Reducing Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Our current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is for many simply frightening. While spring is generally seen as a time of renewal and the start of better time, this year is unlike any other. Rather than a season full of hope and happiness, many are experiencing despair and hopelessness as the number of cases rise. Anxiety and stress is heightened as our sense of stability, which was based on everything we once took for granted, including our jobs, health, and safe havens, has diminished.
Pandemic aside, emotional stress alone has a detrimental impact on our health. Being in a constant “fight or flight” mode can impair our immune system and natural defenses, just the opposite of what we want. Feeling that we have no control over the outcome of a situation and constantly thinking about not getting sick can actually make us sick. A better approach to minimize our anxiety and boost our immune system during these uncertain times is to instead focus on what we can control.
“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.”
— Japanese Proverb
Often, the fear of the unknown may cause more anxiety than the problem itself. Without knowledge, we tend to anticipate the worst. Knowledge is power. The more we learn, the easier we can accept a situation and implement preventative measures. While the situation is still uncertain, rather than falling victim to this uncertainty, we do have control over many things including boosting our immune system, taking stress reducing supplements and oils, and changing the way we think.
Boost your Immune System with Anti-viral Supplements and Antioxidants
The stronger your immune system is, the more your body can fight an infection. In addition to adequate sleep, removal of as many toxins from your environment as possible, and a diet full of organic vegetables and fruits (high in antioxidants) and free of additives and pesticides, consider adding one or more of these antiviral and antioxidant supplements. Be cautious taking any supplement more than 8-12 weeks at a time without checking mineral levels to avoid imbalances.
Please note that while several of these supplements have been used to prevent the onset or decrease the length of other viral infections, this list is not intended to advertise products or prevent, treat, or cure the current coronavirus. Rather it is for informative purpose only. Recommendations to prevent or treat this coronavirus should only be made by qualified healthcare professionals and public health authorities.
Vitamin C
A study in China is currently investigating the effects of high-dose IV vitamin C for the treatment of COVID-19.[1] Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is a well-known anti-viral agent, especially to the influenza virus.[2] And a meta-analysis of nine studies shows that vitamin C benefits lung health.[3] Dr. Klinghardt recommends a mix of at least 2000 mgs of vitamin C per day, preferably a mix of liposomal and powder forms. Some people can take up to 10-18 grams per day depending on their Bowel Tolerance level. If you experience loose stools, you have saturated your system and reached your limit. According to the Journal of Medical Virology, in addition to vitamin C, the antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, and alpha-lipoic acid, are possible options considered for the treatment of the coronavirus in China.[4]
Andrographis Paniculate
This medicinal plant is often used for the treatment of colds, the flu, and infectious diseases including upper respiratory infections[5] [6]. It has very potent anti-viral properties and has been shown to stop virus replication and virus-induced damage.[7] A recent study suggests that herbal medicines containing this compound among other components might be meaningful for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.[8]
Propolis
Propolis is a compound produced by bees for use as a sealant for open spaces in their hive. It is found to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties[9] [10] [11] and is an alternative agent that “promises to achieve a more effective immune system when the immune response is not sufficient to control a specific infection or pathological condition”[12] According to Dr. Klinghardt, research has shown that it stimulates anti-viral immunity in mucous membranes and since the current coronavirus appears to replicate in the throat the first five days after symptoms, Propolis should be sprayed into the throat with the first signs of illness (fever, sore throat, etc). He also mentions that this can be alternated with a weak acid hypochlorous (HOCL) solution spray.[13] Propolis can be used as a vaporizer in each room of your home each day as well.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL)
HOCL is made naturally in our white blood cells and is a key component of our internal immune system that works to fight infections and reduce inflammation. The brand Briotech is very safe for humans, and is chemical free and non-toxic. It can be used throughout the day for applications anywhere you have skin. Dr. Klinghardt recommends also spraying HOCL (by Ki Science) directly in the mouth, eyes, and nose. In 2016, the Environmental and Occupational Health Microbiology Lab Department at the University of Washington conducted a study on Briotech that “indicated at least a 99.999% reduction in the infectivity of human coronavirus upon 10 min exposure to BrioHOCL solution.”[14]
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) found in certain plants and foods such as green tea, red wine, and apples. This anti-oxidant contains anti-inflammatory properties and anti-viral properties known to stop viral replication of several respiratory viruses[15][16]
Zinc
Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system. It may efficiently impair the replication of some RNA viruses, including the influenza virus, and has shown to inhibit the replication of SARS-Cov-1.[17]
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver has been mentioned quite often recently but has received much criticism from government agencies so I would like to merely quote statements from research studies for your information. These claims were true at the time they were made.
