RESIST COVID AND OTHER INFECTIONS BY STRENGTHENING THE ENTRY POINTS

COVID-19 and other respiratory infections gain access to the body via the mucosal membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes. These tissues are the body’s first line of defense against infectious diseases. It takes work to maintain their integrity and to strengthen them.

Blocking the virus’s access is why we cover these holes in our heads with masks. If the little buggers can’t make it to the mucosal membranes, they can’t get in and wreak their havoc.

Unfortunately, though somewhat effective for prevention, masks are nowhere near foolproof at keeping the virus away from the mucosa. I have compiled below a bunch of tasks that will make the mouth and sinuses healthier, thus increasing their resistance to microbial and viral invaders.

Comorbid conditions weaken these barriers, facilitating penetration by infections. Some of the damaging culprits are heart conditions, lung problems, autoimmune disease, diabetes, recent surgery, liver malfunction, and kidney impairment. There are many others.

Many of the following suggestions have been discussed in greater detail in previous blogs that I have written. Visit my blog site at www.soulbodydrz.com to learn more

Strengthen your gums. Floss gently and daily. Do not brush harshly or with pressure. Use a soft toothbrush.

Saline nose spray, used 2-3 times a day, helps to maintain the thickness and function of nasal and sinus mucosal tissue. Though this treatment is usually taken to fight an upper respiratory infection, it is also an effective preventive. Frequent topical application of saline on respiratory mucous membranes will help guard against COVID-19 infection.

Gargling salt water every day promotes the same benefit in the throat. This action provides the same protection and by the same mechanism as using saline nose spray. 

Hydrate. Most people do not drink enough fluids. Assume that is you. If you feel dry or thirsty, then for sure you need higher fluid intake. Adequate hydration results in 4-6 urinations a day. If  your doctor says you have a condition necessitating fluid restriction, this advice is not applicable to you.

Take probiotics daily. The most important probiotics are Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Bifidus, and Saccharomyces Boulardii. Take the dose recommended on the package. Many people notice improvement with higher doses. As long as it does not bother you, you can increase the amount of this important substance. 

Rinse your mouth with 2% hydrogen peroxide every day. This reduces the quantity of pathogens.

Treat oral sores, gum and tooth disease. You may need the help of a dentist for this. 

Mucosal cells age as they become depleted of micronutrients. Prevent and treat these deficiencies by taking a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement daily. I recommend a six-a-day supplement. Do not take 6 of a one-a-day supplement. A prenatal supplement contains some of the widest variety of nutrients needed to sustain cellular health. Just not the quantities I think are necessary. It’s still better than many one-a-day supplements. 

Inflammation of any cause or degree makes the affected tissues more susceptible to infectious invasion. Treating the cause of this problem is the primary objective. Discuss this with your doctor if you are having any symptoms of the respiratory tract. Inflammation can be present without any  of the medical warning signs or findings. Several supplements are worth taking regularly to fight off this subclinical problem.

Certain supplements reduce inflammation. Enzymes are a prime example. Bromelain, papain, amylase, lipase, and protease are the most common in this category. Theoretically, there is no limit to the dose that may be taken. Generally, follow the suggestions on the bottle. If you get an upset stomach, you are taking too much. Vitamin D, about 5,000 IU a day, has anti-inflammatory properties. Omega 3 fatty acids, as found in fish oil from ocean fish, also reduces inflammatory activity.

Do not rub your eyes; if they itch, frequently drip sterile saline hydrating eyes drops; and apply moist hot compresses. Cut onions to induce tear formation for cleansing.

If you develop an eye or respiratory infection, see your doctor for appropriate therapy.

When you shower, spray very warm water on your eyes. The heat is healing and it induces tearing, which cleans the eyes.

If you have chest congestion, perform postural drainage (look it up). If you have a tendency to get congestion in your chest, or if it is a chronic problem, you should learn this technique from a respiratory therapist and do it 3-4 times a day whether the condition is active or not.

Perform deep breathing exercises several times a day. Singing loud, aerobic exercise, and using an incentive spirometer are examples of how this can be accomplished.

Aerobic exercise, by getting your heart beating faster, increases blood flow everywhere and protects mucosal and other tissues.

Humidify your bedroom. Dry air injures the mucosa. 

Make your bedroom dust free. Remove dust collectors where dust mites colonize. These critters can cause reactions even in people who are not allergic. Reactions can induce low-grade inflammation in your respiratory mucosal membranes, making them more permeable to viral particles. Take all the junk lying around in your bedroom, place these things in the garbage, in the closet, in drawers, in plastic sealed containers, or in other rooms.

Consider having an air purifier in the bedroom.

Test for mold in the walls and ceilings. The presence of these organisms in your home weakens your immune system. 

Do not smoke or vape. Stay away from smoke from any source.

Wear a mask. Preferably wear 2 masks. Wear it indoors when not at home. Wear it outdoors if you are in a crowd.

It takes a lot of time and effort to be healthy. Isn’t that exciting? I think so. From your friendly neighborhood health nut.