We’re not out of the woods yet. This has been a long, long journey, as you know. And it now seems like everyone knows someone who has been affected by COVID, particularly by Omicron. While this version of the virus is causing less severe symptoms than Delta for most people, it is spreading more easily and rapidly, making it hard to avoid. And, it can cause real discomfort or danger for some, so it’s wise for us to try our best to avoid this virus, even if it’s just so we don’t help spread it.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there is a lot that we can do to avoid getting sick–or at least minimize the impact if we do catch something. Here are some tips for things you can do to support your immune system.
- Include some of these foods:
- Mushrooms: Cook them to make them digestible. They are rich in polysaccharides that support a healthy immune response. They can also contain vitamin D. Here’s a healthy mushroom soup recipe.
- I also have Mikei Japanese red reishi mushroom capsules, combination mushroom capsules, Suku brand mushroom gummies, and Real Mushrooms Chaga and Lion’s Mane capsules.
- Soups, stews, slow cooked meals: Warm up the body with easily digestible foods. They can also be comfort foods.
- Colourful vegetables: Green, yellow, orange, and purple foods contain a variety of antioxidants and phytonutrients that support immune health.
- Garlic, onions, and cauliflower: These white foods are healthy foods that connect with the TCM Lungs and help you fight infections.
- Mushrooms: Cook them to make them digestible. They are rich in polysaccharides that support a healthy immune response. They can also contain vitamin D. Here’s a healthy mushroom soup recipe.
- Keep your TCM Lungs strong. The TCM Lungs are connected to the immune system, so:
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- Take some deep, full breaths in and full release out.
- Try some different breath work practices like 4-7-8 breath, Wimhoff, yoga breathwork (pranayama), Qi Gong, etc.
- Support your gut. The TCM Large Intestines are partnered with the TCM Lungs and “letting go”–including experiencing and moving through grief and sadness. Additionally, modern studies have demonstrated that the microbiome (balance of microbes, including the good bacteria probiotics) of the intestines are involved in a strong and appropriate immune response. Oh, and to note, your microbiome also affects your mood.
- Allow yourself to feel, express, and let go of grief, sadness, and things that are no longer serving you (including physical objects, people, ideas, beliefs, etc.).
- Ask me what types of probiotics might be best for you, as I have a few options in clinic.
- Choose the supplements suitable for YOUR body and YOUR immune system. You’ll need to make the selection appropriate to whether you are being preemptive and avoiding getting sick; whether you are at the beginning stages of a cold; whether you are deep in the depths of being sick; or whether you are recovering from being sick. And, if you suffer from allergies or an autoimmune disorder, you need an immune response that isn’t overreactive, but does mount a strong response against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
- Some immune-supporting options include:
- Reishi and other super mushroom supplements to help a balanced immune response.
- Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen tablets) are Chinese herbs, including astragalus/huang qi, to help prevent illness.
- Andrographis tablets contain three strong Chinese herbs to fight infection.
- Sore Throat Spray includes Chinese and Western herbs to fight the early stages of an infection or help prevent infection.
- Some immune-supporting options include:
You can also come in for some acupuncture sessions or do an online or in-person consultation for personalized recommendations.
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