus.

9. MANAGE YOUR STRESS

This is a stressful time. Most of us have never seen the ramifications of a pandemic affect the entire world. There are curfews, quarantines, event cancellations, shortages… and the worst part is, of course, the unknown. How will Coronavirus affect your health, that of your loved ones, your business, the economy? How long will this nightmare last? It’s easy to get consumed by obsessive thoughts and pretty soon you’re not sleeping and are stressed out, and then you get sick.

You see, chronic stress exposes your body to a steady stream of stress hormones that suppress the immune system. Although sometimes you can’t avoid stress, try mitigating it by meditating, exercising, and slowing down. Additionally, take breaks from watching or reading the news, as well social media. Hearing about this pandemic 24/7 will drive anyone crazy.

10. MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE

Although one of the most important things you can do to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus is “Social Distancing,” don’t forget to connect with people at the very least virtually. Studies show that people who feel connected to friends - whether it’s a few close friends or a large group - have stronger immunity (and live longer!) than those who feel alone.

Social distancing requires that you avoid close contact with others in order to avoid catching the virus yourself and passing it on. If you’re over 60 or have a health condition, you should be staying home to the greatest extent possible. Ask a neighbor or a relative to do your grocery shopping for you and drop it off at the door, or order on line. Remember to avoid anyone not living with you, as people who are not exhibiting any symptoms could have Coronavirus and be contagious.

If you’re younger, you should also try to avoid public places, if not so much to protect yourself but to protect those who are most susceptible to complications from the virus. If you do go to dinner or the gym, bring disinfectant wipes and clean off your surroundings before you touch anything. Wearing disposable rubber gloves could help. They may also help keep you from touching your face.

So how do you stay connected while socially distancing yourself? Spend quality time with your family (who live with you), schedule virtual time with friends, co-workers, and other family members via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. You can schedule a virtual dinner party or gossip with a girlfriend over wine. Don’t forget to check in on your neighbors and friends, especially if they are alone during this challenging time. If you’re healthy, offer to drop off groceries, walk a dog, or even babysit for those who may need extra help.

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If you enjoyed this column, drop me a line or post a comment below. Stay healthy my friends… and remember that you are not alone. We are all going through this together. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Victoria Gregory is an Integrative Nutritionist and founder of NEWTRITION NEWYOU. Her focus—whether with private clients, readers of her blog, or her followers on social media— is whole body wellness, incorporating whole-food nutrition, supplementation, exercise, toxin-free living, and mindset coaching. Victoria’s personal mission is to help make the world a healthier place, one person at a time, and she has helped thousands of people find joy and self-love through better eating habits and mindfulness. Learn more about Victoria.

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