After months of lockdowns, social distancing, and bad at-home haircuts, in New York where I live, we’re finally feeling like we can return to a little bit of normal…Just as those of you in other areas of the country are starting to get hit the hardest.
I feel for you, I really do.
But after all this time in isolation, I’ve emerged ready to take this stupid virus down.
I may not be able to travel around and make all of you take your vitamins like I’d like to…but I can certainly round up all of the information and research and recommendations I’ve compiled over the last few months and send them to you (which is exactly what I’m doing!)
I know that if you are able to feel more prepared you will feel healthier and less stressed out. I know that when you are taking steps that make you feel proactive you feel more powerful.
Please — no matter how bad this gets, never forget — you’re a powerful Queen with the ability to protect her family and her loved ones.
What precautions should we take?
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. Hey, cold and flu season just around the corner, I’m looking at you, too.
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…so I’m passing on all of my knowledge to you.
Here’s my comprehensive list of all the things you can do to keep your defenses high. Let’s kick this thing out of our lives for good!
Everything that is listed in this article is something that I’ve personally tried and I’ve bought for myself and my family. I’ve done my best to provide you with the research but you MUST consult with your caregiver. I don’t want to bring politics into this so please don’t email me about political things because I don’t have time for that.
I’m on your side NOW and always and I am here to raise the level of healing for all women especially those in my community.
Lifestyle Recommendations
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. (1)
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 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.
If you can’t find any hand sanitizer, not to worry here’s a recipe you can use! I make my own hand sanitizer using this recipe and I typically add a few drops of essential oil to spice it up a bit. 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.
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? (4) It can also prevent you from getting quality sleep — which is a key component of high functioning immunity. (5) 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.
Sleep: Get your rest and make sure you are sleeping 7-9 hours a night. Limit exposure to phones and computers 1 hour before bedtime.
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. Sometimes I just walk up and down my stairs. Yes, I look like a crazy woman but I don’t care:) Keep the mind calm, and don’t let yourself get run down. (6)
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 scenarios. I adore Mel Brooks movies so he’s my go-to for funny movies.
Natural Remedies
Here are some of my favorite ways I keep my immune system firing at its best and combatting any pathogens that come my way! I believe in prevention, positivity, and community as immune-boosting agents as well.
Quercetin – Quercetin is an amazing natural antioxidant and antihistamine that is naturally found in onions. In animal studies, it’s also shown to help lessen respiratory symptoms, reducing the inflammatory response in the lungs. (10) It also acts as a zinc ionophore just like hydroxychloroquine (which means it transports the zinc across the membrane of a cell). (11)
Zinc – Zinc is what’s known as an antiviral mineral. It helps stop the reproduction of viruses. This is exactly why it’s great to have on hand if you’re trying to relieve symptoms from the common cold (which is often caused by a strain of coronavirus). (12)
Vitamin C -Vitamin C is a classic immune-boosting supplement for a reason. Studies show its benefits against the common cold, SARS coronavirus, sepsis, and it’s currently being tested as a treatment for COVID-19. (13,14,15,16,17)
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
- 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. I take the recommended dosage but split it up into teaspoons so I am taking it throughout the day. That works for me but it may not work for you. When I was sick this vitamin C was a lifesaver.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is a popular choice for natural immune support for its antiviral properties. While it hasn’t been studied against CO-VID-1-9 just yet, it has shown clinically in vitro efficacy against retrovirus, herpes simplex type 1, and respiratory syncytial virus. (18)
Vitamin D
Since it’s commonly accepted that vitamin D plays a role in immune response, it makes sense that a vitamin D deficiency may point to a likelihood of complications from viral infections. (19) We don’t know for sure if supplementing is an insurance policy against CO-V-ID-1-9 , but we do know that low levels of vitamin D are associated with autoimmunity and increased infection rates. And, many of the known risk factors associated with the virus are tied to vitamin D deficiencies, like diabetes and hypertension. (20) Additionally, in my clinical experience, I have found that women with low levels of vitamin D have dry and irritated vulva tissues.
