Be Prepared, Not scared (Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System)

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Turn on the TV, open up the internet, scroll Facebook, and it is a guarantee you will see multiple conversations surround the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a mom, the information out there can be terrifying! There’s enough media hype to make you want to Instacart all the toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes humanly possible, and lock your family inside until the craziness is over. If this is the choice you make, then go for it, but for the rest of us, I will provide you with some alternatives to feel prepared (but not scared).

My Background

I am a functional nutritional therapy practitioner who has dedicated over a decade to studying the human body, disease, and the immune system. Both my husband and I have worked in emergency services – combined we have spent over 30 years working with the public. We worked emergency services during outbreaks such as bird flu, SARS, norovirus, and H1N1. None of these occurred during a time where social media was as large of a presence as it is now, so the media hype felt a little less during the previous outbreaks.

Stay Away from the Hype

Please remember that what is not heavily published is the ages of the patients who are badly affected by this virus or their preexisting health conditions. News stories sell advertisement times, being scared sells product. These are marketing techniques that have been used for years. While it is tragic that any illness takes multiple human lives, the massive fear of hype is driven by media.

As a mom, I suggest taking a little break from the media hype and spend the time hanging with your kids, friends, spouse, animals, and whoever brings you joy! I am a big fan of enjoying each day of life. I also know that being prepared and having a working knowledge of what remedies work brings me peace.

Be Prepared, Not scared of Coronavirus_ Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System Charleston Moms15 WAYS TO BE PREPARED FOR VIRUS SEASON

Disclaimer: This list is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any questions or concerns or before starting any treatments. *This is not a sponsored post but includes products the writer loves.

  1. Hand Washing: Wash with warm water and soap for around 15-20 seconds. Make sure jewelry and watches are also clean.
  2. Face Cleaning: Do not touch your face, eyes, nose, and mouth. If you need to then make sure your hands are washed first.
  3. Sunlight and Air: Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Open those blinds and open your windows. This is one of the best ways to disinfect your home. You can even move objects outside for extra sun exposure (kid’s stuffed animals, chairs, rugs).
  4. Vinegar and water: 1/2 cup white vinegar in 1 quart of warm water is an excellent way to disinfect countertops, floors, sinks, and toilets.
  5. Wash clothes: Immediately wash clothes after school, work, and travel. Use warm water and Borax to disinfect. Minimize shoes in the house, especially school and work shoes. These can be disinfected with a natural essential oil disinfectant like Thieves cleaning spray.
  6. Vitamin C: I could go on and on about the benefits of Vitamin C, but I will keep it simple. Take it often! Food-based, liposomal, and ester-C are my top recommendations. For kids- use either a food-based powder C like Pure Synergy or Alive or a chewable without food coloring.
  7. Cod Liver Oil: The best and most natural source of vitamin D and A. Use a well-sourced brand like Rositas, Jigsaw, Green Pastures, or Nordic Naturals
  8. Electrolytes: Great for strengthening the respiratory and muscular systems. Jigsaw berrylicious is kid-approved by my kids, their friends, and many clients’ kids!
  9. Iodine: Very effective against viruses, yeasts, and molds. It is controversially used in high dosages, so if you have a preexisting shellfish allergy or thyroid disorder, then only use it with a trained medical professional. Iodine can be used to clean topically, on the skin, and taken internally. Sources of iodine such as seaweed and kelp should only be sourced from America (not China/Japan).
  10. Elderberry: The amazing elderberry! There are clinical studies that show that elderberry reduces the life of viruses like the flu. You can make your own elderberry syrup or purchase an organic syrup or supplement. Local Charleston Sources: Albizia Apothecary, Herbal Passion, RD Naturals, and Charleston Organic Elderberry
  11. Moringa: This is a powerful antiviral and antiinflammatory, and another way to get essential immune minerals like zinc and iodine. FIQ makes a good immune product that has a combination of many powerful antivirals (for adult use). They also have delicious bone broth powder!
  12. Garlic: It is worth the bad breath! Garlic is a powerful antiviral. It can be taken in a supplement or fresh garlic works. If using fresh garlic, cut a clove in half and leave it exposed to the air for about five minutes and then throw it in food (without cooking it) or cut it in small pieces and swallow it. If you can find (or make) fire cider, this is a great way to keep those viruses away.
  13. Probiotics: Super complicated topic, but here are the strands to look for when focusing on respiratory health. L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosusGG, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, B. lactis-BB-12, B. bifidum, B. longum, L. gasseri. Many of these strands can be found in fermented vegetables. Bubbies pickles is a ferment that many kids enjoy!
  14. Oscillococcinum: This is a homeopathic remedy that is sold at Target, CVS, Walgreens, and other big named stores because it has provided people so much relief from flu symptoms. Personally, I have used this since I was a little girl and have survived many viruses with shortened symptom time. It is recommended to start immediately and take it often. This is one of the number one things I stock up on during the flu season. While I have no proof, I could see how it will also help with cases of COVID-19 (for people who are not previously immunocompromised).
  15. Clean Diet: This is a great time to eat organic fruit, veggies, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, organic meat and eggs, sprouted legumes, and fermented vegetables. Be prepared to eat great!

“Be PREPARED but not SCARED!”

~Jane Barlow, founder of Barlow Herbs (and my favorite herbalist)~