“Silver composites have excellent antiviral capabilities against several viruses.”[18]
“Metal nanoparticles, especially the ones produced with silver or gold, have proven to exhibit virucidal (deactivates or destroys viruses) activity against a broad-spectrum of viruses…”[19]
“Among metal nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles have strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral potential to boost the host immunity against pathogen attack.”[20]
“Many researchers such as (Dr.) Bob Beck have reported that silver in a colloidal state eliminates virtually all known pathogens, viruses, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and yeasts.[21]
“This study demonstrates that silver nanoparticles have anti H1N1 influenza A virus activities.”[22]
The FDA claimed in 1999 that colloidal silver isn’t safe however according to Results RNA, a company that markets ACS 200 Silver, an FDA protocol acute oral-toxicity (LD 50) study was conducted by Pacific BioLabs in Hercules, CA. Using mega doses of ACS 200®, there were no toxic signs observed.[23]
Monolaurin
Monolaurin is a metabolite that is naturally produced by the body from coconut oil and is also available in pure form as a supplement. It has been used in many products for its anti-viral properties. Apparently, monolaurin destroys viruses by disintegrating the virus envelope and inhibiting the maturation of the virus. The Philippines are currently studying antiviral properties of coconut oil as potential treatment for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)[24] [25] According to the researchers, they urge that clinical studies be conducted among patients who have been infected with nCoV-2019 and mention that “a treatment is affordable and virtually risk-free, and the potential benefits are enormous.”
Melatonin
Melatonin is synthesized mainly in the pineal gland and GI tract. It plays an important role in sleep and circadian cycles, is an antioxidant, and has been found effective in combating viral infections. [26] [27] Melatonin levels are often reduced as we age and according to one study, “melatonin should be evaluated in randomized controlled trials as a preventive agent or as a treatment of viral infections particularly in older individuals where endogenous levels of melatonin have declined.”[28]
Add Stress Reducing Supplements and Oils
In addition to implementing stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, walking, or doing things that you love in general, adding stress-reducing minerals and herbs may help take the edge off as you get through these uncertain times.
Essential Oils
Aromatherapy has been used historically to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. They work by stimulating an area in the brain called the limbic system that controls emotions. Apply to temples and wrists, use as massage oils or in calming baths, sprinkle on pillows and sheets, and dispense into the air with aromatherapy diffusers. You can also put on a cotton ball, handkerchief, or face mask and inhale directly. Lavender, rose, bergamot, and ylang ylang are commonly used to reduce anxiety and stress, with lavender being the most popular. Oils including eucalyptus, rosemary, frankincense, and thyme can also be added to ease symptoms of a cough or ease breathing.
Kava Kava
Kava Kava (which means “intoxicating pepper”) is an herbal remedy made from the roots of a plant found in the Pacific Ocean. The use of Kava as a treatment of stress and anxiety, including General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), has been extensively reviewed in the biomedical and alternative medical literature. It compares favorably to benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam) and other prescription anti-anxiety medications.[1] It may also relieve pain, relax muscles, and help with sleep. Although this is generally well-tolerated above therapeutic doses, avoid taking this with anti-anxiety, antidepressant, other prescription medications, and alcohol. Use should be limited to three months.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural nervous system and muscle relaxer. Since most of our tension is stored in muscles, taking this tends to have a calming and relaxing effect. The majority of us are deficient in this mineral, since both acute and extended periods of stress is correlated with a loss. Symptoms of a deficiency include anxiety, muscle twitches and cramps, and restless legs. Magnesium glycinate, malate, and threonate are good forms.
Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda is an evergreen shrub that grows in India and the Middle East and considered one of the most important herbs in the Ayurvedic medicine system for over 3,000 years. It is an adaptogen, which is a natural substance that supports the adrenals and helps balance the body’s reactions to stress. It is known to boost mood, decrease anxiety, help with insomnia, decrease inflammation, and may also work as a pain reliever for certain conditions.
Rhodiola
This herb has been used throughout history in Sweden and Iceland dating back to 1725 when the Vikings used it to enhance mental and physical endurance. It was included in the first Swedish Pharmacopeia. Like ashwahanda, rhodiola is also an adaptogen that supports the function of the adrenal glands and encourages a healthy response to stress. It is known to significantly reduce anxiety, fatigue, and “burn out” from emotional stress, and may also provide immune support.
GABA
GABA is the body’s most important inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it slows the activity of neural cells in the brain and central nervous system, essentially moving the brain and the body into lower gear. This may help reduce mental and physical stress and lower anxiety. It may also help the mind to relax and fall asleep, and sleep soundly throughout the night. Low GABA levels may cause anxiety, chronic stress, substance use disorders, and sleep problems.
Relaxing Teas
Herbal teas, especially valerian, passionflower, and chamomile may help to reduce anxiety and stress in a couple of ways. Just the simple action of preparing and drinking a warm cup of tea is comforting and a form of relaxation, but the herbs themselves may soothe and calm the nervous system. Green tea may also help with stress as this contains L-theanine, an amino acid known to improve sleep, relaxation, and significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Change How You Think
“I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes on inside.” -Wayne Dyer
What we say, think, and feel has a profound effect on our health and quality of life. Just like the placebo effect, where a belief that something positive will happen demonstrates positive outcomes, a nocebo effect is when negative expectations cause a more negative effect than it otherwise would have. Both a placebo and a nocebo effect can result in considerable changes in the body. Negative emotions trigger the brain to activate the fight-or-flight-response and flood our bodies with harmful stress hormones. This action inhibits self-repair mechanisms, which may ultimately impair our immune system lending a true meaning to the statement, “You’ll worry yourself sick”.
