Many people today already felt overwhelmed with demands of work, family, and finances and now we are experiencing an unprecedented event that is increasing the worries in ways we could never have imagined. It is most important to remember that there are always things you can do to help yourself and your family.

One of the most important things we can all do for ourselves and loved ones is to maintain a mental/emotional calm.

Prime Minister Churchill during WWII inspired a nation to have resolve to get through one of the hardest times in human history – his slogan was “Keep Calm and Carry On”

You might also ask “Why is it so important to stay calm during such uncertainty?”

The simple answer is – Psychological Stress is toxic to the immune system…

To worry and panic over things that ‘might happen’, is unnecessarily exacerbating the fear – and weakening your immune system.

Perceived fear and imagined scenarios causes the same cascade of stress hormones to course through the body as ‘actual’ stress. In fact, one study reports that perceived stress is more damaging to the immune system than actual stress. In this particular study the group with HIGH
PERCEIVED STRESS with low to normal actual stress tested 80% fewer protective antibodies in their blood than either of the other two groups. Antibodies are proteins that bind to foreign substances that invade the body, such as viruses and bacteria.

When you are stressed (perceived or actual,) the brain produces a cascade of powerful chemicals that leave you more vulnerable to infections and other diseases. There is a DIRECT and MEASURABLE connection between your immune system strength and the way you react to the world around you. Simply controlling your response to situations and adapting accordingly, may go a long way to helping protect and preserve your health on many levels.

It is important to find an activity that you find calming and relaxing in order to stay centered. Many people find prayer, meditation, walking in nature, a bike ride you’re your family, music, or exercise can help maintain the calm.

There are supplements that can help support the body during stressful times. I would suggest Stress Less from 3 Brains as the foundation to combat the negative physiological effects of stress hormones and then if you are still feeling worried or anxious, Pharma GABA or Mental Calmness can help provide extra support to calm the nervous system.

Individual nutritional status plays a very important role in the defense against infectious diseases. Do your best to choose fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and proteins and avoid all junk foods and focus on high nutrient based foods.

I am sure you are wondering what you can do to keep you and your loved ones supported both physically during these uncertain times.

I would suggest considering supplements that research has shown to help support the some of the negative physiological effects of stress, such as inflammation and immune system dysregulation.

Selenium (Se) deficiency can alter the virulence of a pathogen, cause a higher rate of virus mutations, and impair the function of the immune system.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient necessary for human and animal health due to its ability to support the antioxidant defense systems. However, problems related to Se deficiency are emerging worldwide and some sources suggest that one in seven people are selenium deficient. Deficiencies of micronutrients in general, affect up to 3 billion people worldwide. The dietary availability of trace elements is determined largely by their soil concentrations.

In one study on selenium deficiency one of the authors (Dr. Beck) stated “We believe our latest findings are both important and potentially disturbing because they suggest nutritional deficiencies can promote epidemics in a way not appreciated before.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help prevent cytokine-induced damage to the lungs. Cytokines are small proteins released by cells, which trigger inflammation and respond to infections. The Department of Critical Care Medicine at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University recently registered a phase 2 clinical trial on the NIH U.S. Library National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov to test the efficacy of vitamin C infusions for the treatment of severe acute respiratory infection. The study is to be completed in September 30, 2020.

Vitamin A has often been called an “anti‐infective” vitamin and many of the body’s defenses against infection depend on an adequate supply. Vitamin A could be a promising option for the
treatment of viral infection and in the prevention of lung infection.

Vitamin D has a role in maintaining bone integrity, and it also stimulates the maturation of immune cells. Many people of all ages are Vitamin D deficient.

Zinc is a dietary trace mineral and is important for the maintenance and development of immune cells. Zinc deficiency increases susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Please remember, this is a global problem – we are in this together – stay calm, take care of what you need to do for yourself and your loved ones, then ask “How Can I Help”?

In addition to the above suggestions, PLEASE follow the recommendations of reliable sources such as CDC, WHO and your local government so that we can help ensure we spread nothing but kindness. At this time, there is no proven treatment for covid-19.

Zhang L, Yunhui L. Potential interventions for novel coronavirus in China: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Virology, Vol 92, Issue 5; pp 461-528..February 13, 2020
Morey JN, Boggero IA, Scott AB, et al. Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function. Curr Opin Psychol. 2015;5:13–17.
Jones GD, Droz B, Greve P, et al. Climate change affects selenium deficiency risk Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Feb 2017, 201611576
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill. “Selenium Deficiency Causes Flu Virus To Mutate Into More Dangerous Forms.” ScienceDaily, 22 June 2001.