We are in an unprecedented time. We are watching something that the world has never seen before. And we are learning about ourselves and our lives, just as much as we are learning about this virus.

As we adjust to navigate this new temporary normal, here are my recommended immunity protocols for basic level and high risk prevention, along with mindful methods for calm and clarity.

PREVENTION

BASIC IMMUNITY PROTOCOL

Vitamin C. Take 5000 mg of buffered vitamin C capsules or pressed powder tablets (not powder or liquid!) 30 minutes before lying down to sleep.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, start taking 2000 mg every two hours until you reach 6000 mg during the day, in addition to the 5000 mg at night. Continue this dose for 1-2 days until symptoms subside.

Important Note: While you are taking the daytime dose of 6000 mg, don't stop taking the 5000 mg before bed. Continue this nighttime dose of 5000 mg for as many months as you feel you need protection. Why? It is unclear that once you have had COVID-19, you are not able to get it again, so I recommend keeping up the nightly vitamin C for as long as you feel that you are at risk.

The Science: Vitamin C converts to hydrogen peroxide in our bodies, a natural compound that easily and efficiently kills off viruses, parasites and bacteria. 5000 mg of high quality Vitamin C taken right before sleep sets up a sterile field in both the stomach and top of the small intestine. Possible side effects may include minor stomach upset or temporary loose stools. Should stomach upset occur, avoid lying down for 30 minutes after taking the capsules.  If you experience looser stools than normal, try starting at 1000 mg and working your way up by 500mg every two days. 

Colloidal Silver Spray. Use one spritz of colloidal silver spray in each nostril and throat once daily before bed. Use 20ppm or higher. I like Sovereign brand. As an alternative, a gentle salt water rinse with a neti pot works – but not as well. 

The Science: Viral activity starts in the nostrils/mouth/eyes and works its way inward to the stomach. Viral activity – along with our bodies natural ability to kill off those viruses - is at its most active during the night, while we are sleeping. The goal is to kill viruses and unwanted bacteria thus supporting our immune system while we sleep and regenerate. Both colloidal silver and Vitamin C are effective in this. 

Facial Cleansing. Wash your face every night before bed with soap. Just as your hands collect dirt and germs, so does the face. These germs make their way into our nose, mouth and stomach as our heads are on the pillow. This should be a ritualized practice, not just during virus outbreaks.

Bone Broth. Bone broth has an incredible ability to heal the lining of the gut and help it eliminate bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Since our immune system is founded in the gut, it is essential to support the lining to ensure optimal function and elimination.

Check out my Immunity Soup for a versatile recipe with limitless health and immunity benefits. Great for an easy lunch for the entire family!

Herbal Tea. Drink an Immunity Tea throughout the day to stay hydrated and give your immune system a little boost. I like Yogi’s Immune Support Tea. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stop drinking herbal teas.

Fresh Air. While we are shut inside, open your windows to get fresh air if you can’t get outside for a walk. Have the windows cracked for a minimum of 40 minutes a day to move around stale air. 

HIGH RISK IMMUNITY PROTOCOL

(for those over 70 years of age, those who smoke or have smoked, have asthma or any other kind of compromised lung function, or are immunosuppressed)

Melatonin. Take 20mg before bed every night. Timed release is best.  Any brand on Fullscript is fine. 

The Science: There has been extensive research on the powerful antioxidant nature of melatonin. Proven safe and effective at high doses, melatonin fights inflammation in the body and is great for the elderly.

Zinc. Take one capsule once per day. It is important to take this mineral with copper as too much zinc eliminates copper from our system, and copper is critical for bones, blood, and immune function. Cytoplan makes a zinc copper capsule called Zinc & Copper. Alternatively, you can take a zinc lozenge combined with 8 drops of liquid copper daily.

Optimal Zinc lozenge by Seeking Health 

Liquid Copper by Body Bio

If you have flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat or extreme fatigue, increase the dose of the zinc to 1x every two hours for two days only.

The Science:

I know you are probably reading a lot about mushrooms and herbs to support immunity during this outbreak. However, we know that this virus in particular incites the immune system to attack us. Because of this, it is my recommendation to use Vitamin C, zinc, and melatonin as safer immunity boosting methods (as opposed to herbs alone) since they minimize the risk of upending our immune system and are just as effective. 

Iodine. 1 drop daily in water. I like Seroyal/ Genestra Liquid Iodine, taken as directed.

The Science: Many clinical studies say that as a population, we are terribly low in iodine. Iodine supports immune function BUT those with thyroid issues can have serious side effects from dosing iodine incorrectly.  Be cautious here – and err on not taking if you or a close blood relative have thyroid issues.

Vitamin A and D. Both Vitamin A and D are very supportive for overall immune function. 

Take 5000 units of Vitamin D and 5,000 units of Vitamin A daily for the next 8 weeks. If you have flu-like symptoms, take 100,000 units of vitamin A for four days.

NAC. For those at high risk with compromised lung function, I recommend 900 mg per day. Any brand on Fullscript is fine. 

The Science: N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant amino acid that is highly effective in supporting liver and lung function.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

If you are like me, you are likely having a hard time focusing – be it on a good movie or book or conversation. You might be waking up in the morning not completely awake and then ‘wham’ – it hits us – we are in the middle of a world-wide viral pandemic.

Here is what has helped me navigate the uncertainty, the stress, and maintain hope that we will come out the other side of this, better people in a better world. 

Bach flower remedies. These herbal remedies are gentle but very effective in shifting mood and mindset. Many of you know of the original Rescue Remedy, a highly healing combination of targeted treatment. In addition to this one, here are a few of my current favorites. All are available on the Bach Flower Remedy site.

Recommended Dosing: A drop under the tongue, and then check in with yourself in an hour.

Mustard – great when you are glum and unhappy

Red Chestnut – when you are over concerned for someone else/others

Elm – when you are feeling overwhelmed

Cerato – when you doubt your decision or are feeling indecisive

Aspen – if you are feeling on edge

L-theanine and GABA. Not to be taken daily but very helpful to use a couple times a week to take the edge off, especially when you have trouble sleeping. Any brand on Fullscript is fine.

Recommended Dosing: 200mg of l-theanine twice in one hour. 600-700mg of GABA twice in one hour. 

CBD. Incorporate a few drops of high-quality CBD oil before bed for trouble sleeping and for calming nerves.  I like NuLeaf for its potency and QuickSilver Scientific for its taste tolerability.

Breathing. Breathing exercises are clinically proven to alleviate stress and calm the nervous system. They are great before sleep, and studies show they reduce TMJ symptoms. 

A Basic Breathing Exercise:

Inhale for a count of 4

Hold for a count of 7

Exhale for a count of 8

Do 6-8 rounds three times a day.

This is a time unlike any other. And ironically, this highly isolated individual existence is being experienced as a global collective – we are truly all in this together. And we will come out of it with more insight, more introspection, and more inner peace than we have ever had before.

This is a quiet yet trying time of separation will show us how to be and live differently, better, and with more love and gratitude for ourselves, for those around us, and for the world in which we live. 

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