The coronavirus pandemic has the world on high alert. Supermarket shelves are bare in some areas. Most schools, restaurants, gyms, and large public gatherings are closed or canceled. Some have found themselves under quarantine. These are precautionary measures that public officials have decided to take to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus. While moving forward with caution may not be a bad idea, we must also make sure we don't join in the mass hysteria that leads to the stockpiling of toilet paper and the emptying of supermarket shelves.
So what are some organic approaches to staying healthy and preventing the spread of this virus? First and foremost, make sure you are washing your hands. The act of washing your hands is the number one thing you can do to help prevent the spread of any virus. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day for at least 20 minutes with antibacterial soap and water. Seventh Generation makes great all-natural, plant-based household cleaning products including antibacterial soap, and disinfecting wipes or spray.
That brings us to our next step in the natural fight against COVID-19, surface disinfection. This strain of the coronavirus can live on the surfaces around us, so we must try to disinfect the surfaces we touch. These surfaces include shopping carts, gas pump handles, door handles, and the surfaces in your own home. Your countertops and sinks could be a breeding ground for bacteria. Using disinfecting sprays and wipes are great ways to kill and limit the number of harmful bacteria in your home. If disinfecting wipes are unavailable due to high demand, a washrag with soap, water, alcohol, bleach, or any combination of these is effective in killing and removing bacteria from surfaces.
Stay home if you can. While some of us may not have the option to stay home yet, others have been doing their work from home and self-imposed their quarantine. Others have found themselves without work due to the closers of restaurants, bars, schools, and other public places. Something that wasn't by choice, and leaves many concerned about their ability to support their families. We must still take this a blessing in disguise and embrace the fact that we can stay together with our families and limit our exposure to COVID-19.
Many actions are taking place to help offset the economic effect of this outbreak. Whether it is schools handing out lunches to those that rely on them for a meal, to utility companies suspending payments on bills, or the possibility of a government stimulus check to every American, there are many ways in which people are banding together during these troublesome times.
Maybe that's what we should be focused on right now, the good in people to help one another and look out for each other during times like these. The panic and hysteria only add to possible health problems. Stress and fear can weaken your immune system and leave you vulnerable to illness. Make sure you take the time to breathe and meditate. Spend time with your family and loved ones. Embrace the good around you and appreciate what you have. It can go a long way in keeping you healthy mentally and physically.
The best defense against any bacteria or virus is building our body's immune system and keeping it healthy. We can do this by eating food foods high in antioxidants and vitamin C, like oranges, guava, chili peppers, and acerola cherries. Vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system. It helps encourage the production of white blood cells, which help protect the body against infections. Vitamin C can also reduce the severity of colds and the recovery time by 8% in adults and 14% in children, making it one of mother nature's most powerful tools to combat infections and build immunity.
Exercising is another way to boost your immune system. Getting at least 20 mins of physical activity a day results in the production of more white blood cells, which combat bacteria and viruses, and promotes improved circulation. When we exert the body enough to sweat, we expel toxins along with the sweat, detoxing our bodies of harmful bacteria and contaminants. During this period, our body temperature also increases, creating even more benefits against COVID-19. Based on the effect heat has on many viruses, raising your body temperature could prevent or reduce the spread of the virus.
That means saunas and steam rooms are great places to be. Unfortunately, most of us do not currently have access to these facilities with the closer of gyms and spas. The good news is that a hot steamy shower can give you a lot of the same benefits. Breathing in warm air through your nose and mouth for 10 to 15 minutes can increase the body's core temperature to help naturally fight the virus. Going under multiple blankets with heavy breathing is another useful method. For adults, an increased body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit is the goal.
Staying hydrated is another key, especially if you are increasing your body temperature or sweating heavily. Warm water, teas with honey, warm broth soups, and other warm liquids are great ways to stay hydrated while trying to prevent viral infection. These liquids will also replenish nutrients and flush out impurities in the body.
Lastly, mother nature provides us with wonderful antiviral spices like turmeric. This powerful root has strong antibacterial effects that can reduce the growth of many disease-causing bacteria. The active compound in turmeric called curcumin also boosts the activity of your body's antioxidant enzymes. Curcumin also exhibits antiviral properties against viruses, including dengue virus, hepatitis C virus, and Zika virus.
So, stock up on healthy foods rich in vitamin c and antioxidants, as well as immune-boosting herbs and spices like turmeric. Wash your hands and disinfect the surfaces you and your family contact with natural disinfecting wipes or your combination of bacteria-killing cleaners. Stay healthy by exercising for at least 20 minutes a day and increasing your body temperature to fight off viruses, and stay calm by meditating and spending quality time with your family and loved ones. These are the key points to staying healthy with the organic approach to COVID-19.