Coronavirus is everywhere in the news and more and more cases are appearing. It’s hard not to feel a sense of anxiety and fear around this new illness.  But it’s important to remember that the coronavirus, similar to the influenza virus, does not affect everyone in the same way. In fact, many people may have the coronavirus and think they just have the common cold.  This is why the virus spreads so easily. But for people who are elderly, immune compromised, and/or have lung issues, this virus can be very dangerous.  

This is why it is so important for everyone to practice good hygiene with hand washing and covering their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing to reduce the possibility of infecting those that are more susceptible to this virus. 

As this is a new and emerging virus, there is no known “cure” for the coronavirus yet. Because of this, working to decrease your susceptibility to infection and strengthening weakened systems in the body are the best treatments you can do to help protect yourself against this virus.   
Did you know that one of the best ways to improve your immune health is by improving your gut health?!  Yep, most of your immune system is actually located in your GI system, so the healthier your gut is, the healthier your immune system will be.  This includes eating a healthy whole foods diet full of organic, free-range and wild caught meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. You want to avoid processed foods, fast foods, sugar, alcohol, and pesticide covered produce as these all suppress immune function and can feed viruses and bacteria.  Taking a good quality, multi-strain probiotic is also beneficial for boosting your gut microbiome health. You may even want to try colon hydrotherapy!
Getting good quality and sufficient sleep is also vital to supporting a healthy immune system.  During sleep, your body produces immune cells that help to fight off infection. Studies have shown that people who don’t get quality or sufficient sleep are more susceptible to becoming sick after being exposed to an infection.  Most adults need about 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. If you are sleeping less than this, or your sleep is disruptive, then your immune system might not be as strong as it could be.  
Exercise and stress reduction are also vital to achieving optimal immune health.  Stress negatively affects the immune system and lowers its ability to fight off infection.  Working on removing excessive stressors in your life, daily meditation and other stress reduction exercises will greatly benefit your immune system and body as a whole.   With the increased social isolation, in attempt to contain the virus, folks are feeling extra alone and scared.  
Keep a positive outlook and be happy –  it is scientifically proven to boost immune function!   So go ahead and turn off the news, catch up with a good friend, and laugh away.  After all, laughter is the best medicine!
It’s also important to note that there are several naturopathic treatments that are effective at strengthening the immune system and fighting off viral infections should you happen to get sick.    These include herbal formulas (for prevention and if you have onset of symptoms), vitamins and nutrients (Intravenous and/or oral), sauna and homeopathy (best to have your constitutional remedy).
If you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to call or make an appointment.  We are here to keep you happy and healthy.