Better Nutrition September2020

ASK THE NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR *
answers to your health questions
Antiviral Herbs & Vitamins
Key supplements you need for optimum immune health.
BY EMILY KANE, ND, LAC
QWhat if there is a second wave of COVID-19
this fall? What can I do to reduce my risk
of getting ill with COVID, or any other viral
infection?
The best approach to health, always, is
to avoid getting sick. In case that sounds
sassy, what I mean is that health is a
force that requires tending. Don’t take it
for granted! If you read my column you
know I stress eating good food, practicing
good sleep and hygiene habits, drinking
water, getting exercise—the basics. Your
body/mind/spirit require tender loving
care and a good deal of maintenance.
Invest in your self-care, and make good
choices, as often as possible.
We do know that COVID-19 usually
causes mild symptoms unless you have
underlying health weaknesses. The more
“co-morbidities,” the more vulnerable
you are. Many of these health-slaying
conditions are preventable (clogged
arteries, chronic bronchial infections,
diabetes). Making more informed
choices now can help restore, and
preserve, your precious health.
For one thing, make sure you’re
getting adequate sleep, which can
increase your resistance to all infections.
Less than seven hours of sleep a night
over time will inhibit your production
of natural killer (NK) cells—potent
white blood cells that fight disease.
Sleep also allows melatonin to be
released into the body, which supports
immune function and helps control
inflammation in viral infections via
its antioxidant properties.
And wear a mask when you go out in
public. Why should we still be wearing
Photo: adobestock.com
18 • SEPTEMBER 2020