“Annie, there’s confusing information going around about how eating massive amounts of certain foods and getting vitamin infusions will kill the coronavirus.  Some of it sounds dangerous.” “I know LJ; times of uncertainty often generate misinformation.

The truth is there are no foods that kill the coronavirus, no matter how much anecdotal evidence there is stating otherwise. For example there’s no amount of oranges you can eat once you have been infected with a coronavirus that will cure you.

“Can you protect yourself from a virus?” “Yes, practicing good hygiene and social distancing are the most basic. And, a healthy immune system can ward off the effects of a virus.  When you eat nutrient-dense foods loaded with vitamins and minerals, your body builds up a savings bank, which it calls on when an infection shows up. Vitamins and minerals are responsible for many physiological functions like creating red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.  What we know about the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19) is that it enters the mucous membranes (mouth and nose) and sometimes the eyes and settles in the lungs where it can severely impair the absorption of oxygen from the air into the bloodstream.  A healthy vascular system loaded with red blood cells to carry the oxygen that does come in through the lungs will support the body’s vital functions in its fight against the virus.

There are thirteen vitamins we need to get from food. As for minerals, fifteen are essential for your body, according to Jody Braverman, who wrote, What Happens When You Don’t Eat Enough Vitamins and Minerals?  https://www.livestrong.com/article/438783-what-happens-when-you-dont-eat-enough-vitamins-minerals/  it’s a good read.  Also, here’s a quick list of foods that boost as well as foods and habits that bust your immune system.”

The Top Ten Disease Fighting Foods that Boost your Immune System

Berries – Cranberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries

Dairy – Milk, Yogurt

Fatty Fish – Salmon, Tuna

Dark Leafy Greens – Spinach, Kale, Bok Choy, Dark Lettuces

Whole Grains – Oatmeal, Whole Wheat bread, Barley, Rye, Millet, Quinoa, Whole Grain Pasta

Sweet Potatoes

Tomatoes

Beans and Legumes

Nuts – Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Cashews, Chestnuts, Macadamias

Eggs

The Top Immunity System Busters

Colloidal Silver – there is no scientific evidence to support the health claims of this product, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Drinking Bleach – Miracle Mineral Solution is industrial bleach and not meant to be consumed. No research shows MMS as an effective treatment or cure for viruses, according to the FDA.

Massive Doses of Vitamins, including infusions and vitamin shots – high doses can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and damage to kidneys and liver. A daily multivitamin, combined with eating whole natural foods, supports a healthy immune system.

Stress – manage anxiety with meditation, yoga, walking, daily exercise, reading a favorite book.

Alcohol – excessive alcohol impairs the immune system.  Moderation is recommended and staying hydrated with water.

Sleeplessness – research shows that one night of poor sleep can reduce your immune cells by as much as 70%.

Empty Calories, Sugar, Processed Foods – causes inflammation and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Eat whole natural food.

Vitamin D Deficiency – the immune system needs vitamin D to fight off viruses. Sufficient vitamin D helps reduce the severity of illness and makes for a faster recovery.  Sunlight is the best and most natural source of vitamin D.

Lack of Exercise – physical movement and exercise reduces inflammation and supports infection-fighting cells.  The endorphins from activity also help reduce anxiety.