Many understandably can’t help but worry and feel anxious as we isolate ourselves and struggle to stay healthy while listening to daily reports of increasing mortalities worldwide and in the US due to the coronavirus, and fearing the loss of our jobs. Acknowledging this fear while pausing to practice deep breathing and gratitude may help to refocus our thoughts on what is occurring with us right now in this present moment rather on something that may or may not happen.
Practice Deep Breathing
When we are stressed, we often hear the statement, “Take a deep breath”. Not only does this force us to slow down but deep, mindful breathing is a technique that brings awareness away from destructive thoughts and quiets our mind. Rather than thinking fearful thoughts, our focus is on our breath.
Deep breathing also activates our body’s natural relaxation response. Normally, when we perceive danger, our sympathetic nervous system initiates rapid shallow breaths along with a release of stress hormones to increase the energy needed to fight or flee a situation. This then creates a ripple effect of detrimental physiological changes throughout the body. If the stress response does not subside, initial symptoms such as increased blood sugar, blood pressure, and muscle tension may ultimately lead to problems such as inflammation, insulin resistance, digestive disorders, and immune impairments. Deep breathing stops this stress response and ripple effect from occurring by sending a message to the brain telling it to calm down and relax, essentially “tricking” the body into thinking everything is fine.
Deep breathing may also help improve respiratory function and lung capacity by engaging the diaphragm to do most of the heavy lifting as we breathe, and helping improve the rate at which our lungs fill and empty air.
Inhale deeply and slowly through your nose into your abdomen. As you do this, you should feel your stomach rise and your chest only move a bit. Exhale through your mouth while keeping your lips, tongue, and jaw relaxed and focus on the sound and feeling of long, slow, deep breaths. This should take two to three times as long as inhaling. If needed, purse your lips while exhaling to help open airways and increase airflow.
Humming while exhaling greatly increases the release of nitric oxide (NO), a gas produced in every tissue and organ of the body, in the nasal passages and sinuses.[1] NO has many functions including defending us against bacterial and viral infections[2], relaxing airways and increasing blood flow through the lungs, and reducing inflammation.
Focus on Positive Thoughts
Instead of focusing on negative news, elevate your emotions and energy with positive thoughts. Quantum physics prove that all things and beings are pure energy, that our thoughts are vibrations of energy, and that these vibrations, whether from higher positive thoughts or lower negative thoughts, attract other vibrations of equal frequencies and eventually manifest into physical reality.
Feeling grateful is a powerful emotion and one of the highest energy frequencies there is. The more grateful we are, the more happiness and blessings we tend to experience. One way to elicit this feeling during uncertain times is to keep a gratitude journal to remind us of the things we take for granted including electricity and plumbing, clean water, a bed with clean sheets, a pantry full of food, the internet and the ability to work at home or communicate with family and friends, time to relax, and the ability to enjoy a walk or run outside on a sunny day.
“Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”
-Benjamin Franklin
References
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659258/
2 https://www.clinicaleducation.org/resources/abstracts/vitamin-c-shows-direct-benefit-in-lung-function/
3 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.25707
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15095142
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5544222/
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27896563
7 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383520302999
8 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321947294_Antimicrobial_and_antiviral_properties_of_different_types_of_propolis
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18610553
10 https://crimsonpublishers.com/acam/fulltext/ACAM.000590.php
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335834/
12 https://klinghardtinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Dr-Klinghardt-Corona-2020-UK-19th-March-2020.pdf
13 https://www.ink.ag/media/pdf/22/41/d8/Corona-2020-PDF.pdf
14 https://www.longdom.org/open-access/quercetin-a-promising-treatment-for-the-common-cold-2329-8731.1000111.pdf
15 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764515002230
16 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/47794995_Zn_Inhibits_Coronavirus_and_Arterivirus_RNA_Polymerase_Activity_In_Vitro_and_Zinc_Ionophores_Block_the_Replication_of_These_Viruses_in_Cell_Culture
17 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3993170/
18 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6264685/
19 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24754250
20 http://execonn.com/research/research.html
21 http://www.doc88.com/p-70781503989.html
22 http://www.resultsrna.com/pdf/acs_200.pdf
23 https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2020/03/11/Coconut-and-COVID-19-Philippines-studying-antiviral-properties-of-coconut-oil-as-potential-treatment?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright
24 https://www.icp.org.ph/2020/01/the-potential-of-coconut-oil-and-its-derivatives-as-effective-and-safe-antiviral-agents-against-the-novel-coronavirus-ncov-2019/
25 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22264213
26 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3850896/
27 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/rmv.1714
28 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/integrative-mental-health-care/201703/kava-is-effective-and-safe-treatment-anxiety
29 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7585069/
30 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106932
31 https://www.webmd.com/lung/how-long-covid-19-lives-on-surfaces