Coronavirus and Lupus – Should I Be Worried?
Disclaimer
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles here are written by a Functional Medicine Holistic Nutritionist. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Coronavirus and Lupus – Should I Be Worried?
- Vitamin C is the most effective treatment for coronavirus and in preventing it. China is using this as a treatment currently. Plus, no insane side effects to worry about when it comes to nutrients as treatment. Whereas a rushed vaccine or prescription will have side effects that we just can’t trust. The testing isn’t there. Vitamin C has been effective for decades in treating viruses and there are no serious side effects. Our immune system was designed to recognize and use nutrients to heal.
- Taking extra precautions that are functional medicine based is key to staying healthy and preventing sickness. Supporting your immune system (not boosting) is key for us lupus fighters. There is a fine line between both. New FM patients start low and slow. Plus, wash your produce using hydrogen peroxide for thorough cleaning. Lastly, did you know 95% of people don’t wash their hands properly? Wash them correctly and save lives!
- Flu shot education is important. We always hear one-sided narratives. But, to make a personal and educated decision you should know both sides. The flu shot isn’t that effective as compared to a nutrient-dense diet and supplementation of vitamin C. It’s also not as safe, but there is a chance it can help. The question you should ask yourself, is it worth the risk versus no risk through functional medicine as a primary treatment?
As of today 3/5/2020, there is mass hysteria surrounding coronavirus. Mainstream media is pushing out cases of possible coronavirus in my area just to feed into it. Turns out, it was negative. That is part of the problem.
Every legit source that is level-headed and not in it for views or trending articles speaks the truth. People should NOT worry that much unless you’re old and have compromised immune systems.
What about those who are younger and have autoimmune issues like lupus? WHAT DO WE DOOOOO!
I don’t think we should be feeding into the hysteria that the news loves to stir.
However, it’s important to be proactive.
That is exactly what functional medicine is all about.
When you use functional medicine correctly, it always works in healing underlying issues and preventing them!
In fact, I’m so not scared about this at all that I’m traveling across the world in a week to South America.
I’ll share my travel tips too, I’m sure you’re curious about how I plan to navigate 10 chronic conditions for 20+ hours in an airport and plane full of nasty germs.
I’m going to tell you my best tips that were inspired by various functional medicine practitioners and my very own experience so far.
Plus, share exactly what is suggested by doctors and researchers to prevent it and treat it.
I’m also going to tell you more about the flu shot so that you can make an educated decision for your health. Don’t get your panties in a bunch yet if you’re a flu shot supporter. How is the flu shot connected to the coronavirus? Well, there are premature suggestions to get it.
I’m just giving you facts on both sides of the campaign, not just the side that fits my narrative (which is obviously the best side though).
Before I get into the facts on coronavirus (at the time this was published), it’s important to understand your immune system.
Immune System Support
Our immune system is made up of an ecosystem of billions of different bacteria. When it’s in homeostasis it cannot get sick. It’s in perfect harmony.
The amazing thing about the immune system is that it’s constantly adapting and learning so that the body can fight against bacteria or viruses that change over time.
There are two parts of the immune system — our innate immune system works as a general defense against pathogens and our adaptive immune system targets very specific pathogens that the body has already had contact with.
These two immune systems complement each other in any reaction to a pathogen or harmful substance.
Your cells are made up of nutrients and require nutrients in order to function.
That’s why all processed food is fortified(synthetic vitamins are added) and that doesn’t make it okay to eat.
In fact, that is exactly what is keeping you sick. It’s all fake. Sugar and addictive chemicals are added so that you come back for more.
Sugar is what feeds bacteria and cancer. If you remove sugar, you remove the disease. It’s that simple. I’m living proof 🙂
Even more exciting news is that when you give your body whole foods it actually nourishes your body with nutrients that your body is made up of.
That means that your body can process it fully and use every nutrient needed so that it can work optimally in preventing any kind of illness. The struggle is that we live in a world that focuses on convenience and feeling good at the moment rather than doing what right so we feel good in the long run.
The best way to get those nutrients in is juicing or smoothies if you don’t like cooking or eating a variety of veggies every meal.
During the cold/flu season or any other time like coronavirus, it’s important to add supplements to your routine and/or if you’re not being diligent on a whole food plant-based diet.
Now if you’re a newbie, don’t take too much to the point that you’ll boost your immune system or you may feel lupus flare-up symptoms. What you want to do is take the generally recommended dose or even less. This will support your immune system.
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1. Vitamin C has shown the ability to fight cancer cells, heal immune cells, and to nourish them too. Those who treat coronavirus with vitamin C are healing faster, safer, AND it’s shown to prevent it.
- Support (don’t need to boost) your immune system with non-acidic vitamin C.