I use PuraThrive Liposomal Vitamin D — it’s the brand I trust and liposomal supplements mean that the nutrients are better absorbed and more bioavailable than their regular counterparts.
Glutathione
Known as the master antioxidant, glutathione works to counteract free radicals in your body. (21) Free radicals are the molecules that try to damage your cells. Low levels of glutathione are associated with many diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s. (22) Some scientists believe that glutathione deficiency is the reason some experience the most severe CO-V-I-D-19 complications. (23)
I’ve been lucky enough to get some trisomal glutathione and I’d recommend you stock up on it too.
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.
Organixx Turmeric 3D: Chronic inflammation is the root of disease and suppresses normal immune response. (24) Turmeric, one of the most well-studied herbs in the world, is best known for decreasing inflammation. (25) 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!
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.
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)
Food-Based Recommendations
1- Keep Your Body Alkaline and Eat Healthy Foods: Viruses love acidic bodies and sugar. So limit sugar and eat clean/unprocessed foods.
2- 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.
3- Hydration: Stay hydrated and drink the purest filtered water you can find. I recommend Mountain Valley Spring. This is the company that I use for my water or get yourself a good filtering system.
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. We’re in this together, and I know if we lean on each other, we will get through this!
For more health-focused content and female empowerment, be sure to follow me over on Instagram. I love surrounding myself with other Queens who believe in their own transformative power.
Please check with your MD or local caregiver before implementing any of the suggestions in this medical report.
References:
- “Show Me the Science | Handwashing – CDC.” https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html.
- “Debunking the Myth of Exercise-Induced Immune … – NCBI.” 16 Apr. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5911985/.
- “The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s ….” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254618301005.
- “Psychological Stress and the Human ….” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361287/.
- “Association between Sleep Duration and Perceived” … – NCBI.” 19 Apr. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5923838/
- “Exercise and Respiratory Tract Viral Infections”… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803113
- “COVID-19 Outpatients – Early Risk-Stratified Treatment with ….” 3 Jul. 2020, https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202007.0025/v1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18026696/
- Carlucci P, Ahuja T, Petrilli CM, et al. 2020. Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin plus zinc vs hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin alone: outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. medRxiv doi: 10.1101/2020.05.02.20080036. [cited 2020 Jun 15]. Available from: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.02.20080036v1
- “Chloroquine Is a Zinc Ionophore – NCBI – NIH.” 1 Oct. 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4182877/.
- “Anti-inflammatory Activity of Quercetin and … – PubMed.”
- “Zinc ionophore activity of quercetin and epigallocatechin ….” 13 Aug. 2014, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25050823/.
- “Zinc for the common cold—not if, but when – NCBI.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273967/.
- “Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common … – PubMed.” 31 Jan. 2013, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23440782/.
- “The antiviral properties of vitamin C – PubMed.” 23 Dec. 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31852327/.
- “Vitamin C and SARS coronavirus – NCBI.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7110025/.
- “Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid and Thiamine (HAT … – PubMed.” 14 Nov. 2018, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30441816/.
- “A new clinical trial to test high-dose vitamin C in patients with ….” 7 Apr. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7137406/.
- “Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of … – PubMed.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24779581/.
- “Vitamin D and the Immune System – NCBI – NIH.” 1 Aug. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/.
- “Vitamin D deficiency and co-morbidities in COVID-19 patients ….” 7 Jun. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7276229/.
- “The importance of glutathione in human disease – NCBI.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6522248/.
- “Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and … – NCBI.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756154/.
- “Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely ….” 28 May. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7263077/.
- ”Chronic Inflammation – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – NIH.” 13 Dec. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/.
- “Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health – NCBI.” 22 Oct. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/.
- “Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry”… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016
- “Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration”… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651
- Mortazavi, SMJ. (2019). RF-EMF Induced Antimicrobial resistance (AMR): The 10-year Challenge of Bacteria!. 10.13140/RG.2.2.33769.54883. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330655035_RF-EMF_Induced_Antimicrobial_resistance_AMR_The_10-year_Challenge_of_Bacteria/citation/download
- “Evaluation of the effect of high frequency electromagnetic … – NCBI.” 19 Jul. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5775109/.