We know that preventative maintenance is wiser than reactive treatment. Preventing illness from happening is much more effective and cost efficient than doctor visits, time off work and pharmaceuticals. Colds, flu, bacterial infections, viruses, pandemics… NO MATTER WHAT, YOU NEED A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Most of your immune system is in the gut. Stomach acid breaks down food for digestion, but it also kills pathogens that are either accidently or unknowingly ingested. Processed foods, packaged foods and fast foods are loaded with chemicals and/or prepared with unhealthy, hydrogenated oils, food dyes, “natural flavors” and preservatives. These chemicals are not nutrients that our body needs. A healthy immune system can do battle for us, but over time will weaken if we keep ingesting unnatural/non-food ingredients, thereby depleting our innate immune system of its resources.

Healthy stomach and gut lining, populated by healthy bacteria, break food down, eliminate toxins and absorb nutrients. An unhealthy gut, low on good bacteria does not absorb nutrients and passes the toxins into the bloodstream which cause problems elsewhere, like in the adrenals, liver, brain, joints, pancreas, blood vessels…

A healthy GI system, given nutrient dense food, can make hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes and healthy blood in which to carry these human messengers. More specific to the immune system, a healthy gut and nutrients make T-cells, B-cells, macrophages and NK cells, all necessary biochemicals to fight and eliminate potential pathogens.

But Lisa, you say, covid-19 comes in through the air, into our nostrils to our lungs. Yes and the mucous membranes that line our nostrils, esophagus, ears, eyes (and other orifices) and skin too, contain a combination of biochemicals that prevent invaders from penetrating. So as you can see, our immune system is all over the body. But it needs proper care and feeding.

First, stop ingesting toxins, as best you can. Our bodies do not need synthetic chemicals. It needs nutrients from real food. See Dear Human for nutritious foods, and a list of inflammatory and toxic foods to avoid.

Drink lots of filtered water. Many times we can flush out a pathogen by drinking lots of fluids every day. A general guideline is half your body weight, in ounces (if 150 lbs, then approximately 75 oz).

From a number of studies and articles, this is my immune boosting, covid-19 prevention protocol:

• Vit C 3000 mg/day divided, or to bowel tolerance
• Vit D 2000 iu/day after 2 wks of 5000/day
• Magnesium Citrate, 400 mg/day
• Zinc 20 mg/day (liposomal)
• Quercitin 500 mg 2x/day (See Dear Human)
• N-Acetyl Cysteine to boost Glutathion, the body’s natural antioxidant

There are already additional covid-19 variants. There will be another flu we’ve never seen. Cold viruses are not going away. Bacteria, both good and bad are here to stay. The key is to build non-specific immunity, a strong body, well-nourished, hydrated, exercised and rested.