10 Extra Measures I Am Taking To Avoid COVID-19

Everywhere we turn there are new stories and headlines about the Coronavirus(COVID-19). Now there are over 4000 dead and over 130,000 people infected World Wide. Travel is being restricted, cruise ships being quarantined, entire cities are shutting down. While it is widespread in China and Europe, there are a growing number of cases in the U.S. and Canada.

Although there is no cure for this scary virus at this point, you may be wondering why some people “get ” sick from the virus and others do not? You may also wonder why it predominately affects the elderly?

Well, it really comes down to one thing – How strong is your immune system?

Today I wanted to share the 10 things I am doing in addition to the regularly recommended actions to keep and build my immune system. This is in addition to the regular recommended pro active protocols which I totally support such as:

• Wash hands regularly
• Use hand sanitizer
• Avoid shaking hands
• Avoid crowds(and people for that matter) and avoid public places
• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze

Why Is Immune System Important?

The Immune system is what fights off infection and helps us to get well quicker if we have a virus on infection. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, fight infection. They move throughout our body in our blood, looking for foreign invaders. Our body is continuously making a fresh supply of White blood cells. By having a good supply of White Blood Cells and them moving effectively throughout our body, we will have a better chance of fighting off invaders to our system.

Below I have listed some things that I am personally paying attention to in order to build a strong immune systems so that I do not catch the Coronavirus. For those that read my blog regularly, you will know that some of these are already part of my daily routine however I am ensuring I do these things every day right now.

Things I am doing to build my Immune System To Fight Off COVID-19

1.Morning Lemon Water/Apple Cider Vinegar

Many of you know that this is part of my morning routine most days. I am ensuring that I am doing this every morning first thing out of bed in order to flush the system of any toxins, reduce inflammation and increase alkalinity. The extra Vitamin C from the lemon is also welcomed right now.

2.Eating Healthy with Abundance of Fruits and Vegetables

It is even more important that we eat super healthy right now in order to not “over work” our digestive systems. If we are eating too much or consuming an unhealthy diet, our digestive system has to work “overtime” digesting this food which means it is using up energy that could be used fighting infection. Therefore, I am personally ensuring that I am eating super healthy with an abundance of Fruits and Vegetables which are easy to digest and provide valuable healing nutrients.

3.The Morning Shake

To my point above, one of the easiest ways I find to include an abundance of healthy fruits and vegetables into my diet is by having the “Morning Shake”. For those that read my blog regularly, you know that I believe this is the single most important thing we can do to start our day as it floods our system with super healthy foods, nutrients, and minerals. To refresh yourself on my updated  recipe, you can access it here:http://kevinbradyhealth.ca/the-morning-shakenew-recipe/ ‎

4. Pay Attention To Sleep

One of the areas that I have really tried to improve on this year is my sleep. I have been tracking my sleep patterns through my “Whoop” device on a daily basis. Especially right now,  I am really trying to ensure I get a solid 8 hours of sleep per night so that my body can regenerate and produce the white blood cells I need to fight off this virus. In looking at my sleep results over the last week, I have been successful most nights hitting my target of sleep as well as REM and Deep sleep.

5.Moderate Exercise Daily

Exercise has been proven to increase our immune system by increasing White Blood Cell Count. In addition, exercise helps to move “Lymph” though our body which is important as a healthy lymphatic system will circulate our white blood cells throughout our body. Exercise is always part of my daily routine(most days) however I am moderating the type of exercise I am doing as extreme exercise will negatively effect our immune system. Therefore I am trying to focus more on moderate, slow and easy exercise. Case in point, yesterday I did a very nice, enjoyable Z2(Zone 2) outside run.

6.Get Outside and Avoid The News

Right now it is more important than ever to get outside and enjoy the nice fresh air. With the recommendation right now being “self isolation,” I am finding many are hibernating in their own homes or apartments. Barb and I have been outside in our neighbourhood the last few days and I am amazed at how few people(including children) are outside especially since it is March break and they are off school. There is no better remedy than being outside as long as you are not close to others that you do not know. Whether it is a walk, a hike, a run, a bike ride, playing outdoor hockey or basketball with your kids, I suggest that everyone get outside to get some fresh air.

In addition, with no sporting events on T.V, most people are glued to the news which is not good for mental well being or stimulus as it is all bad news right now. Do yourself a favour and get outside in the nice fresh air and get away from the negativity that is on the TV.

7.Daily Cold Shower

As many of you know, one of my daily routines is to have a cold shower. I believe this is even more important right now as it triggers the “fight or flight” response which makes our systems more apt to be able to fend off or fight foreign invaders. This would include fighting off Virus’s such as COVID-19. I have had many people say that they have tried and they just can’t bring them self to have a daily cold shower. I would say that right now there is no better time to start even if you do it for 30 seconds or 1 minute to start.

8. Supplements

In addition to trying to eat super healthy and have my morning shake, I am stepping up my supplement routine to ensure a strong immune system. Some of the supplements I am focusing on right now to build immunity and strengthen my system are  Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B, and Zine to name a few. These can generally be found in a very good brand Multivitamin.

9.Avoid/Decrease Alcohol Consumption

I think we all know or have read the about the negative effects of alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol(generally more than 2 drinks) has a negative effect on the immune system. Therefore, one of the things I am focusing on personally right now is zero or very limited alcohol consumption. This includes all forms of alcohol including beer and wine.

10. Selenium, Oil of Oregano, Turmeric

There are some other items that I am also taking in order to boost my immune system so I wanted to share them wth you.

Selenium – Selenium has been shown to improve White Blood cell count and therefore help us fight infection and build the immune system. Some of the best sources of Selenium are broccoli, sardines, tuna, and Brazil nuts. I am ensuring I am getting appropriate amounts of Selenium by having a handful of Brazil nuts daily.

Oil Of Oregano – Oil of Oregano is a powerful antioxidant and also a “natural” antibiotic to fight infection. I typically have Oil of Oregano when I feel run down, feel like I have a cold coming on or prior to flying, In order to boost my immune system and fight any infection, I am now having 3-5 drops of Oil of Oregano a few times per day.

Turmeric – Turmeric has been used as a medicinal supplement in India for thousands of years. Turmeric, which has the active ingredient Curcumin, is a proven Anti oxidant and fights inflammation which is a common cause of infection and disease. Therefore, right now I am putting a heaping tablespoon of  Turmeric powder in my morning shake and as well am taking an additional supplement on a daily basis.

Summary

Although any of the above measures are no guarantee whatsoever that I will not catch the Coronavirus, (as we know how it is so easily transmitted by public contact),  I certainly am trying to do everything possible in order to fight off catching it.  I also believe that if I am one of the unfortunate ones to catch this potentially deadly virus, that I will be in a better position to get well much sooner if I stick to the above protocol.

1.Have your Morning Lemon Water/Apple Cider Vinegar

2.Eat an abundance of Fruits and Vegetables

3.Have your Morning Shake

4.Get a good Nights Sleep

5.Exercise Daily

6.Get Outside

7.Have your Cold Shower

8.Take Your Supplements

9.Eliminate/Reduce Alcohol

10.Take Selenium, Oil of Oregano, Curcumin

I hope this helps you and your family stay healthy and avoid catching this terrible virus.

Wishing you and your family all the very best in health and happiness during this difficult time,

Kev