How to protect yourself against the Coronavirus

Every once in a while, a scary new vocabulary word in the world of viruses comes along that sets 5-alarm fear in the hearts of everyone associating the word ‘outbreak’ or ‘pandemic’ with fatal illness. Rightfully so, in the vein of H1N1, Bird Flu, SARS and others, we’re hearing about Coronavirus now sweeping its ugly head around the globe and leaving a world population in hysteria.

And did we mention there’s no vaccine for it? Like that would help, anyways.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website, here’s what we know about it:

“Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.”

As of the date of publish, over 87,000 people have acquired Coronavirus and over 2,700 have died.

The fact that the Coronavirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by air or hard surfaces leaves us makes this unwanted virus that much more scary. Yet, there are habits and helpful tips you can implement today to help mitigate your risk of getting sick and take the edge off of this pandemonium.

 

WASH YOUR HANDS AND SURFACES

The WHO advises “standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing (not hand sanitizing) with soap and water. A good practice is to sing the happy birthday song, or 20 seconds of cleansing. This is also an important habit when you’re in public areas and using facilities shared by others, like at the gym (handling weights, mats, exercise equipment, etc.) and touching public door handles – especially the bathroom door…EWWWW! Before and after a workout, and before you eat or handle food, wash ‘dem digits! Using hand sanitizers that have a high alcohol content can cause drying and cracking that encourages infection to move in. We also recommend cleaning common surfaces diligently, like tray tables and armrests on planes, remote controls, handles and countertops. You can use our Eat Cleaner Spray to clean surfaces, too.

Carry our Eat Cleaner wipes to help with cleaning on the go. They’re safe enough to use on whole fruit, hands, mouths, toys, binkies and anything else you touch, available in travel packs and individually wrapped wipes. And don’t touch that cell phone while you eat!! They can harbor all kinds of nasty bacteria.

 

 

COVER YOUR MOUTH AND AVOID CONTACT WITH ILL PEOPLE

This seems like a no-brainer but covering your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when coughing and sneezing – instead of an open hand – is something we should do and teach our kids to do, too. Too many times I see children spray their nastiness all over the air and my fresh produce. Just another reason to wash those fruit, veggies and herbs with Eat Cleaner Liquid or Powder Wash, thoroughly. Also, avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. If you’re on a plane or enclosed area for a long time, you might wanter to consider a mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose. Lord knows they are like incubators, those planes, with all that recirculated air.

 

HANDLE FOOD PROPERLY

WHO suggests we thoroughly cook our meat products and eggs. But what about our salad greens and juices? We suggest you also wash your fresh produce thoroughly, ESPECIALLY if it is being eaten raw. Leafy greens are not only the #1 cause of food borne illness according to the Center of Disease Control, there is no kill step when it comes to consuming raw produce. Using Eat Cleaner helps to reduce your risk of infection by removing up to 99.99% of the residue that can carry bacteria and viruses. Plus it helps your produce up to 5x longer, so you don’t have to go to the store nearly as much, and risk Billy’s snot and cough juice spraying across your kale.

 

EAT RIGHT AND HYDRATE

Boosting your own body’s immunity and ability to fight infection is on your own plate. Eat a variety of fresh fruit and veggies, especially those loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C. Eating to thrive means getting a balance of essential amino acids (protein), good fat and slow burning carbohydrates so you fuel your body for maximum efficiency and strength. Adding prebiotic (garlic, onions, fiber) and probiotic rich foods (pickles, kimchi, fermented foods like miso, tempeh and black garlic) will all help with getting your gut health in check – and that’s EVERYTHING. Maybe even more important than food is hydration. Drinking enough clear liquids every day to flush your system of toxins is key. You can add some lemon juice or raw apple cider vinegar to your water to help with controlling bacteria, too. Check out our Eat To Thrive program and my book, EAT LIKE YOU GIVE A FORK: THE REAL DISH ON EATING TO THRIVE for the step-by-steps.

EXERCISE

Building strength in your body requires movement. Plus, it helps to take the stress edge off and the sweat helps to move toxins out of your body. Try and get at least 30 minutes of movement every day to get your heart pumping, and introduce exercises that build muscle. You don’t need fancy gym equipment, either. Good, old-fashioned pushups, sit-ups, squats and leg lifts that use your own body’s resistance are extremely effective. Yoga is also a wonderful way to move and breathe, which oxygenates your body, helps to bolster cell health and can help you chillax. I’m a big fan of online exercise videos for the convenience of working out from your own home. Check out youtube for inspo.

SUPPLEMENT

I’m a big fan of supplementation because I’m a strong believer that despite a super clean and healthy eating plan, much of our food options are void of essential vitamins and minerals due to the time it takes to get from field to fork – not to mention, the soil being stripped of vital nutrients and animals not eating what they’re supposed to. These supplements may help build your immunity and body’s natural defenses to fight infection and protect healthy cells. That said, you don’t have to go crazy with the vitamin cabinet, either. There are a few that I take from reputable companies who I know walk the talk – and you may want to introduce them into your life, too. You can click on the live links below to my favorite supplements at great prices on Amazon.

Oregano Oil

Elderberry Syrup (no sugar added)

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

One Daily Vitamin with Probiotics For Women

One Daily Vitamin with Probiotics For Men

Green Superfood Blend

Omega 3 with Vitamin D

 

Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

Use promo code EATCLEANER for 5% off

RELAX

There is nothing more taxing on your body than to worry. The inability to rest and sleep leads to a build-up of cortisol which leads to excess inflammation, irritability and chaos… and so the rabid cycle continues. Drink herbal tea before going to bed and adopt a practice of avoiding screen time before going to sleep. Take a hot shower. Breathe. And keep smiling. Stressing will only bring on more anxiety – and that does no one any good. Stay confident in that you’ve done everything to protect yourself and your family.

This too shall pass.