While social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands is recommended, there is so much more we can do as a natural defense against viruses if we are well informed. The immune system, its processes, gene interactions and expression are extremely complex.
In 2004 a new science was coined called nutrigenomics which means that we can change, turn on or turn off our gene expression through food. Knowing this is a very powerful tool for everyone to harness.
How you can help your immune system?
We have two types of immune responses. Innate immunity which responds immediately from 0-12 hours, and adaptive immunity which responds from 12 hours to seven days. Ogano, Net et al 2020 demonstrates that in 12-14 hours of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) infection, the virus load increases 10,000 fold! So it is logical that we do everything possible in our power to have strong innate immunity.
The health status of any individual at any time depends on a robust immune system, gut health, and what you eat. The immune system will respond to any infection including viral accordingly. We cannot avoid pathogen exposure, and this is how we develop herd immunity.
When the virus knocks at the door (membrane) of your cell
The best way to explain how Covid-19 enters the body cell is to compare the virus to a burglar who has the key to your castle doors and tries to turn the key to open it. If your security system is working properly (has plenty of NRf2), the burglar cannot turn the key and he will never open the door and invade your castle. Plenty of NrF2 prevents “the key in the door lock to turn and to open the doors” The virus is knocking at the door of your castle but it cannot get in. The difference is that your castle has a countless amount of doors in the nose, the lungs, and the gut.
Nrf2 is a basic protein that regulates the expression of antioxidants that protects against oxidative damage triggered by injury and inflammation. It stops the virus from entering the cell. Nrf2 also activates hundreds of protective genes and this is a very significant function.
What you can do to have plenty of Nrf2?
To switch on your protective mechanism of Nrf2 you can do a lot – and why wouldn’t you?
A diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables (remember the nutrigenomics discussed above) is recommended. Not every food is equal in terms of activating Nrf2. Broccoli – derived Sulforaphane is the most potent known phytochemical activator of Nrf2. Other less effective activators of Nrf2 are quercetin, turmeric, ginger, green tea, lutein and other phytonutrients that have a combined effect.
If you have any chronic conditions particularly diabetes, cancer, lung, or heart, supplementation is necessary to keep you as healthy as you can be. Supplements will depend on which body organ is affected.
What else can you do?
Plenty of Nrf2 is only part of the picture as you do not know where the burglar (Covid-19) will strike so it is a good idea to make sure that all the walls of your castle are in perfect condition. The weaker areas are the lungs, the blood, the gut and the heart. This means that you need to have optimum gut health and no “leaky gut” (walls of the castle) so the enemy can’t enter. If you have any health conditions affecting your lungs, heart, blood or gut you may consider taking an extra care. You also will need plenty of guards on the towers of your castle. These guards are your friendly bacteria of your gut. If they see (sense) the enemy approaching they automatically send the message to your army of white blood cells.
Fruits, vegetables rich in antioxidants vitamins fiber. A perfect way to increase your Nrf2
What does your “army” of white blood cells need?
Imagine that the greatest ever enemy is around and may attack your castle. Your army of white blood cells are hungry and will not last long if fed a diet of junk food and alcohol. You need zinc (not too much, however), probiotic, whole fresh food, fibre, exercise, and fresh air. You need to avoid toxins, get plenty of sun exposure (vitamin D), as well as vitamins A and C, and have plenty of sleep as melatonin activates NRF2. Too much zinc dampens the immune system, however.
And as with the protection of every castle, it is easier to fight and win when the enemy is outside rather than inside the castle.
If you would like to know more about how the DH-Natural Medicine Clinic can help you, please call us now on (02) 4854 0205
Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in Sydney.
Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.
For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
