Prevention from Respiratory illnesses from flu strains, colds or other air borne viruses start with proper hygiene and Immune supporting diet and supplementation.

Below are some useful resources about the COVID-19 virus from the CDC and other Health agencies, hygiene protocols ( like those we use in office) immunity diet recommendations and things you can do at-home to reduce stress during this difficult time.

When prevention isn’t enough, always seek the advice of your licensed medical provider and call 911 in the case of any emergency. Please do not discount your mental health and see a licensed provider if you need one.

What are we in our office doing to protect ourselves and our patients?

1. Every one will be asked to sanitize their hands and phones upon check-in.
2. If you have any flu like symptoms, after your temperature is also taken, we may reschedule your appointment for a later time or ask you to wear a face mask and/or consider other respiratory treatments in-office.
3. All surfaces are regularly sanitized with Force of Nature, which is an EPA registered disinfectant and sanitizer that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. It’s as effective as bleach at killing germs, even Staph, MRSA, Norovirus, Influenza A, Salmonella and Listeria. It’s approved for use in hospitals, schools, daycares, veterinary clinics, restaurants, fitness centers & more. It is the ONLY EPA registered disinfectant & sanitizer you can make at home/office. Note: CDC recommends using EPA-registered disinfectants on all high-touch surfaces.
   
4. Humidifiers / Air-purifiers are running throughout the office to minimize air contamination. This includes spacing out patients so that the treatment room can be sanitized for your safety.  (Source: Yale: Humidifier Usage.)
   

What can I do?

● Get good sleep, and prioritize your self-care. Sleep is critical to optimal immune function. If you are sleep-deprived, you are not at your peak immunity.
● Eat nutrient-rich foods, and prioritize a healthy diet. Your diet provides building blocks used by your immune system to fight illness. Without those resources, your immune system will be weaker.
● Talk to your doctor about vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C levels. These nutrients are particularly important for optimal immune function and may be depleted in the typical diet, and in the winter depending on location.
● Stay hydrated. Water, is at the foundation of our health. Clean/filtered water consumed regularly helps keep our whole system functioning optimally, including our immune systems. Tip: add some Apple Cider Vinegar for super hydration.
● Don’t panic! An outbreak is scary, but most people will experience COVID-19 as a mild illness. Prolonged, toxic stress inhibits immune function, so whether it is fear about the virus or excess stress at home or work, do what you can to give your system a break and restore.

Exercise, acupuncture, nutritional and herbal supplements recommended by your healthcare practitioner, qigong/tai chi, yoga, meditation, or whatever your “go-to” to unwind must take priority now. These are not luxuries! Take care of yourself.

Source: American Society of Acupuncturists: ASAcu.org COVID-19 Information Sheet February 29, 2020.

At home tip: get your cold mist humidifier out (must be cold mist – the hot steam ones don’t work with this), add a few splashes of hydrogen peroxide (sold at any grocery or drug store) as a preventative, but empty the bottle as a breathing treatment, fill the rest with distilled water. Put the humidifier running as close to you as possible when sleeping, as tolerated, for the duration of your respiratory illness. You may want to put a towel around the area to keep from any water damage and a towel on your head to prevent any hair lightening. The hydrogen peroxide kills the virus’ and bacteria in your nasal and respiratory system as you breathe it.  (Additional Info.: Yale University)

I am often asked, ‘Well, what are you taking’?  We are currently doing 4 things:

1. Increasing our Vitamin D/K:  Studies confirm that using Vitamin D regularly, protects against cold and flu. (Source: Harvard Gazette)
2. Increasing Vitamin C: Overall, reported flu and cold symptoms in the test group decreased 85% compared with the control group after the administration of megadose Vitamin C. (Source: PubMed)
3. Immune Protocol via oral sprays as a comprehensive cleansing of the body daily, increasing antioxidant levels, heighten neurological function and boost the immune system.
4. TCM Herbal Rx (Immune +): This is a Chinese Herbal Prescription to boost your body’s immunity.

Note: consult your healthcare practitioner, PCP, and pharmacist when implementing any diet or supplementation to ensure there are no contradictions that would be unique to your health case.

Consider an immune boosting diet

The key to a successful immune system diet is to regulate blood glucose levels with frequent protein (every 2-3 hours), reduce or remove refined sugars (that we know suppress the immune system) and emphasize the intake of citrus fruits and nutrient rich dark green vegetables. Visit the Fullscript blog to learn more about top 20 foods for immune health.