- I take 6,000mg a day (2 pills, 3x/day). This was before the research came out saying China is using it to treat and prevent it. It’s further confirmation on I know what I’m doing ;). For therapeutic benefits, it’s suggested to take as much as your stomach can tolerate.
- It’s always best to get it from food. Juicing is the easiest way. If that’s not up your alley, I would start with 500mg/day or every other day if you’re new to functional medicine. Slowly increase after a week to see how you respond.
- I will be upping my dose to 10,000mg 3 days before I travel and 4 days after. Then, back down to 6,000 mg a day.
- In massive doses, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) stops a cold and flu within hours, stops bronchitis in a day, and stops viral pneumonia (pain, fever, cough and the lot) in two days.
- It is a highly effective antihistamine, antiviral and antibiotic. It is an antitoxin and it reduces inflammation and lowers fever. Your doctor may not believe this, but it is not a matter of belief. It is a matter of experience. Once you see it happen repeatedly, you know it to be true.
2. Take your vitamin 50,000iu 2x/week D3 until your bloodwork reflects levels around 60-90 ul.
Then lower to weekly, then bi-weekly for maintenance.
Generally, your immune system isn’t supported enough until those levels are achieved.
How is vitamin D3 tied to the immune system?
Vitamin D3 boosts immunity and cuts rates of cold and flu in those with low levels which is the majority of lupus warriors.
It also has the power to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses.
Scientific review confirms vitamin D optimization boosts immunity and cuts rates of cold and flu. Among people vitamin D blood levels below 10 ng/mL, taking a supplement cut risk of respiratory infection by 50 percent.
There is a strong correlation that the lack of sun and low levels of crucial nutrients like vitamin D are why there is a “cold and flu” season.
If there were more independent studies on this and not studies that are paid for by vaccine companies or those who have financial ties to vaccine profits, we wouldn’t hear about vaccines and it’s “effectiveness”.
3. Zinc tablets – Don’t take anything that has added ingredients this could boost your immune system too much. Plain old zinc only is best.
The key is to start taking this with any signs of a cold or flu (sniffles, feeling down, etc). It’s not something to take every single day.
Coronavirus Facts
The coronavirus is actually more prevalent than said but because the majority of cases are mild, it’s not being reported.
Here is a clinical trial out that is promising in showing that vitamin C is effective in treating coronavirus.
Now, here is another article on how China is using Vitamin C IV therapy to treat and prevent coronavirus!
Washing Produce
Can you imagine how many people DON’T wash their hands? Here’s a not so fun fact… “The CDC says that only 31 percent of men and 65 percent of women wash their hands after using the bathroom”.
What’s even more disturbing is that 95% of people don’t wash their hands properly.
That means the bad germs from their bathroom break, picking their nose, or changing diapers and not washing hands are all over that doorknob, the shopping cart, your fresh fruit, your processed boxes, and your money. (cue vomiting right now)
Here’s how to wash your fruits and veggies.
To be honest, this is something you should always be doing to remove any bacteria or parasites and the chemicals from pesticides.
- Get hydrogen peroxide – 35% food-grade diluted down to 3% at 11:1 ratio. Store-bought has additives so avoid it.
- Soak in a bowl for 45 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Pat dry
- Store in a cool and clean drawer in your fridge
Proper Hygiene
I’m going to break down how to wash your hands and how to escape the germ bath, I mean bathroom without getting those nasty critters all over you.
The most important thing you can do is scrub your hands. The friction with the soap is what kills the bacteria.
That’s why doctors scrub their hands and arms for like ever before doing surgery.
Proper hand-washing:
- Get some delicious smelling non-toxic soap ( you know I have to throw that in there)
- Scrub between your fingers, under your fingernails, hands, and wrists for at least 1 happy birthday song.
- Wash under warm water.
- Grab a paper towel dry off completely (don’t you walk out with wet hands, that’s even worse)
- Use that paper towel to open the door because we all know that everyone will still not wash their hands or properly.
- Use organic coconut oil as a moisturizer. It’s a natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal 🙂
- I use this as an after-shower moisturizer too. It’s the best because one jar lasts me a year!
When you sneeze or cough:
I want you to picture your mom or grandma yelling at you every time you forget to USE YOUR ELBOW for cover. That will help you remember. Hopefully.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Don’t touch your food unless your hands are washed.
- Don’t share items with other people (glasses, tables, dishes, toothpaste, petting your pets, etc)
- Clean high touch areas (countertops, doorknobs, etc) regularly with household cleaners and wipes
Flu Shot for Lupus
The flu shot is being pushed so much for many reasons. One because conventional medicine believes its the one way to protect yourself. But, functional medicine has proved over and over again that there are better, safer options for literally every chronic condition and sickness like the cold and flu.
If that’s you, keep reading and you’ll learn something new!
