How to Actually Protect Yourself From Illness

Safe accurate information to help you cut through the noise

We’ve all heard of CO-V-I-D-1-9 at this point.

We know that it causes a minor respiratory infection in some, and is fatal for others. For many, the symptoms are actually mild, but for the elderly, this virus poses more complications. We also know that it originated in China, but is now spreading its way across the globe, and has currently (as of this writing, July 24, 2020) spread to all 50 states within the United States and has caused over 144,000 deaths within the country and over 635,000 globally. In NYC where I live, we just entered Phase 4 re-opening, which allows us to do restaurant take out and now a haircut.

In total, there are over 4 million cases confirmed in the US, and 15.5 million cases confirmed globally. (1) Countries continue to take measures to slow the spread of the virus.

But just because this virus is new and its effects and behaviors are somewhat unknown, doesn’t mean we need to panic.

It’s important to remember that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions each year contract the influenza virus, and 290,000-650,000 people worldwide die from it every year. (2)

This virus is a serious business — it spreads very easily. Infected individuals often show no signs of the virus while they are potentially contagious.

And it appears to survive outside the body for more than several hours, making contamination from public surfaces a possibility.

Keep in mind that the number one thing that suppresses your immune system, and makes us vulnerable to illness, is FEAR.

Nevertheless, there are many things that we have control over and can do to not only protect ourselves but also to boost our immune systems.

What precautions should we take?

You’ve probably heard many warnings to practice good hygiene in the current climate, but it bears repeating:

Always wash your hands.

Before eating, before touching your face, after touching any public surfaces, after using the restroom. It’s just a good idea to be in the habit of handwashing. The CDC recommends taking 15-20 seconds and really scrubbing your hands with soap under clean, running water. (3)

My favorite hand soap is MyGreenFills Aloe Hand Soap. It’s 100% non-toxic and doesn’t dry your hands out like other soaps that are filled with harsh chemicals.

Sure, hand sanitizer (if you can get some at this point) is a decent measure to help kill germs if you can’t get to clean running water. But it’s generally regarded as not as effective as hand washing. If hand sanitizer is your best option, be sure to start with it in the palm of your hand, and rub it over every surface of your hands until dry. (4)

If you can’t find any hand sanitizer, not to worry! I couldn’t find any in NYC and what I found was $50 (yikes!) and so I had to make my own. Simply combine pure aloe vera gel with 91% isopropyl alcohol. The formula is 60% alcohol to 40% aloe vera.

Here’s the recipe to make your own hand sanitizer:

2/3 cup of 91% alcohol
1/4 cup aloe vera gel – optional: a few drops of your favorite calming essential oil (like lavender) mix and place in a container

Boost your immune system

Aside from good hygiene, probably the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves from any pathogenic bacteria or virus is keeping our immune system in the best possible shape.

You know I’m incredibly passionate about healing women and female pelvic health.

But I’m equally enthusiastic about overall health and well-being. I want all of you to be in your best health and protected against every bug out there.

Thankfully, many of my good friends are top experts in the field of preventative medicine and they’ve taught me a lot over the years.

IV vitamin therapy:

High levels of vitamin C as the ones found in IV therapy may help patients who have respiratory distress syndrome as well. This is my personal go-to female bio-hack that has worked for me for many years. So this is an option for immune boosting. I typically do high Vitamin C IV’s. I will be traveling in two weeks and will do one to two IV’s. (16)

I’m currently using PuraThrive Liposomal Vitamin C — it’s the highest quality out there:
• A Powerful Antioxidant That May Reduce Free Radical Damage
• Superb Bioavailability With Micelle Liposomal Delivery [1] • Supports Healthy Aging, Skin Elasticity, Hair & Nail Appearance
• Supports a Healthy Immune Response
It’s a brand that I personally trust so I have no problems recommending it to you.

Here are some of my favorite ways I keep my immune system firing at its best and combatting any pathogens that come my way!

Ultra CFF From Time Laboratories Immune boosting tincture: This stuff is amazing. Filled with all of the highest quality, immune-supporting ingredients, I make sure I’m never out of this stuff, especially in the winter! Amazing and it works.

Harmoni Pendant: This is my new favorite bio-hack. This gorgeous necklace effortlessly protects you from the EMF exposure that’s becoming impossible to avoid. EMF (even the amounts emitted by your cell phone) has been shown to disrupt your protective skin microbiota and make bacteria antibiotic-resistant. (5,6)

Organixx Turmeric 3D: Chronic inflammation is the root of disease and suppresses normal immune response. (7) Turmeric, one of the most well-studied herbs in the world, is best known for decreasing inflammation. (8) I take this formula daily.

Organixx 7M: This super-powered combination of specialty mushrooms that have been selected for their immune-enhancing properties is probably the most potent immunity booster out there. I absolutely love this stuff!

PRESS Yoga: Studies have shown that exercise stimulates the immune response, especially regular, gentle exercise. (9,10) I try to get in a little bit of yoga every day for this very reason. I’ve developed this particular routine to be easy to perform even if you’re suffering from back or pelvic pain.

Healthy Mind Workout: Did you know that stress can suppress your immune system? (11) It can also prevent you from getting quality sleep — which is a key component of high functioning immunity. (12) This sound healing program helps you tap into a stress-free state of mind that will protect your health in many ways. I practice this weekly.

Cacao Bliss: When you’ve wrapped up a chilly day of scouring the stores for toilet paper and hand sanitizer, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm mug of cacao. Plus, it’s filled with antioxidants and immune-boosting ingredients so you can feel good about indulging in it. I like to mix mine with a little bit of oat milk for the ultimate healthy treat.

Other recommendations that you’ve heard before:

Please check with your MD or local caregiver before implementing any of the suggestions in this medical report.

Sleep: Get your rest and make sure you are sleeping 8 hours a day. Limit exposure to phones and computers 1 hour before bedtime.

Hydration: Stay hydrated and drink the pure filtered water you can find. I recommend Mountain Valley Spring. This is the company that I use for my water.

Keep Your Body Alkaline and Eat Healthy Foods: Viruses love acidic bodies and sugar. So limit sugar and eat clean/unprocessed foods.

The Elderberry Herb has been shown to have a protective effect by inhibiting avian infectious bronchitis (a type of coronavirus) in the early phases. (13) A clinical trial of the flu showed that about 1 tablespoon of elderberry four times a day for 5 days found significant relief.

Move Your Body: Don’t stay indoors, making yourself sick with worry. Go for a walk, exercise, and or meditate. Even 15 minutes a day of moderate exercise can calm the nerves and boost the immune system. Keep the mind calm, and don’t let yourself get run down. (15)

Stay Positive: Laugh as often as possible by watching funny movies. Laughter heals the soul. My advice is to stop watching the news. It is full of negativity and doomsday.

Don’t Touch Your Face: touching your face might be one of the main ways the virus gets from a surface to your respiratory tract.

Sneeze or cough into a tissue: NOT into the air and then throw it out. If you don’t have a tissue sneeze into your elbows and wash your hands as soon as possible.

Try not to worry too much:

I know that it’s easier said than done to avoid stress in this current climate.

But try not to panic, you’re well prepared with all of the tips I’ve gathered for you here.

For more health-focused content and female empowerment, be sure to follow me over on Instagram. I love surrounding myself with other Queens on a mission to improve themselves.