This pandemic is not about blaming China for bat viruses, berating scientific research, or finding the perfect vaccine. This is the time to develop spiritual resilience. We are facing an existential challenge. An existential challenge has to do with human existence. When we face big questions, which involve the meaning of life and our continued existence, we are wrestling with an existential crisis. This crisis challenges us to question our continued existence and purpose in life. This is the true, inherent, spiritual work of living. Some of us choose to participate in soul evolution, and some choose to pursue life as if it is a game. The existential crisis is a serious pattern of thinking. It is possible for the aware, thoughtful person to master the crisis and move past these challenges with greater understanding and enhanced resilience.
I have a great empathy and compassion for those individuals experiencing the COVID-19 virus. Their suffering pains me deeply. As a child, I also had a unique, unknown virus that put me in isolation in the hospital. Long after the body is seemingly well, the mind and spirit remember the aloneness and fear. That was a devastating experience for me and impacted the rest of my life. That's why I take the current COVID-19 crisis very seriously.
Why do the scientists and directors of our well-known health institutions (NIH, CDC, etc.) overwhelm us with facts and data and charts? Why do they seemingly not care about empowering the individual toward healthy lifestyle choices and strengthening the immune system? Do they think this is unimportant? I am sure they realize the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and a strong immune system. But as professional, ethical persons they know the limits of their job. The answer is, they want us to take this seriously, and they are not the family doctor. They are researchers, so they talk research. Every person should be talking to their own family doctor about proactive, lifestyle activities to enhance immunity.
It is up to you to look after your personal daily life and analyze what is out of balance. Does the lack of balance live in the realm of mind, body or spirit? Do your research online about mind/body activities, immune enhancing foods and supplements, and incorporate immune strengthening activities into your daily life. Review your thought patterns, are they building psychological resilience? It is my theory, that those individuals who are not in the at-risk age range and have no underlying health conditions, should review the mind and spirit aspects of life for precipitating factors that left you vulnerable to the virus. Consider your stress levels, personality characteristic, how do you define a successful life, do you take as much as much care with your own needs as the needs of others, are you at peace with your relationships with self/others/community/God?
I understand the medical scientists caution about lifestyle suggestions because they are interested in giving the facts. But researched facts are not the totality of the story. I believe we should practice proactive, daily activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the immune system.
FIRST STEPS to a stronger immune system https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/blog/human-nutrition/five-factors-that-affect-immune-system
1. Hand Washing
People tend to overestimate their hygiene. Studies show that only 67% of people wash their hands after using a public restroom, vs. 85% who report washing their hands after public restroom use. 1,2 And even if you do wash your hands, you may not be doing it correctly: Centers for Disease Control recommends 15 seconds of scrubbing your hands with soap, or humming the “Happy Birthday” song TWO TIMES! 1 You should try it - it feels like an eternity when you’re standing in front of a mirror in a public restroom, next to a stranger that you might be trying to avoid talking to. As you probably know, the restroom isn’t the only place you should be washing your hands. But studies show we do a better job in the restroom, likely due to social pressure and the convenient location of soap and a sink. An even smaller percentage of people report washing their hands after participating in other activities that significantly increase risk of exposure to microbes like petting a dog or cat (42% of people), handling money (27% of people), and coughing or sneezing (39% of people). 2
2. Sleep Cycles
The immune system is influenced by the sleep-wake cycles of our circadian rhythms. Studies suggest that while we’re sleeping, we have decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can suppress immune function, and increased signals that activate the immune system. 4 Even though we know that sleep is important, it can be difficult to get enough, especially during busy times of the year. According to a Gallup survey, 56% of adults say they get enough sleep. However, 7 hours is the minimum recommended amount of sleep for adults and only 40% of us are averaging 6.8 hours of sleep per night.
3. Nutrients from Food
Everywhere we turn, we see PSAs, news stories and blogs boasting the importance of fruits and vegetables for a plethora of health reasons, and the same applies to immune health. Studies show vitamins C, A, E, B6 and B12 and minerals like iron and zinc are important for the maintenance of immune function, all of which can be found in fruits and veggies. 7 If you’re a clean-eating enthusiast, you’re probably getting enough of these vitamins and minerals, but many of us aren’t. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 4.5 cups of fruit and vegetables per day. 5
4. Cortisol Levels
Another challenge that plagues our immune system is a familiar foe to many of us. STRESS. Hectic work schedules and abundant daily responsibilities can leave us frazzled. Increased levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, makes it difficult for the immune system to function properly. The American Psychological Association reports that 75% of Americans experience moderate to high levels of stress. 8,9 In addition to the direct impact of stress on immune function, unmanaged stress can influence our sleep patterns, our mood, our dietary intake and our physical activity levels. All of these factors are associated with immune system function. 8
5. Supplement Intake
To promote and support healthy behaviors, supplements and fortified foods have been widely used to support immune health. According to Nutraingredients, 29% of supplement users take an immune health product. 11Beta-glucan is an emerging ingredient in immune health supplements. Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring glucose polymer or insoluble fiber found in cereal grains like oat and barley, certain types of mushrooms, yeast, seaweed, and algae. Although all types of beta-glucan have some health benefit, the beta-glucan found in yeast, mushrooms and algae can provide benefits that support immune health. 10
FIRST STEPS to Boost Your Emotional Resilience, Backed by Research, https://time.com/4306492/boost-emotional-resilience/
- Foster optimism: Don’t be in denial. See the world clearly but believe in your abilities.
- Face your fears: Hiding from fear makes it worse. Face it and you overcome it.
- Have a moral compass: A strong feeling of right and wrong tells us we must when we feel we can’t.
- Practice spirituality: Be a part of a group that has strong beliefs.
- Give and receive social support: Tapping on the wall of your cell can keep you going.
- Imitate resilient role models: Or have people you know you do not want to be.
- Physical fitness: Exercise adapts your body to stress.
- Be a lifelong learner: Keep your brain sharp and it will give you solutions when you need them most.
- Have a number of ways to cope: Be like Navy SEALs and Special Forces operators — and laugh.
- Have meaning in your life: Don’t just do a job; have a calling and a purpose.
15 Foods That Boost the Immune System
https://greatist.com/health/immune-boosting-foods#bell-peppers
Bell peppers, red, yellow, green
Citrus fruits, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, clementines
Shellfish, lobster, crab, clams, oysters, mussels
sunflower seeds
ginger
garlic
broccoli
yogurt
spinach
almonds
chicken soup
Kiwi
papaya
green tea
elderberry
mushrooms
acai
watermelon
Wheat germ
sweet potatoes,
miso
pomegranates
I just finished an excellent online course by T Colin Campbell and eCornell university. To maintain a healthy immune system, one should avoid dairy, limit the amount of meat you eat, and eat as many raw vegetables, beans, and whole grains as possible.
Practice resilience!!
