Wellness Tips for Covid-19: Prevention and Recovery
Protect yourself from the Coronavirus and take steps to fight it if you catch it.
Studies in China have shown that 33% of people are coming out of COVID-19 with respiratory failure and heart damage. The way it damages people’s hearts and lungs is by increasing inflammation beyond what would be normal, this is called a cytokine storm. A cytokine storm happens when your immune system starts pumping out so many cytokine proteins that they start attacking healthy cells, causing a high amount of inflammation. The studies in China showed a rise in the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), which could be the root of the problem.
The nutritional supplements and lifestyle tips listed here are not intended to be a cure. Rather they are steps you can take to lower or inhibit your body’s production of IL-6.
Supplements*
Dried Herbs: available in our Bulk Herbs & Spices department – Sage, Oregano and Bay Leaf all reduce IL-6; Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid, which helps to regulate inflammatory cytokine production.
Andrographis: this herb, out of the multitude of medicinal plants that have been tested, contains phytonutrients that inhibit IL-6 very vigorously, in fact, more than some prescription drugs. When taken with Echinacea, Andrographis may reduce respiratory tract viral and bacterial infections by 20%.
Green tea: protects cells from damage and inhibits IL-6
Vitamin D3, Zinc, Magnesium: taken every day, these foundational nutrients may reduce IL-6
COQ10: strengthens and protects the heart; taken with PQQ may increase mitochondrial function, which helps inhibit IL-6
Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acids: well known for its ability to reduce inflammation
Curcumin: the active component found in turmeric, reduces inflammation
Black Cumin Seed: boosts immune system and reduces inflammation
Quercetin: reduces inflammation, reduces histamine production, and helps to modulate an immune system that has gone into overdrive
Broccoli Sprouts or Sulforaphane: (broccoli seeds for home sprouting are available in our Bulk Herbs & Spices department) reduces IL-6
Enzymes: bromelain and serrapeptase reduce inflammation and support the respiratory system
Astaxanthin: improves neutrophils, which aids in inhibiting inflammation
L-glutamine: shown to reduce IL-6 directly
Probiotics and Prebiotics: feed your gut, which is the seat of your immune system
*Due to the current high demand for many of the nutritional supplements on this list of recommendations, Freshlife may experience a higher than usual “out of stock” occurrence. We are working diligently with our trusted manufacturers to get the products you want and need back in stock in a timely manner. If you would like to place an order for an out of stock item, we will call you when it arrives. If you prepay at that time, we will be happy to hold them for you for curbside pickup or mail them to you (free shipping for orders over $50 within the continental US).
Healthy Lifestyle Suggestions for reducing IL-6
- Eat an abundance of healthy, plant-based foods
- Avoid sugar and fried foods
- Get adequate sleep
- Don’t fast
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid toxic molds
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32125452 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320510000287 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/smoking-or-vaping-may-increase-the-risk-of-a-severe- coronavirus-infection1/ https://blog.daveasprey.com/protect-yourself-coronavirus/
Health Disclaimer: The information provided in this handout should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this handout. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. For more information or recommendations tailored to your specific needs, please schedule a Nutritional Consultation with a Freshlife Wellness Coach.
*This material may not be reproduced without permission.