Your Immunity: What You Need To Know To Stay Safe

Although information is changing daily about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the one thing that is very clear is that if you have a healthy immune system, you can get through this.

There are several things you can do for yourselves to keep your body and immune system stronger, so you come out as the winner…

1. Get 7-8 hours of good quality sleep.
2. Without sufficient sleep, your body makes fewer cytokines, a type of protein that targets infection and inflammation, effectively creating an immune response. If your sleep schedule is interrupted, try to make up for the lost rest with naps. Taking 1-2 daytime “power” naps that are 15-20 minutes each has been shown to offset the negative effects that sleep deprivation has on the immune system. 
3. Eat a wholesome diet at regular times. At least 70% of your immune system is in your gut and the gut needs a steady supply of quality nutrients to defend itself from foreign pathogens.Targeted foods that boost the immune system include cinnamon, turmeric, wheat germ, elderberry, red or pink grapefruit, lemon, oranges, pear, unsweetened yogurt, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, wild but safe mushrooms, raw garlic, tomatoes, egg yolks, and honey (especially Manuka honey variety).
4. Stay well hydrated with purified or filtered water and organic herbal teas. Staying hydrated oxygenates your cells and helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other pathogens that may cause illness.
5. Take helpful Immune supportive vitamins/herbs.These include Vitamin C 500-1000 mg/day, Vitamin D 2000 iu/day, Zinc 20-40 mg/day, and herbs such as elderberry, astragalus, and echinacea. Certain Essential Oils can also be helpful such as lavender, lemon, oregano, eucalyptus, and/or tea tree which have anti-microbial agents to ward off bacteria and viruses. 
6. Keep stress manageable. Spend a few minutes a day with meditation, yoga, breathing, tai chi, laughing, prayer, practicing gratitude, etc.
7. Exercise regularly.Exercise helps by promoting good circulation, allowing the lymph and white blood cells of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.
8. Other supportive measures include targeted homeopathic remedies and acupuncture.
9. Stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Sushma Hirani recorded a presentation for her patients with valuable information and tips on 'How To Take Control Of Your Immune System'. We thought everyone could benefit from the information, so we are sharing it with you. Click here to watch.

It is important to remember that this is a fight between your immune system and the virus. We have posted some tips on our blog to keep your immune system healthy during this time. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to wash your hands frequently using soap and water. Also, you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. We all also need to abide by the guidance given to us by the government, and practice social distancing and not gathering in large groups. Why not 'gather' with your friends and family virtually? During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to keep lines of communication going. Please visit the CDC's website for more helpful tips on ways to manage stress and anxiety during this time. 

Click on the YouTube link to watch Functional Medicine Physician Dr. Sushma Hirani explain How To Boost Your Immunity.