In the Midst of COVID-19, Naturopathic Doctors Teach Empowerment Aaron Henkel, ND
Amidst this pandemic, people are seeking more options. Although experts have rightly focused on hand washing and physical distancing, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) believe that there is MUCH MORE that can be done to create a healthy, adaptive body that will be resilient against the potential side-effects of many of these viruses:
Exercise - EVERYONE should be exercising to lower the release of stress hormones that can disrupt our immune system and resistance. Exercise also increases our mood, thyroid function (think energy), protects our brain, and provides a host of other benefits that can help us through this difficult time. Whether you go for a jog, jump on a trampoline, or can only do seated chair exercises, do something to get your heart rate going!
Diet- Eat lots of nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. Powerful foods include garlic, onions, ginger, citrus fruits, and mushrooms. In the Philippines, researchers are currently studying the anti-viral properties of virgin coconut oil for COVID-19. Stay away from the immune-suppressing effects of sugar.
Get plenty of sleep - The sleep hormone melatonin is particularly important for immune function. This quarantine has increased our use of computers, TV’s and cellphones which results in more blue light exposure that lowers melatonin. You can get screens for your computer and glasses to block this light. Try to avoid these electronics 1-2 hours before bed.
Manage your stress - Whether emotional or physical, stress can lower your immunity. Now is a great time to increase your stress reduction activities like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and prayer. Avoid the physical stress on your lungs that comes from smoking or vaping.
Supplements - Although there has been little research yet on COVID-19 specifically, many supplements, that holistic practitioners have been using for decades, could have a powerful impact. Here are just a few:
- Vitamin C - shown to decrease the severity of different viruses, research is currently being done in China and the US on the use of Intravenous vitamin C with COVID19.
- Melatonin - this sleep hormone has been shown in studies to help prevent some of the damaging effects that this type of virus could have on our lungs.
- Zinc - This often-deficient nutrient has been shown to have antiviral and immune enhancing properties.
- Colostrum - One epidemiological study in San Valentino (2007) showed that colostrum was at least 3 times more effective than vaccination to prevent flu in healthy and high-risk cardiovascular patients.
- Probiotics - These “friendly flora” make up a majority of our immune system. Having a healthy family of bacteria in our gut can improve immune function.
Consider scheduling a safe, virtual appointment with a medically trained Naturopathic Doctor, who understands nutritional supplements. If you are on certain medications, are immunocompromised, or have other diseases, certain supplements might not be indicated for you.
This period of uncertainty can be quite scary for all of us, but when we make good choices that can help our bodies be resilient, this fear can be overcome by a sense of empowerment and peace. What better time than today!
Aaron Henkel, ND is a member of the Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctors Association (WNDA), an organization that advances natural medicine in Wisconsin.
