Being in lockdown for nearly two months has arguably caused as many (or more) health problems than the coronavirus itself.
Not only are people overeating, drinking far more alcohol than they usually do, gaining weight and not getting as much exercise (due to gyms and health clubs being closed), but there is also the potential for increased depression and anxiety, suicides, heart attacks and diabetic kidney problems and more.
Yet there is another serious health risk due to the lockdown that I bet few people have considered.
Weakening your immune system.
Here’s what I mean:
Your “pencil-like” immune system
Your immune system is like a pencil—it gets “sharpened” regularly when you come into contact with viruses and bacteria in the environment.
Microbes are all around us! And your humble immune system gets sharper and stronger every single time it fights off these germs.
Does it succeed every time? No, especially when you are under stress or eating a lot of sugar. Then you are more susceptible to catching a cold or infection of some kind.
But even then your immune system will eventually bounce back stronger and smarter for the experience!
Enter the lockdown
For the past two months, most of us have been confined to our homes…or at least have had limited time outside of home, maybe getting groceries.
So your immune system has not been challenged by microbes in the environment to any great degree…and like a pencil, it has likely become “dull” or weak.
And sadly, this INCREASES your risk of contracting COVID-19 plus every other single virus or bacterial infection around!
David and Goliath
The lockdowns have already starting easing up, and if you are still confined to your home (like I am here in New York), that will change before too long as well.
So that means all of a sudden your immune system is going to be faced with a “David and Goliath” type battle, facing a level of microbes that it hasn’t encountered for quite some time.
What should you do? Well, since living life as a hermit is not particularly attractive to most of us, the answer lies in…supporting your immune system!
If you give your immune system the support it needs to get “resharpened,” it will be that much better able to protect you like it should!
Here are some of the best bangs for your buck in terms of immune support:
1- Limit sugar and refined carbs
Avoid the white breads, pastries, cookies, donuts, cakes, bagels, rolls, white rice, crackers and snack chips as much as possible.
And stay far away from the #1 health wrecker in existence—SODA.
2- Eat real foods
Concentrate on nutrient-dense real foods—fresh vegetables, leafy greens, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, real butter, avocado, coconut oil and olive oil. These are the foods that will help supply the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
My Great Taste No Pain system is loaded with delicious recipes featuring nutritious real foods. Plus you’ll get advice on how to pair foods together in your meals to pave the way for better digestion and less, gas, bloating, constipation and heartburn.
3- Have a good laugh
Laughter exerts positive influences on your immune system.
So, make sure to take time to read funny stories or jokes, and watch comedy movies on TV.
4- De-stress and get some rest
Do what you must to lower stress in your life (regular exercise works wonders!), and make sure you get enough sleep each night.
If you have trouble sleeping, try some Holistic Blends Ocean Lavender essential oil on your pillow. Also, avoid sugar and alcohol close to bedtime.
5- Get the supplemental support you need
When it comes to strong immune health, the important players here are Super Shield multi-strain probiotic blend, Super Core multi-vitamin and mineral formula and Optimal Yeast Support Blend:
Super Shield Probiotic Formula:
Since 80 percent of your immune system resides in your gut, it's essential to make sure that you have a healthy population of beneficial gut bacteria to support it!
Supplementation with a full-spectrum probiotic formula like Super Shield is the single most effective step you can take to support and encourage a strong, properly balanced gut microbiome.
Super Core multi-vitamin and mineral formula:
Immune health requires a wide variety of nutrients. Although having a healthy diet is the important first step, the truth is many of us don’t take the time to eat as healthy as we should all the time. Plus our food is inherently less nutritious than it used to be!
So, taking a complete multi-vitamin and mineral formula like Super Core can make sure you have all your nutrient bases covered, and help support your good health!
Yeast overgrowth in your gut (caused by too many refined carbs and sugars) can severely impact your immune function.
If you suspect you may have yeast overgrowth going on (and if you get frequent UTIs, vaginal infections or fungal nail infections, or if your tongue has a white coating—trust me, it’s a given), then Optimal Yeast Support Blend can help fight back at those harmful yeasts and further support a healthier microbiome.
6- Drink at least 8 glasses of filtered water a day
Water is vital for cell and lymphatic system health—both of which are crucial to proper immune system functioning.
The key here is to make sure you’re getting filtered water. Because the chlorine and fluoride in tap water are harmful to your gut (among other things!).
7- Stay away from antibacterial products
As I mentioned above, exposure to microorganisms actually makes your immune system STRONGER!
So, avoid the anti-bacterial soaps--ordinary soap and warm water are all you need to keep yourself clean. And use hand sanitizers ONLY if you cannot wash your hands at that given moment, being sure to wash as soon as you can.
To your post-lockdown health,
Sherry Brescia
The information in our articles are NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice.
Lots of water, as stated above by Sherry, as well as bananas help with cramping. Also, I have tried dill pickle juice when cramping happens, and that helps as well.
I had problems with finger, hand, feet, legs even ankles cramping. I upped my magnesium intake and the cramping has stopped.
I also have terrible cramping my legs, ankles, feet and hands as well. I take super core but the cramping remains
I understand and you are right. But we live in a senior housing and have been quarantined from the beginning. Not allowed out of our rooms. Our food is brought to our room and it is horrible. As unhealthy as you can get. No fresh vegetables at all. My body has really started to break down from the start. Taking supplements, but on top of it, have chrohns disease, severe arthritis and blood doesn’t get to my heart as it should. All we can really do is pray to be able to get outside soon. On top of it, my legs, ankles and feet and hands are constantly cramping on me. I have been with you since early 2008.