Covid has been one of the greatest wake-up calls of all time! It has exposed our personal weaknesses and just maybe given us the motivation to do something about our health!
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases and are endemic, meaning they circulate in populations seasonally. Coronavirus cases are normally worse in the winter, however new variants have proven just how contagious these viruses can be in any weather conditions.
With the relaxing of borders, movement, and large gatherings, it was inevitable that Covid would spread en masse. Thankfully, the variant known as Omicron is a milder version of the original virus and is therefore presenting less problematic in most demographics.
The most common symptoms reported include sweating, fever, fatigue and lethargy, sore throat, and runny nose. The degree with which people experience symptoms is varied and random, and there seems to be no difference if you are vaccinated or not. However, most people are recovering within 3-4 days of onset of symptoms.
This virus has really challenged our beliefs around what we consider healthy to be and the fear attached to those beliefs can be the reason why some immune systems don’t hold up as well. Remember, fear increases our stress hormones and when those hormones are raised, our immune system is lowered, which leaves us exposed to a variety of opportunistic viruses and pathogens.
The best action you can take is an assessment of your current health status. This means looking at your nutrition and what your diet looks like, hydration, fitness level, emotional health, medications, and supplements. If you are eating poorly, drinking too much alcohol, and not moving, you cannot expect to supplement your way out of this alone. It takes a holistic approach to improve your health, so an honest reality check is the best place to begin.
A blood test with your GP can be a good starting point to expose any deficiencies. Remember this is just a guide and result parameters are quite broad. So, if your results don’t match your health issues then it might be time to invest in further testing like Hair Analysis.
Every strand of hair locks in a permanent record of your body’s most recent physical, mental, and environmental activities. Currently, you and almost everyone else are operating below their potential due to the effects of processed foods, low nutrient intake, toxins, chemicals, and electromagnetic fields that may be responsible for a breakdown in the body’s normal day to day functions.
Your enzyme processes are entirely reliant on a constant supply of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for them to function. Your nervous system is strongly affected by toxins, additives, and EMF. All these factors contribute to a breakdown in metabolic signalling and brain and immune function.
To achieve your health potential, you need to ensure that these processes are working at optimised levels. Anything less than optimal and you will fee the effects by way of low energy, poor sleep, weak immunity, poor concentration, irritability, general aches and pain, slow recovery, susceptibility to injury and more. If left in a sub-optimal state for too long, this can eventually lead to chronic illnesses.
Acute and chronic illnesses can both be attributed to inflammation. This can be the first issue to be addressed in many cases because if we reduce the inflammation, you may be surprised at the number of ailments that disappear. It’s almost like a domino effect, treat the underlying problem, in this case inflammation, and a cascade of improvement may be the result.
We already know about the incredible healing of Turmeric, the golden herb of health which has decades of research that supports its anti-inflammatory effects on the body. This can be used acutely in higher doses in times of infection or for chronic relief from ongoing joint pain.
Boosting your overall immune system is by far the best way to improve your health and it can be the difference between living with regular bouts of illness or living a life with energy and vitality. A healthy body is not just about the absence of disease but thriving into the golden years physically and mentally intact without being a burden on others.
The happy hormone known as Vitamin D is a must have in any supplement regime. Combined with K2, this synergistic formula packs a punch for immune protection and strong bones. If daily sun exposure isn’t part of your routine, then a daily dose in an easy liquid delivery system might be a great choice for you.
When we talk about great immune enhancing supplements, we can’t go past Vitamin C. This should be a staple in every household. It can be used daily as a preventative and increased in times of greater need. Combined with Zinc you will be enhancing your body’s natural defence system and hopefully decrease the likelihood of severe and repeated illness.
Nutrition and wholefood must be part of your healthy lifestyle. There is just no getting around that. Our body recognises the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and micronutrients found in whole foods, especially plant foods. Make sure to be consuming fruits and vegetables every day. Make them the hero of your meal before adding your choice of protein.
Don’t forget about the importance of clean drinking water for hydration and elimination. Herbal teas, smoothies, fresh juices, and probiotic drinks are also a great way to increase easily digestible food sources while adding to our daily nutrient content.
In these personally challenging times of uncertainty, one thing you can be reassured about is the power and resilience of your immune system given the right environment. Every day is a good day to reassess where you are at and what you can do to improve your health. This is a time to be kind to yourself, do what you can, and know that every change you make is one step closer to being better than you were yesterday.
Do not let fear of Covid or any future virus bring you undone. Be the best version of yourself, fuel your body with the nutrients and supplements you need to become a formidable force and you too will kick Covid to the kerb, with a stronger immune system to boot.
Written by Mona Hecke
Mona Hecke is a degree qualified Naturopath, nutrition specialist and health and wellness writer.
With over 20 years in the health industry, beginning with a focus on children and families, and a bestselling book ‘The Lunchbox Revolution’, Mona is now empowering women through education and conversation to take action and embrace change. Gut health, mindfulness, nutrition, hormones, and menopause are the topics that women want and need to know to create their healthy future.
Mona holds certifications in Lifestyle Coaching, Kinesiology, holistic herbal medicine, and nutrition.
A recognised leader in the health industry, Mona’s strong social media presence and passion for influencing change will continue to be a catalyst for health reform for the benefit of every Australian.
