Supporting the Immune System
As the new Coronavirus spreads so does a measure of anxiety. But it’s important to know that our bodies have been dealing with new viruses since the beginning of our evolutionary dance together. No one wants to be sick, and any pathogenic virus can be dangerous or deadly; but the the fact is, viruses are part of our ecosystem, and we have been co-evolving with them for a long, long time. That means that though your immune system doesn’t know this virus yet, it’s been developing the tools to deal with it all along. Nourishing yourself now can help you resist viruses after exposure; and have a positive impact on duration and severity if you do become ill from one.
So how is this particular virus behaving?
It is mild to moderate for 80% of those who get it, and most in that group seem to recover without complications. It also doesn’t seem to affect children as much as might be expected. People the most at risk are those with existing medical conditions, and the elderly. It’s higher mortality rate seems to concentrate in those groups.
And what can we do to keep from getting sick, or mitigate duration and severity if we do?
Along with the social and hygienic practices being recommended, the following are excellent ways to build health:
Health Begins in the Head. (Truly!)
Numerous studies have shown that cultivating attitudes of ease and gratitude support immune system resilience, while high levels of stress can impair it’s function. Being in your center will help you as you assess the needs of yourself and your family. So breathe deeply. Turn off the phone. Take a walk in the spring sun and de-stress. Try a little light stretching and think of something you love. This is not a trivial step, and does not minimize the gravity of this outbreak. When faced with a challenge, the attitude we greet it with can influence how we traverse it.
Self Care
Our immune systems have a lot to say about the outcome of any viral challenge. This is true for all viruses, every year. The good news is you can control how you support and nourish your immune system. Below are some lifestyle tips and herbs that will help. (Part 2 will cover those that can help if you do become ill.)
Nourish Your Immune System
1. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits of all colors (organic or biodynamic if possible!) Make a large part of those 
antioxidant rich purple, blue and red plant foods to support the immune system.
and as always…
Avoid processed foods — especially those with food colorings, hydrogenated oils (trans fats), GMOs, and fructose.
2. Avoid foods you suspect or know you are allergic or sensitive to. Eating them puts a lot of undue stress on the immune system and liver.
3. Hydrate. Plain, wonderful, life giving, thirst quenching water is fabulous. Eight or more glasses a day.
4. Get plenty of sleep – 8-9 hours a night. The body heals and repairs itself during sleep, and if you don’t get enough, it doesn’t get to finish the repair and maintenance job.
6. Keep moving! If it’s too cold or wet to be outside, put on some music and dance away for a few minutes from time to time. Keeping your blood moving nourishes all your body’s systems.
Herbs For Immune Health:
These herbs have a long traditional history of nourishing the health of the immune system. Try them in these small, tonic doses when you are not sick, that is before you contract a virus.
Astragalus Root – This comes in slices called “tongues”. Throw 6-10 of them into any soup or bean stock to simmer for a few hours. (Do not use during the acute stages of an illness.)
Elderberry Syrup (1 – 2 teaspoons a day during this challenge) – More is not better for this purpose. This small amount supports the immune system. (If you don’t make your own, retail brands will work.) Discontinue if it makes any allergies or autoimmune conditions wore.
Garlic – A single clove (not bulb!) of fresh, plump, quality raw garlic, pressed onto salads or into soup or cooked dishes a few times a week is a great antiviral with immune supportive properties.
Fresh pine needles. – Chew a few during the day, or fill a small jar with them and cover with vinegar. Let stand for a few weeks, then use the vinegar in soups or on cooked dishes, especially vegetables.
Mushrooms – Eat 
them cooked in stews and foods. Or simmer medicinal varieties on low for at least two hours, and drink the broth as well.
Doing what you can do will help set your mind at ease,
and the ideas listed above will help your immune system meet
an oncoming challenge.
See COVID-19: Part II – Allies and Optimism
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