Everybody remain calm. Let the record reflect that before every presidential election there is an outbreak of some sort of "blown out of proportion, massive threat to global health, oops it escaped from a lab virus." I'm not making this up:
Remember in 2004 when we had the SARS virus? And in 2008 when we had avian bird flu? Then, there was the swine flu in 2010, MERS in 2012, Ebola in 2014, ZIKA in 2016, Ebola in 2018, and in 2020 ... we have the coronavirus COVID-19 (which is in the same family as SARS and MERS), which compared to the leading causes of death in this country (heart disease, diabetes, our own healthcare system, etc.) is nothing.
Yet, there's a shortage of hand gels, masks, Lysol, and toilet paper (I still don't get this one), people are isolating themselves from society, and everybody knows somebody baracading themselves in their house tracking the COVID-19's every move.
Even though there is ALWAYS some sort of virus the media is inciting fear over (what happened to measles?), I think it's important that we do what we can regardless to live healthy and create bodies where viruses simply wouldn't be able to thrive.
Here's what I'm doing:
First, this goes without saying, but I'm washing my hands, covering my mouth when I cough or sneeze, and I'm not rolling around in public places or signing up for a cruise. (If you sign up for a cruise right now, you will get stuck on a ship.) This seems pretty common sense. Now, I am not drowning my hands in antibacterial gel, why? Because your standard antibacterial gel contains ingredients that affect the microbiome of your skin (yes, you actually have good bacteria on your skin), removes the protective oils, and dries your skin out leaving it suseptible to miscroscopic cuts and openings where pathogens can thrive. These standard gels also contain triclosan, which is a known hormone disruptor.
A natural homemade hand gel is a much better option and I make mine with aloe vera hand gel and a combination of lemon and lavender essential oils. I also use natural cleaners for surfaces in my home.
Next, I'm making sure my diet is on point. This means eating nutrient-dense foods high in micronutrients, especially vitamin C, which we need to obtain via our diet because our body does not make it. I'm also supplementing with vitamin D because it would be really hard to eat the amount of butter and sustainably wild-caught fish required to obtain it and I'm not able to get as much sun as I'd like. (I'm using this vitamin D.)
I'm also stocked up on Colloidal Silver with Oregano and Olive leaf and elderberry. (Yes, I've read the cytokine storm post and although I would not take elderberry daily just for funzies or with certain autoimmune conditions, research overwhelming supports its benefits as it pertains to colds and flu.) This is my go to elderberry supplement (because I'm DIY-challanged) and this is a recipe for the syrup and lozenges if you want to make it yourself.
And finally, it goes without saying that exercise, fresh air, hydration, and sleep are super important. I make it a priotity to go to a crossfit gym daily even if I don't have time for a full workout, am opening up the windows as much as possible to air out the house, am keeping surfaces clean, drinking enough H2O (and adding some electrolytes), and trying to get to bed at a somewhat decent time.
What steps do you take to keep your family healthy? I'd love to know!
Love, Megan
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