As of this writing, based on CDC data, 98.4 percent of the positive COVID cases in this country have survived. 

While that number may be encouraging, some of the people who already contracted COVID and recovered are frustrated because they feel “better” but not entirely “back to normal” yet.

That’s because COVID is known for its inflammatory “cytokine storm” that especially likes to attack the lungs…and some people have reported that they are having a slower time coming around from that aspect of the virus.

This can include episodes of shortness of breath, getting winded easily upon exertion, coughing, chest tightness and phlegm buildup.

But the good news is, if you’ve gotten over COVID, not only can you give your immune system a pat on the back, but there is a whole lot you can do to help your lungs heal too!

Here are some smart measures you can take:

Hydrate

Now more than ever it’s important to drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of filtered water a day.

Note that 8 glasses is just a bare minimum.  To calculate your ideal water intake, take the number of pounds you weigh and divide by 2, and drink at least that number in ounces of water.

So, for example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink at least 75 ounces of water a day.

Water helps your body eliminate phlegm, plus other wastes and toxins which can accumulate and stir up inflammation.

At the same time, avoid sweetened beverages because the sugar they contain can stir up inflammation—which is something you don’t want to do!

Humidify

Keep the humidity level up in your home.  Air conditioning and heat can both dry out the air which in turn can irritate your airways. 

You can purchase a humidifier or even place bowls of water around your home to naturally add to the humidity.

Get enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D is proven to modulate and support the immune system and can help tame the cytokine storm response that is seen with COVID.

Unfortunately, Vitamin D is also a common deficiency, since many people shun the sun or if they do go in direct sunlight, they slather on sunscreen which blocks your body’s production of Vitamin D. 

Also, here in the northeast where I live, we don’t consistently see a lot of sunny days, especially this year with all the rain we’ve gotten!  I just heard that my hometown of Syracuse, NY just had the rainiest season that we’ve seen on 100 years!

To help ensure you have health-supporting, COVID-counteracting levels of this Vitamin D 365 days a year, it’s wise to supplement with an outstanding product like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B.

In addition to getting an impressive 5,000 IUs of Vitamin D3 in each capsule, you’ll also get the added benefit of its partners Vitamins K1 (500 mcg) and K2 (50 mcg).

In addition, Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B goes way beyond other Vitamin D supplements by including the mineral boron (which is what the Fruitex-B is), which supports strong bone, cardiovascular and immune health!

Quit smoking AND vaping!

It should be obvious that both smoking and vaping are not good for your lungs, but since about 40 million Americans still smoke, and another nearly 11 million vape, clearly a lot of people haven’t gotten the memo.

Do whatever you need to do to put those nasty, lung-destroying habits behind you.  Most smokers report having to quit more than once before they finally kicked the habit.  Acupuncture can help curb your cravings and it’s FAR safer than Chantix.

Eat anti-inflammatory foods

Anti-inflammatory foods include lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, as well as almonds, walnuts, olive oil, and salmon (wild-caught only).

Embrace the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric

Turmeric has emerged as a shining star in the natural anti-inflammatory world.  With over 10,000 published articles in peer-reviewed journals attesting to its effectiveness, turmeric has truly made its mark in the world of fighting disease and effectively reducing inflammation.

Turmeric is most often found in Indian cuisine, but the amount of turmeric you typically get from food is far too little to make a measurable difference.

That’s why a supplement like Optimal Turmeric Blend is the perfect way to embrace turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory properties!

Optimal Turmeric Blend contains 750 mg of soothing organic turmeric, plus BioPerine™ (black pepper extract) to enhance absorption of this awesome natural anti-inflammatory.

Exercise regularly

Studies show that exercise has powerful effects in reducing inflammation, as well as helping to build up your lung function.  

Plus, exercise shrinks fat cells, which automatically fights inflammation by calming your body's immune system.

Just be sure to get your doctor’s OK first if you haven’t exercised in a while (or ever).

Practice deep breathing

Deep breathing will help support lung function, ventilate the lungs effectively and help promote phlegm removal.

Try to inhale deeply, hold it for 10 seconds, then exhale.  Repeat four more times.

Keep your home environment free of pollution

To improve the quality of your air at home, use natural cleaning supplies like vinegar and baking soda.

In addition, regularly change your air and furnace filters and have your HVAC system properly maintained.

Avoid using air fresheners.  All they do is cover up odors, plus they irritate your lungs.

Vacuum your home regularly and steam clean carpets and floors.

Try eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is tremendously helpful with congestion and can help support easier breathing.  Plus it helps to stimulate your immune system and helps to reduce inflammation in the lungs.   

It has also been shown to help relieve coughs and seasonal allergy symptoms.

The easiest way to take advantage of eucalyptus oil’s amazing benefits is to use it in a diffuser.

Consult a respiratory therapist if needed

If you feel your lung situation isn’t getting any better no matter what you do, seek help from a respiratory therapist. 

Put these helpful strategies to work for you in healing your lungs from COVID now!

To your 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.