Immunity: Mask vs Fork
It’s bananas out there. I am really starting to worry about COVID-19 – not for myself, but for my family. And not just because I am down to like the last four squares of toilet paper!!
I worry about my husband, because he smokes (!!!) so his lungs are probably not in the best shape to resist an upper respiratory infection like this one; and for my mother, who suffers from multiple chronic conditions and whose immune system ceased functioning long ago. I do all her shopping and she only leaves her house to walk her dog, bus she is still one of the most at-risk with this virus on the loose.
That’s why the conversation about how to protect oneself is of particular interest to me, and I pay attention. But it’s so strange to me that nearly all the talk centers around masks, sanitizer, and maintaining the 6-foot “splash zone.” Sure, those things might keep the virus contained when people are in close proximity, maybe especially for those on the front lines. But why isn’t anyone talking about how to make sure that we can effectively fight off the virus if/when we are exposed (and we will be, repeatedly)? Sure, a vaccine will be great, but that’s down the line. But medicine only helps once you are sick. I’m talking about how to avoid getting sick in the first place.
There are things you can do right now to protect yourself and your family from this virus and all those that come after; it has much more to do with what’s on the end of your fork than what’s on your face.
Your immune system was built for this. And the way you keep it strong is through proper nutrition. So explain this: in the last two weeks, sales of cookies and salty snacks are up 50%, ice cream by 34.5%, hot dogs by 123%, deli meat by 40%, and alcohol by 50%.
This is the opposite of what we should be eating if the goal is health and improved immunity. These inputs literally kill your immunity at the cellular level and leave you completely exposed to any invader.
Try this instead: fill your plate with as many whole, unprocessed foods, fruits and vegetables as you can find. Extra credit for kale, broccoli, beets, and berries. Cut back on the booze. Hydrate. Exercise. Sleep.
COVID-19 won’t know what hit it.