Keeping our immune systems strong is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves against COVID-19. There is always a risk of exposure, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, but building up our body’s natural resilience is key. 

Enhance your immune system with some of these 9 natural, well-researched approaches! Link to studies included. 

1. Serious Hand Cleaning – it’s the most simple tip, but it’s certainly the most critical. Twenty full seconds of scrubbing is what it takes to lift germs off skin and carry them away when you rinse. Also, social distancing (at least 2 meters away) and avoid touching your face.  

2. Vitamin C  - a potent antioxidant and antiviral. Currently administered intravenously in NYC, China and South Korea to COVID-19 patients to reduce intensity and duration of symptoms. Recommended oral preventative dosing is 1000 mg 3 - 4x/day (spread out through the day as the body only absorbs a certain amount of vitamin C at a time) and should be in a buffered (alkalinized) form. https://isom.ca/vitamin-c-coronavirus/

3. Vitamin D - increases immunity and has been shown to reduce vulnerability to respiratory tract infections (viral especially). Most Canadians are deficient in vitamin D based on their bloodwork levels. The recommended preventative dosing is 1000IU/day (see your ND or doctor to see your bloodwork levels if a higher dose is required (often is) to ensure your vitamin D is in the optimal range. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/988

Allergies are the fifth-leading cause of chronic disease in the world and are affecting up to 30% of adults and 40% of children globally. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, the prevalence of this condition has increased each year over the past decade. [1] Allergy sufferers may experience runny or itchy noses,congestion as well as watery and itchy eyes.

Naturopathic physicians are well trained at helping both to manage these symptoms naturally and potentially eliminate allergies, avoiding the use of over the counter medications to keep those symptoms at bay.  This article will review the top naturopathic strategies for managing and potentially eliminating allergies.