This pandemic has turned our lives upside down and most of us are looking for things to do to keep us healthy, both physically and mentally. It’s brought a certain degree of tension and anxiety to all of us as we grasp to find a new “norm”.
We can protect ourselves in many ways to raise our resilience physically, mentally and emotionally.
Lets talk supplements…
I tell my patients to simplify their supplements at this time to what you can take consistently. We have enough to be overwhelmed with that we don’t need handfuls of supplements to swallow everyday!
- Take the supplements you would normally take if you are coming down with a cold. Those might be “kick-ass immune”, Vitamin C or Chinese herbs. Whatever usually works for you…take it.
- Vitamin D enhances the immune system. Take 1000-5000IU daily with food.
- Zinc Picolinate- about 50mg daily. It is responsible in activating hundreds of enzymes involved in cell regulation, immune function, DNA and protein synthesis, fat metabolism and digestion. See my full article from February 19, 2013.
- Vitamin C- I can’t talk enough about this amazing vitamin. It works as an important antioxidant and it helps to stop viral replication in the cell. That’s right…it’s an anti-viral. It also has anti-inflammatory features to reduce oxidative stress. It recycles an essential intracellular antioxidant known as Glutathione. Which brings me to my last recommendation…
- NAC-known as N-acetyl cysteine. It is an amino acid that is used by the body to build antioxidants. It replenishes glutathione. It has been shown to protect the liver but also is very protective to lung and sinus tissues. It can work as an expectorant loosening mucous in your air passages. I recommend 500 mg twice daily.
Did someone say Anxiety? Yup!
We are all there. Even if your situation is not as dire as your neighbors and you can work from home and still get a paycheck, there are many who cannot. This is what you are feeling…the pain, struggle, the loss of jobs, and financial security of other people. Of course there are many that are severely sick or hospitalized too. We are literally all connected. We all feel the pain being manifested in this current crisis of total strangers in the community and the world.
Even though we live in a time of uncertainty, we need to stop making assumptions about the future. Living in the future produces anxiety. It’s a future-oriented state of mind. Living in the past produces depression. Stay in the present, take a deep breath and take care of what’s in front of you.
Other suggestions…
- NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)- I mentioned this before in how it can replenish glutathione and neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in the body. It enhances immune function and protects lung and sinus tissues. But it also helps balance important neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily glutamate. Too much glutamate without enough glutathione can contribute to mental health conditions such as bipolar, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addictive behavior.
- Eat healthy protein and limit sugar, caffeine and alcohol (if you can).
- Thank God it’s SPRING!! Get outside and walk or exercise. Sit outside in your favorite chair and close your eyes and let the sun shine on your face. It is sooo healing…the sun raises serotonin and helps reset your clock to help with sleep.
- Sleep
- Journaling really helps for some people
- Stay connected. Call a friend, text or email.
- Listen to your favorite music
- Gratitude- list at least 3 things you’re grateful for
- Know that we are all in this together and we will all get through it!!
Reference: Goodson, A. Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine). Healthline.com. Nutrition, Sept. 26, 2018.