Typically flu season (fall and winter) is when we’re the most concerned about making sure our immune system is intact. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, now is definitely the time more than ever.
Your immune system isn’t made of one specific organ in your body. The body produces bone marrow that contains blood cells such as red blood cells and white blood cells. Once the cells mature, some stay in the bone marrow and some travel to other parts of the body. The white blood cells (WBC) are responsible for protecting the body from infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, and viruses.
Immunocompromised
People who have a weak immune system are prone to infections and are immunocompromised. They are at a higher risk of getting ill in comparison to someone who has a healthy immune system. Have you heard of an autoimmune disease? An autoimmune disease is where the immune system will begin to attack the healthy cells in your body. Here’s some autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes, Goodpasture’s syndrome, Graves’ disease, Myasthenia Gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, Addison’s disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome. President John F. Kennedy had Addison’s disease. Tennis great Venus Williams was recently diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome a few years ago. Read more about lupus on an earlier post here. Throughout my nursing career I’ve encountered at least one patient with each of these conditions.
Another high risk immunocompromised group includes organ transplant recipients. Transplant recipients have to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their lives to prevent their new organs from rejecting. Common medications that they will take include Cellcept and Prograf.
How are you coping during the Coronavirus pandemic?
I know in these uncertain times it may seem like things are getting worse. Every time you check the news or social media someone is dying from the Coronavirus. The economy is down. People have lost their jobs. Bills are still due. All of this can be super stressful. Yet though these are true, you can’t let these things weigh you down. Worrying about it won’t help a single thing. It can certainly make you sick. Try incorporating some of my tips to help boost your immune system to prevent you from getting ill.
Boosting Your Immune System
1. Decrease Stress
Stress takes a toll on your immune system by decreasing the production of white blood cells; therefore, making you prone to infection. I’ve seen it in my profession and from my own experience. I’m just getting over a stress-induced illness myself. You can exercise in your home or take a walk outside. Other stress relievers include: reading a book, yoga, meditation, or even starting a hobby.
2. Hand Washing
We’ve learned about hand washing as a child. It’s so important right now in protecting ourselves from the Coronavirus and other germs. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sing the birthday song. Make sure the soap produces a lather and wash your wrists, fingernails, and between your fingers. Remember if your hands are visibly soiled, don’t use hand sanitizer. Wash your hands.
3. Take A Multivitamin
It’s good to intake additional nutrients that you may not get from food. Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 , and Zinc are well known for boosting the immune system to fight colds and flu. These nutrients are found in a multivitamin or you can purchase them individually. As always consult your physician before taking.
4. Pray
In times like this you should be praying continually. I pray that God will heal the land and heal those who are sick. Daily I pray for protection for all medical staff and essential employees. I also pray that we all are good stewards of our resources and time.
Let’s not only ask God for particular things, but give him praise for all that He’s already done. I know he has protected my family danger seen and unseen. Made ways out of absolutely no way. Although things are looking bad, sounds bad, but think about the good things. I want to encourage you to be grateful for those good things.
5. Essential Oil
Essential oils can be used in a diffuser, bathwater, or diluted and applied directly to skin. Eucalyptus is good for congestion. Lavender is good for fever and calm mood. Lemon is good for immune health and coughing. Peppermint oil is good for fever, muscle aches, and decongestion. Read more about essential oils here.
6. Orange Juice
Consume 100% orange juice. Not orange drinks like Sunny Delight and Bright & Early. I’ve drank those in the past as a child because that‘s what was available to me at the time. Now I know better. 100% juice has Vitamin C from natural juice without added sugar and artificial flavors. Vitamin C protects you from infections.
I generally stock up on orange juice during flu season. If you are on a restricted diet that requires less potassium you should consult your doctor first regarding your intake of orange juice.
7. Herbal Tea
Echinacea, ginger, and goldenseal are just a few herbs known for improving the body’s immune system. Echinacea has been used to prevent and treat colds, flu, and bronchitis. Ginger helps with bronchial congestion and fever. Goldenseal can prevent colds and flu from attacking the body. Goldenseal is a herb that is actually recognized as a medicine in some countries.
If you decide to use herbs you should consult your physician first. Herbs can interact with medications and cause adverse reactions. Echinacea and goldenseal shouldn’t be taken if you have an immune or autoimmune disease.
8. Adequate Sleep
Adults should be getting at least 6 – 8 hours of sleep each night for adequate rest. Too little sleep weakens your immune system and makes you prone to the common cold and flu.
9. Limit Consumption of News
Remember the media likes to promote fear. Consuming all the negativity will make you think there is nothing positive happening. You know, the doom and gloom effect. Then doubt and fear starts to creep into your mind. That’s not good for your mental well-being.
10. Elderberry
I’ve been hearing lots a great things about elderberry. It’s a plant and its great for colds and flu. There’s some gummies available at CVS, but most have extra sugar, dyes, etc. I found an all natural 8 oz bottle before the pandemic became prevalent in SC. Recently when I felt that my throat was getting sore I took the elderberry syrup immediately. By the next day I was fine. I’m a believer that it works. And it tastes good too.
Your health is what you make of it. Everything you do and think either adds to the vitality, energy, and spirit you possess or takes away from it.
Ann Wigmore, Holistic Health Practitioner