Our recommendations were last written in 2020. We have since simplified our recommendations, but you can still read the original post.
Everyday health optimizers:
We recommend spending time outside. Just a few minutes several times throughout the day can be beneficial. See the sunrise and sunset. Daily movement: walking, playing, strength training, yard work, housework, fitness classes. You pick, just move. Eat real food. Really, we mean it. Eat your fruits, vegetables and protein. Get a good night’s sleep. EVERY NIGHT. Spend time away from your computers and phones. When you must work on screens, take a break for 10-20 minutes every 2 hours. Avoid screens whenever possible after sunset and turn off your Wi-Fi at night.
If none of the above are part of your current lifestyle, choose just one action item from the list above and invest the time to implement just one new healthy habit. Developing healthy habits takes time and patience but will be worth the investment.
Regular Supplementation:
Our study on vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of respiratory infections showed that supplementing with vitamin D does decrease the risk of respiratory infections.
We believe that when supplementing with vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin K2 should be included. For more information, please read: Important Nutrients to Make Sure You Are Getting Along with Vitamin D – GrassrootsHealth.
Steps to consider after exposure or if symptoms develop:
If you are exposed to a virus or spend time in a large group, consider a nasal spray or neti-pot and gargle with Listerine or a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. This may help reduce the quantity of virus in the airway. (read, read)
Vitamin C for immune system support. Increase your vitamin C to 1 gram every ½ hour to every 1 hour. Continue until you reach bowel tolerance i.e. you begin having nausea, loose stools or diarrhea. Add up the total dose that you took (4 to 12 pills depending on the individual) then take that dose every 4 to 6 hours (adjust to lower dose if bowel intolerance). Example: if you took 4000 mg in 2 hours before getting loose stool, you can try taking this dose every 4 to 6 hours (1000 mg every 6 hours). There is almost no upper limit as long as you adjust the dose down if you develop stomach symptoms.
Consider making Korsakov dilution:
Basic virus management suggestions: Wash your hands regularly. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Avoid spending time with people when you’re sick, please. Rest. Drink warm fluids, sit under the covers and also, if you’re feeling up to it, spend a few minutes a few times a day in the fresh air. If you develop a fever, allow it to break naturally. Avoid fever-reducing medicines which have been shown through studies to extend duration of illness.
These protocols are for educational purposes only. Discuss how they can apply to you with your doctor.