It really bothers me that people who force this issue down our throats don’t give you all of the stats on this so that you can make a proper educated decision.
We’re just told to follow doctors’ orders. However, if you haven’t noticed we’re not getting any better when we follow their orders.
Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so worried, you would be in remission, you would not worry about losing your job (if you’re one of the lucky ones still working), and you wouldn’t ask for better medications.
Also, you wouldn’t be on 10+ medications a day if it all worked in preventing lupus. Right now our meds work by managing symptoms only and then they cause other symptoms that are debilitating. So, is it actually working in giving you a higher quality of life? No. Functional medicine does though. Those who do it properly and seek professional advice always get better when they work together and do the work.
I also am disgusted that most doctors won’t even let the public talk about this subject because they don’t like any pushback or not feeling in control and that is counter-productive in patients or the public’s best interest.
Everyone that is saying to get the flu shot here is their argument:
- If you get the flu shot it will protect you against the flu. So, if you get coronavirus with lupus and the flu it could really be detrimental.
- Rebuttal: The flu shot increases your risk for upper respiratory infections, making your immune system actually weaker and thus you’ll have a coincidence of getting the flu or pneumonia within a few weeks of getting your shot.
- The flu shot is effective. So, is the FluMist.
- Rebuttal: Yes, 19% effective against 1 strain that is guessed each year. Why count on a guess when you can have higher rates of success with no side effects through immune system support?
- The FluMist is not effective. Read this.
- The flu shot doesn’t cause the flu because it’s inactive, if you get it it was a coincidence and you must have already had it in the making.
- Rebuttal: Yes, the shot is inactive. The mist is not, it sheds. Also, studies show that it increases the risk of contracting upper respiratory infections. Which means it’s weakening your immune system even more.
- Tamiflu helps reduce flu and symptoms.
- Rebuttal: Studies show it MAY reduce symptoms by one day. The flu is a virus so nothing actually helps except vitamin C and properly made elderberry syrup (it’s an antiviral naturally). Here is another study.
- It is a category C for pregnancy. It also can cause unusual behavior, confusion, agitation, self-injury, and harmful hallucinations.
- Whistleblower lawsuit about the drugmaker making false claims and misrepresenting studies.
- Herd immunity needs to be at least 95%. It works for wild viruses, not lab-altered.
- You do know that none of our grandparents or parents are vaccinated against almost everything Millenials and Generation Z are, right? Vaccines only last up to 10 years (depending on which we’re talking about).
Everyone that is saying not to get the flu shot here is their facts:
- The flu shot becomes LESS effective each year in a row you get it.
- You’re more likely to get the flu after having flu shots for 3 or more consecutive years.
- The flu shot is only 19% effective at this time.
- The flu shot has side effects that aren’t worth the risk especially since there are…
- There are safer alternatives to prevent it and to help get you through it.
If you’d like an alternative solution that is safer with no side effects, refer to the first section, Immune System Support.
It all comes down to a lack of adequate levels of specific nutrients in the body.
Traveling with Lupus
How worried am I about getting coronavirus? Well, now that you know that stats from earlier in this lupus and coronavirus article I’m like 10% worried that I’ll get it. I’m not worried that I’ll die though. Okay, like 2% for that.
It’s just not realistic that I would not recover or even have a bad case of it or ever get it at all because I’m taking a proactive approach that has a higher rate of success in terms of immune support and function. However, you know your body best and your current treatment plan may be different than mine. So research thoroughly and make a decision that you feel comfortable with.
I just want to preface that I know I’m usually against strong chemical cleaners due to the toxicity but because I’m traveling and can’t bring any of my natural stuff, yes I’m bringing Clorox wipes. You’ve read that right. I went against my own rule because it’s the best I can do and it’s not something I do often or ever really.
- Clorox travel wipes (specifically this brand) – Wipe down my seat, seat buckle, TV, window, and everything I will touch. You bet your butt I’ll be wiping down that bathroom before I go 50 times.
- Wearing a surgical facemask with peppermint oil – Please don’t fall for those cheap and useless ones sold everywhere. You need an N95 or N99. Peppermint oil is an antibacterial so I will be damping a small tissue of it and putting it in my mask to breathe it in. I’m going to try to bring the oil on the plan since it’s small enough, but we shall see.
- Packing my own food – Not only is this way cheaper, but it’s also healthier. Most importantly, I know who has handled my food… me! Also, I booked a red-eye flight so that I don’t have to bring too much food with me. I really only need one meal and a snack.
- Nutzo chocolate nut butter, Rhythm kale chips (these taste better than regular chips), Hu chocolate bars (Didn’t know it was possible to even have clean chocolate bar this incredible), almonds, pumpkin seeds, and Truvani protein powder.
I hope you’ve found this helpful in your journey to figure out what is best for you and your treatment.