Cultivating Resilience in the Midst of Covid
/How are you? My thoughts are with you wherever you find yourself during this pandemic journey we are all on.
I thought I would put together and pass along a few of the articles that have crossed my desk in recent weeks.
Out of everything health related I have received or read during this time, nothing has made such an impact as the idea that we as individuals can maintain or begin new ways to be connected.
Our connectedness increases our resilience which in turn supports healthy immune function.
Resilience is part of Immune Health
This Blue Zones article relays the idea that being connected increases resilience and resilience improves immune health.
While physical distancing… “As much as possible, spend free time on a front porch or in some other setting where you are more likely to see neighbors and say hello.”
I’ve been taking neighborhood walks and tea breaks in my front yard, which has garnered lovely chats and waves.
Health Articles for Now
Smart Immunity https://foodrevolution.org/blog/stay-healthy-in-the-time-of-covid-19/
In addition, a healthy gut microbiome is essential to optimizing our immune support. As always, consult your doctor or nutritionist/dietitian as each individual is different.
But for most folks, I recommend taking a high quality probiotic such as Innate Response 20 - 14 Flora, Bio Botanical Research 4R Flora, or Premiere Research Labs brand Microbiome 18 regularly. Currently the best thought is to rotate between a few different probiotics.
Equally helpful for my family, has been to include a serving of something fermented daily. Fermented foods are in the refrigerator section of market and will not contain vinegar.
1/4-cup fermented veggies
1-teaspoon non-gmo miso
1/3-cup organic grass-fed kefir or plain yogurt (try to choose one without “added” sugar).
1/3-cup organic kombucha.
Especially now, are you slowing down to enjoy the foods and meals prepared versus eating on the run? Sitting down, slowing down and chewing well will be part of staying well or getting well. How well we digest our food is critical to how well we absorb the nutrients that support our biochemical pathways.
Kitchen Medicine Project
Take this time to grow an herb such as basil, parsley or oregano or go big and plant a few veggies such as tomatoes, leafy lettuces or garlic. Arugula, Swiss Chard and Kale all grow really well here.
If you are already gardening, maybe try growing your own Micro Greens or Sprouts. https://foodrevolution.org/blog/how-to-grow-sprouts-the-ultimate-home-grown-nutrient-packed-food/.
Sprouts are among our most nutrient packed superfoods and so fun to add to salads or even just as a garnish to your meal. They grow very quickly… a very cool experience :))
Happy Hour
Of course I love this idea. Happy Hour signifies time to relax a bit, listen to music or stories of the day and breathe a bit as you transition to dinner making.
Be creative. In my house, happy hour can mean snack trays along with special teas or spritz of ginger kombucha. It’s more about a time to slow down, pamper yourself and enjoy a moment.
Okay now I am telling on myself… I create happy hour even when I am the only one home. Over the years, I have found that the more we do these simple things even when it is just for ourselves, the better our days and our health seem to go.
Lifestyle Routines
So much seems to be unpredictable and out of sorts now as many have loved ones that are ill, have lost a job, are caring for someone, or just plain feel untethered.
Having something that you do regularly can bring a sense of peace. For me, cooking has always been somewhere between art, therapy and an event.
Morning coffee with a handful of almonds along with my devotional and a walk around the block, afternoon holy basil tea out front and definitely happy hour have all added balance to these new circumstances and concerns.
Of Note, Leap MRT test/package discount and a few brand favorites
Oxford Biomedical has extended a sale on Leap MRT Food Sensitivity testing to practitioners to pass along to clients through May 15th, 2020
A few of my favorite foundational formulas for support found on my Fullscript Dispensary. Please note each person will benefit from individualized recommendations as one will not need all of them and dose would be different from person to person. If they are not already placed in your recommendations, you may find them via the catalog link. If you are on my Wellevate dispensary and would like to be updated to Fullscript, please let me know. If you would like to schedule a follow-up via phone, FaceTime or Zoom to individualize recommendations to support your health at this time please let me know.
Remember protocols need to be individualized. A Patient will not need all of these and may need specific other nutrients. This is simply some of my favorites.
Premiere Research Labs: Microbiome 18 Digest Enzyme Vitamin C EPA/DHA Marine Oil Zinc - 10 mg. every third day or so Turmeric (take with meals that include oil/pepper or open cap and use in cooking) Fermented Turmeric Ginger powder Fermented Greens (It does include milk thistle which is contraindicated in small percent of situations) Colostrum
Innate Response Love Love the Women’s and Men’s Multivitamin and moving as appropriate to the 40+ and 55+. - This is the base, we benefit from daily doses of this entire spectrum of nutrients including zinc, C, D, E etc.
The Flora blends, 50-14 Flora, 20-14 Flora
Host Defense My Community Blend Extract (whole mushroom extract)
Body Bio PC (phosphatidylcholine)
Wise Woman Herbals Elderberry
Take good care, God Bless, Debra