The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. While this is unprecedented in modern times and sounds really scary, medical experts around the world are working to slow the spread while a vaccine is created. To help protect ourselves and our loved ones, let's remember to follow their recommendations and make small changes to our daily routines and interactions, including:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Practicing social distancing (6 feet distance between yourself and others)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when you cough or sneeze
What can I do to protect myself?
At Organika, our goal is and has always been to help people live their healthy best. While scientists are working tirelessly to mitigate the spread and eradicate the virus, we don’t know how long that will take. During these uncertain times, your best shot at protecting yourself and your loved ones is to follow the WHO's recommendations listed above. In addition, now more than ever, we should be taking the steps to living a healthy life and supporting our immune system, our bodies' line of defense, as best as we can. Here are some of our products that can help keep your immunity going strong.Quercetin
Quercetin is a type of flavonoid. Flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Quercetin in particular, once absorbed, stays in circulation a long time – which allows it to act as protective for a longer period of time during the day [1]. Some other properties that make Quercetin a great immune support are:- It is anti-inflammatory: Quercetin can modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, one major one being TNF-alpha. By doing this, it causes an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing inflammatory markers [2].
- It's shown promise as an antiviral: Quercetin stays in circulation for an extended time while providing protection. Past research has shown quercetin to inhibit entry of a virus into human cells, including such viruses as Influenza A [3].
Mushrooms
You know we love a good 'shroom. While we can go on and on about them for days, let's keep it to the top 2!- Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms have been proven to build blood cells [4]. Production of white blood cells in particular (aka. what is in your immune system!) is aided by shiitakes.
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Cordyceps: Like shiitake, these are great for building immune cells in the human body [4]. Cordyceps have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, AND antioxidant properties. They can also help combat fatigue.
Summing it up, if your immune system is strong, you are more likely to be able to fight off viruses!
Bee Propolis
When we breathe in pathogens (like bacteria or viruses), they come into contact with our tonsils. Our tonsils, along with enzymes in our oral mucosa, will fight off pathogens and protect the body from them. A spray like Bee Propolis is the perfect companion on a flight! Use it to help fight bad bacteria and viruses, especially when stuck on a plane breathing in recycled air. Bee Propolis is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. Used in a tincture or a spray, it will help support the body during times of sickness threats [5]. Thanks, bees!NAC
NAC is a precursor for glutathione, one of the most potent antioxidants in the human body, which helps support any stress the body is going under. It has been shown to improve signs of upper respiratory distress and lung functioning. If you've been following the news, you'll remember respiratory distress is one of the main concerns related to COVID-19.Bone Broth
A good diet is probably the number one defense against anything viral. Good diet, exercise and sleep is key. Bone Broth provides our bodies with the vitamins and minerals we need to keep everything working well. So while you're practicing social distancing: Netflix and sip Bone Broth – doctor’s orders!Garlic
Garlic is a potent source of allicin, known for its benefits to heart health and traditionally reducing infections of the respiratory tract. It’s a commonly used antiviral and antioxidant.
Things might feel a little bit out of our control, but what we can stay on top of is our own actions and doing our best to keep our immune systems in tip-top shape. This can be a nerve-wracking time. It is more important than ever to take care of yourself and those around you.
Stay well!
Resources- Morand C, Crespy V, Manach C, Besson C, Demigne C, Remesy C. Plasma metabolites of quercetin and their antioxidant properties. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 1998 Jul 1;275(1):R212-9.
- Nair MP, Mahajan S, Reynolds JL, Aalinkeel R, Nair H, Schwartz SA, Kandaswami C. The flavonoid quercetin inhibits proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha) gene expression in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells via modulation of the NF-κβ system. Clin. Vaccine Immunol.. 2006 Mar 1;13(3):319-28.
- Wu W, Li R, Li X, He J, Jiang S, Liu S, Yang J. Quercetin as an antiviral agent inhibits influenza A virus (IAV) entry. Viruses. 2016 Jan;8(1):6.
- Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune modulation from five major mushrooms: application to integrative oncology. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal. 2014 Feb;13(1):32.
- Lotfy M. Biological activity of bee propolis in health and disease. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2006;7(1):22-31.
