1Stop Live

Immunity Booster Tips – Covid19

We are all currently living the covid-19 pandemic globally. And although health centers give us different recommendations such as social distancing, washing our hands often, wearing a mask if we are very close to other people, plus disinfecting hands and household surfaces. It´s essential to bear in mind that ¨Preventive Measures¨ are useful for all types of viral conditions, so good cold prevention is also helpful for COVID-19, and certain recommendations can be added to take care of our body and strengthen our immune system as our own self-defense one.

That’s why I’d like to talk to you about certain foods to boost ¨The Immune System¨, along with habits and attitudes that complement a holistic healthy lifestyle:

Vitamin D3
Vitamin C
Vitamin B12
Yoga & Meditation
Quercetin
Antiviral Plants
Emotional management and exercise

So let´s move on!

1. Vitamin D3

It´s an essential vitamin for our body for the absorption of calcium in the bones, which is produced by exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun that act on the skin cells to generate it, circulating through our bloodstream. When Vitamin D levels in children are very low it can lead to rickets, and in adults, it can generate osteoporosis and an increased risk of fracture and osteopenia.

But…the deficit is common nowadays, and apart from the lack of exposure to the sun, other factors can contribute to it also such as inflammatory bowel and celiac diseases, liver or kidney alterations, plus certain drugs (antiepileptics, rifampicin, orlistat, or corticosteroids).

There are recommended foods rich in Vitamin D3 such as eggs, milk, and cheese, oily and fatty fish (salmon, tuna, or sardines), dehydrated mushrooms, and soy and oatmeal drinks ( they provide little vitamin D), as well as a recommended daily sun exposure of 10- 15 minutes.

What happens when this isn´t enough?

A specialist should be consulted because supplement use has its corrective purpose. Being the daily need 600 IU for one year, including periods of pregnancy and lactation, and 800 IU for those over 70 years.

The great news as well is that there is scientific evidence advising vitamin D3 against Covid-19 to reduce more infections and deaths.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another essential micronutrient for the body, being a great ally against COVID-19 helping against cellular oxidation, and although it doesn´t stop you from catching a cold, taking it beforehand definitely improves the Immune System!.

We find Vitamin C in citrus fruits such as orange, tangerine, and other fruits such as kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, as well as in vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, zucchini, peppers, etc.

3. Vitamin B12

It´s another essential micronutrient for the health of our body, although due to not being a water-soluble vitamin does not accumulate in the body, being eliminated by feces. It promotes the health of the nerve tissue, which is found in the brain and spinal cord, not only helping our brain to process our thoughts and emotions but also to coordinate the different functions of the body such as:

Production of red blood cells as they transport oxygen from the lungs (when inhaled) to the rest of the body, and return with carbon dioxide (to exhale)
ADN Regulation is the biological code that makes us who we are, so mutations in it can lead to serious diseases

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the diet lacks natural sources (fortified foods and animals products). Although it can also happen that your body does not process the compound well, needing more of what the diet provides. It also sometimes happens with some vegan or vegetarians, who should be aware of how to cover B12 requirements safely.

Because If they don´t want to have it low, they should take a B12 supplement, although the doubt comes when choosing from the multitude of supplements that we find on the market.

A maintenance B12 supplement for a healthy person should be in the form of ¨Cyanocobalamin¨, and if we are opting for daily supplementation, we will choose a supplement that contains between 25 and 100 mcg, although this need will vary depending on each individual’s circumstances and overall health.

4. Quercetin

Quercetin is a pigment found in fruits, many vegetables, and plants that humans don´t produce, although we can easily get it through foods such as cabbage, broccoli, onion, wine, grapes, apples, etc. Scientific work has revealed and stands out that quercetin antioxidants contribution is superior to vitamin C and E, preventing acute and chronic inflammations plus also possessing antiarthritic properties, preventing neurological diseases, and an effective antibacterial.

Eat an apple a day to keep the Doctor away!

In this article, I have concentrated on these essential vitamins for the health of our body, although I would like to invite you to also integrate some plants with incredible antiviral effects that can help us more than ever with our best life ally ¨The Immune System¨ as they are very easy to get and use, plus some of them have also been used in Chinese Hospitals with patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

5. Antiviral Plants

5.1 Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as in other therapeutic traditions for centuries. Although, is important to know is that it has currently been used in Chinese Hospitals within the official protocolary treatment of ¨patients infected with SARS-CoV-2¨. And it is not surprising since certain active substances in licorice have powerful antiviral properties. If you want to prepare it in infusion you can throw 1-2 teaspoons of dried root for a cup of boiling water let it stand for 10-15 minutes, and ready to drink, or simply buy organic herbal teabags.

5.2 Astragale is another herb popular in traditional Chinese medicine that has also been used in patients infected with covid-19, thanks to its antiviral and immune enhancer properties. If it´s prepared in infusion is advisable to take 4 to 7 g of root a day in 2 or 3 doses, although you can also take it in capsules.

5.3 Mint is often added to teas and extracts to treat naturally viral infections and in addition to its properties helps to treat bad breath, relieving bad digestion, nausea, insomnia, and mild headaches. Meanwhile, you are reading this article, I am sure its characteristic smell has come to your mind. You can prepare an infusion by buying the fresh mint leaf and adding it to boiling water, or by buying organic herbal teabags already prepared.

5.4 Salvia According to laboratory research in vitro, this herb can fight human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), which can lead to AIDS. Although its use is suggested as a topical disinfectant and not assessing the effect internally. It can be used the same way we use the mint leaf, 4-6 grams of sage leaves can be added in infusion 3 times a day.!

5.5 Ginger is commonly used for colds, to relieve the symptoms of influenza and derivatives of the respiratory system, for its impressive antiviral activity thanks to its high concentration of potent plant compounds. Hence, taking an infusion of tea with two or three slices of the fresh root and letting them infuse between 5-10 minutes is of great relief.

5.6 Garlic is considered one of the best natural remedies to detoxify the body, cleaning it of parasites and preventing it from diseases such as diabetes and viral infections. It is nutritious, low in calories, rich in magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, and fiber, making it a secret to strengthening the immune system.

And you know that to benefit from its properties, it can be easily included in a multitude of easy recipes!

6. Emotional management and Exercise

The uncertainty, the helplessness, the health and economic crisis due to Covid-19 are causing an impact on the mental imbalance of many people worldwide, although some precautions can be carried out to try that the emotional discomfort does not go any further:

Avoid watching too much information
Understand your feelings
Accept the emotions you are feeling and ask for help if needed
Meditate and practice Yoga as a tool increasingly accessible, simple, cheap, and effective in society not only to reduce the use of medications against chronic pain but also to get all its incredible mental and physical benefits.

"If everyone practiced Yoga there would be fewer Pharmacies"

Although there are many possibilities, you will find it easy to include in your diet: omega 3, turmeric, fermented and probiotics, nuts, and red fruits.

It´s very easy to Boost your Immune System Naturally to Boost your life!

I hope you enjoyed this article and if you have any questions, you can ask me anytime!

Love always,

Mónica :-))