During these crazy times, we are all searching for answers to the pandemic that is sweeping the globe. One area that is being researched is whether or not there is anything that can be done to help with the spread of the virus. Is there anything that can be bought in the shops that can reduce the number of daily cases? Do certain foods increase or decrease the chance of getting sick? Could a vitamin supplement make a difference? Many theories and much research are going into finding a solution but for now, we have to wait and see.
Vaccines and Sermons
Vaccination is one of the possible ways to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and although it is not a completely effective method, it does reduce the number of cases. There are many fears regarding the safety of vaccinations during this time and some people are choosing not to be injected with vaccines. If you choose not to be vaccinated, then you are putting your health at risk as the virus can still live in your body for some time after you have been vaccinated. This has also led to many religious leaders encouraging their congregations to get the vaccine as a ‘good soldiering’ strategy during this time. Many Christian denominations, Islam, and Judaism have all called for people to get the vaccination as it is considered a ‘good idea’ from a moral and/or religious standpoint.
However, some people are wary of getting the vaccination because they believe that it can cause autoimmune disorders or that it promotes herd immunity which makes them feel that there is no need to protect themselves since fewer people will get sick. There is also the ‘chicken’ or ‘cow’ card that some people feel prevents them from being injected with anything that comes from an animal, especially since a vaccine for the new coronavirus was developed using a different animal source than the one used in the flu vaccine. This argument is completely flawed as there are already hundreds of scientific studies that prove that vaccines are completely safe and do not cause autoimmune disorders or introduce new diseases into the human population.
This is not to say that getting the vaccination is completely risk-free. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are some risks associated with the vaccination. Some of these risks include: flu-like symptoms, soreness at the injection site, fever, and chills. The symptoms can appear a few days after the shot and last for a few days. In extremely rare cases, the vaccine can cause neurological damage or anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). This is why it is imperative that you consult your physician before getting a flu shot since they can help you determine whether or not this is the right fit for you.
Vitamin C
Even during these uncertain times, there are plenty of supplements and foods that we know for sure help the body in various ways to fight off viruses and bacteria. One such food is vitamin C which our bodies do not make naturally but which we must get from external sources. Vitamin C drastically increases the body’s natural killer cell count, which studies have shown to help fight off infections and disease. As humans have become more aware of the dangers of vitamin C deficiency, including the risk of disease outbreaks, more people are taking it daily as a supplement or in food form. We know that our bodies do not produce vitamin C, but it is relatively safe and affordable to get it from external sources. Vitamin C is also recommended for those who are ill and have a weakened immune system as well as for babies and young children who are too young to be vaccinated or who have not yet been exposed to vaccines. We are also learning more and more about the importance of having sufficient levels of vitamin C in our bodies as it can help to prevent some of the long-term effects of aging such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. Although it is not a cure-all by any means, we are learning more and more about the role that vitamin C plays in preventing disease and extending life.
Hydration
Our bodies are constantly exposed to elements that can cause dehydration. These elements include extreme heat and cold, as well as excessive drinking. If we become dehydrated, then serious health consequences can appear including kidney damage, heart disease, and even the risk of death. Luckily for us, human nature is to find the smallest change that makes a difference and during these times, our instinct is to stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids. Studies have also shown that fluids help flush out toxins which can prevent many serious diseases. Sometimes, this means simply replacing lost fluids with fluids that are better for your health such as water or coconut water rather than juices which contain added sugar. Sometimes, it also means having a drink that contains alcohol which helps to flush out toxins – but we are not recommending that you abuse your body’s resources by drinking to excess during these challenging times.
A Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is a diet that includes all the foods that your body needs to function normally. A healthy diet is not high in calories or low in fiber, both of which can contribute to obesity and diabetes. A properly planned healthy diet can help to ward off many diseases including cancer. During these challenging times, staying healthy means eating foods that can prevent disease and staying hydrated. Studies show that a healthy diet can reduce the spread of the virus and improve recovery. Experts also recommend that those who are ill eat food that is easy to digest to reduce the length of their recovery period. When selecting food to prepare for an ill person, choose foods that are high in fiber as it can help to maintain their digestive health. Some of the most common foods that people with Covid-19 should avoid include chicken soup, fatty meat, and eggs. Some people who are on a low-carb diet can also benefit from avoiding these foods due to their lack of fibre.
Vitamin E
Many people are using vitamin E as a food supplement since it can help to reduce the damage done by free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are molecules that can damage human cells and give them a negative charge. Our bodies are constantly in the process of being damaged and it is important that we have ways to reduce this damage as much as possible. Vitamin E can help to stop the damage in its tracks by shielding our cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Vitamin E can also reduce inflammation which is another important factor in the body’s natural defense against infections and diseases. The most common form of vitamin E is vitamin E acetate which most people can get in their diet but for those who want to get the most out of their vitamin E intake, then they can try taking a supplement that contains d-α-tocotrienol which is vitamin E’s more effective form.
Quiet Mind
There are many stressors in our lives right now and although we can get anxious or worried about the right things, it is important that we find ways to relax and de-stress. Studies have shown that stress can cause the body to produce more cytokines which can lead to a weakened immune system and more stress. It is important that we learn how to take a break whenever we need one and find ways to reduce stressors. There are plenty of books and courses that can teach us basic meditation techniques which many people are finding helps them relax and reduces their anxiety levels during these challenging times. Even simple mindfulness exercises can help to reduce stress and anxiety while improving our overall health.
Reduce Your Risk
Although we do not know for sure how or why Covid-19 is so harmful to some people and not others, we can still do things to reduce our risk of becoming ill. The best thing that anyone can do is to wash their hands frequently and make sure that they are clean to the point where you can no longer see any signs of contamination. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and trying to hug someone who is also struggling with the virus as it can spread very easily from person to person this way. If you are already feeling unwell, then it is best not to go to work as it can put you at risk of spreading the virus to others. Stay at home and get some rest as much as possible to give your body the best chance at recovery.