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MY WELLNESS Youthful Living How By Dr Arien van der Merwe
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ear is insidious and more contagious than any virus can ever be. There are countless research studies confirming that stress (e.g. from fear, anger, worry) impairs the efficacy of our immune system. With the current frenzied panic around the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the winter flu season approaching, it is more important than ever to support our immune and respiratory systems. The Coronavirus is part of the influenza (flu) group of viruses affecting the respiratory system. Reported symptoms in patients with confirmed Covid-19 have varied from mild to severe, and can include fever (found in all infections as part of the body’s natural inflammatory immune response to support recovery), dry cough and shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, headache, and sore throat. It is quite clear that all respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms, therefore do not panic if you experience any of them – it might be influenza or even the common cold. To minimise the spread of any infection, including colds and flu, we should try to keep our immune defences optimal and our exposure down. What is a virus? A virus is a simple organism
18 March 2020
Dr Arien van der Merwe is a medical doctor specialising in natural medicine, herbal remedies, stress management and holistic health counselling. Address: 16 Hope Street (c/o Dirkie Uys & Hope St), Hermanus. Website: www.DrArien.co.za
to support your immune system that carries a code to replicate itself. “It is a biological agent that reproduces inside the cells of living hosts. When infected by a virus, a host cell is forced to produce thousands of identical copies of the original virus at an extraordinary rate” [Wikipedia]. Statistics: To date (16 March), the coronavirus has led to more than 160 000 confirmed cases and more than 6 000 deaths worldwide. Compare this with the flu: in the US alone, the flu has resulted in an estimated 34 million confirmed cases, 350 000 hospitalisations and 20 000 deaths this season [US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention]. Maintain perspective: Even at its worst projected morbidity rate (and we still don’t have precise figures), 97.5 % of those who contract the Coronavirus make a full recovery. Firstly, what is inflammation? You feel a cold coming on: some muscle aches and pains, sniffles, fever. Your throat and nose turn red, forehead warms up and nasal passages start to become swollen. You feel slightly sick! All these symptoms are associated with your body's imflammatory response, which is vital to the healing process. It commands the immune system troops to deploy and each one of the squad members has a specific role to play in healing your cold. Once the immediate threat is over, you should start to get better. If, however, the troops do not get the command to retreat, because of some unknown break in communication (e.g.
overwhelming stress or panic), the squad keeps on working. This is when inflammation turns from friend to foe: worsening or escalating infection. And it is our own fearful thoughts that can become the silent trigger for ongoing disease, at a time when we really need an optimally functioning immune system. Prevention is the best cure Viral pandemics, including cold and flu viruses can be transmitted in the following ways: touching respiratory secretions on a person's skin (when shaking hands, for example) or environmental surfaces (such as doorknobs, kitchen counters, wash basins or handrails) and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth; also by inhaling infectious particles in the air (from a cough or sneeze). The best way to break the chain of infection is by practising basic hygiene, such as frequent hand washing (soap and water will suffice!) and not touching the nose, eyes or mouth. The inner, mucous lining of the respiratory tract is the body’s first line of defence against cold and flu viruses. Drink plenty of fluids, prevent air from drying out by using humidifiers, and take a comprehensive antioxidant combination that also contains vitamins A, C, B-complex and carotenes to protect these delicate membranes. To minimise the spread, avoid close contact and prolonged exposure to people with colds. Always sneeze or cough into a facial tissue and immediately throw it away. Clean surfaces with a virus-killing disinfectant. It is considerate to wear a mask when we’re sick. This will prevent us spreading viruses to others, including those
with a weakened or compromised immune system. Improve and maintain the optimal functioning of your own, and your family’s immune system: • Eat plenty (minimum 5 portions per day) of seasonal fresh fruit (juice, smoothies, whole) and vegetables (roasted, steamed, freshly-made soup, stews, bean dishes, and salads). Eat super foods from all the rainbow colours, nuts, seeds, plenty of greens. Take a daily probiotic with live cultures (e.g. yoghurt, kefir, kombucha, fermented food – easy to make your own). • Make use of nature’s pharmacy! Herbs like Echinacea, garlic, astragalus, ginseng, yarrow, chickweed, licorice root and golden seal are excellent immune system supporters. Use spices like ginger, turmeric and cinnamon (pinch each) with some raw honey to taste, to prepare your own hot toddy (taken 3 – 4 times a day) for inflammation, fever, thickened mucous, or sore muscles. • Drink clean, fresh water – a glass (250ml) per 10kg body weight per day (70kg = 7 glasses) • Control your stress levels with daily relaxation techniques. Disinfecting your mind is just as, if not more, important than washing your hands! A calm nervous system supports a strong immune system. Your body is resilient and has wonderful self-healing abilities. • Avoid crowded, dry, smoky, hot places. Your environment can increase your chances for getting colds or flu, so be aware. • Turn off the air conditioners and heaters to allow the air to humidify, or put a bowl of water nearby.
