Up until now, I've seen only methods to protect yourself from viruses and bacteria from the outside-in. I have seen very little, if any discussion on raising your immune system in North Scottsdale AZ, therefore protecting yourself from catching a disease in the first place. So much of this hysteria has caused people to become overwhelmed. The fear of catching a deadly virus has taken over many people's lives. This is so sad. If we can just take a moment and have a plan, things will make a lot more sense. Today I will share the two methods of how to approach this.

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Protect Yourself From the Outside-In in North Scottsdale AZ

Hand Washing

The outside-in approach recommends washing your hands for a full 20 seconds. That would be singing 2 happy birthday songs. Yes, washing your hands is important, but overdoing this may kill your first line of defense on your skin. Just use caution and wash when necessary.

Overusing antibacterial soap can be dangerous to your first line of defense, therefore increasing your chances of letting germs into your skin in the future. They also recommend using hand sanitizer if a sink is not nearby. The company that makes Purell has been told by the FDA to stop making claims that it will prevent you from catching the flu, Ebola virus, the MRSA superbug, norovirus, (and now COVID-19). They have reclassified the hand sanitizer to an unapproved drug from an over-the-counter product.

There are high-grade silver solution gel products that can isolate viruses so they can do no harm. They also do not damage your first line of defense.

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Don't Touch Your Face!

Another outside-in approach recommends not touching your face. Do not put your fingers into your eyes, nose, or mouth. This will prevent any germs from getting into your mucous membranes.

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Stay at Home

They have also recommended staying home and not socializing in public. This causes so much stress and panic for people, that they are decreasing their health rather than increasing it. Enjoy the company of others, just be cautious if your immune system is already compromised.

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Protect Yourself from the Inside-Out

So let's talk about what we can do for the inside-out approach. These will be easy, gentle things you can do for yourself that will help raise your immune system and keep yourself calm.

Let's start with healthy foods. Eat whole, real food. Chicken soup and bone broth are immune-boosting and good comfort foods. We can all use some comfort now. Homemade is best, but if you must, purchase the best ones you can find in the market. Look for good quality, medical-grade, broad-spectrum, antioxidant blend.

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Don't Forget Your Vitamins

You can even take megadoses of buffered vitamin C. A megadose would be 5,000 to 10,000 mg every couple of hours with food. Elderberry syrup can be taken daily. Just be careful if there's echinacea in it, it can flare up some autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D may be taken up to 5000 IUs/day, but as it's a fat-soluble vitamin, it's best to have your blood levels checked first.

I recommend lozenges with a high-grade silver solution. Teas are healthy and nurturing. Turmeric and ginger tea are immune boosting. You can get a ginger root, and grate about a ¼ - ½ cup. Pour hot water over it and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You may add raw local honey as well. If you add a pinch of cayenne pepper, it heats your body from the inside-out as well. This is a traditional Chinese medicine remedy for cold and flu treatment and prevention.

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Take Care of Your Gut

Fermented foods that are truly fermented and not vinegar or chemical-based, are wonderful for your immune system. Taken daily, they increase gut flora. Speaking of gut flora, a medical-grade probiotic should be taken daily, even at a higher dose twice a day.

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De-Stress

Stress reduces our immune system so do what you can to reduce your stress. Limit your exposure to things that stress you like watching the news. Be specifically cautious not to be stressed before bedtime. This will affect your sleep and therefore lower your immune system.

Try the breathing method of 4-7-8. Breathe in deeply to the count of 4, hold to the count of 7, and breathe out to the count of 8 with an audible sigh. This will reset your brain and reduce stress levels. You can do it as often as you like throughout the day.

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Don't Forget to Exercise

The weather is beautiful and you can walk outside or use a treadmill or exercise equipment at home. Even gentle stretching and breathing are good ways to keep your mind active.

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Keep Drinking Water

Now that it's getting warmer, we're dehydrating without even knowing it. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Drinking 32 ounces of water before coffee or breakfast first thing in the morning will rehydrate your colon. It'll be good for your gut, and that's important right now for your immune system. It may take time to work up to, but it's a simple thing to do that can make a big difference.

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Please focus on your health, and not the virus!

Taking care of yourself and de-stressing is important in how you protect yourself from getting sick. If you would like any of these products I've mentioned, please contact my office to place an order.