I hope all are well and are continuing to stay healthy, wear masks, social distance and getting your vaccines! Here are a few ideas to keep you healthy through the continuing pandemic.
Studies have shown that 3 basic vitamins help you from contracting COVID or at least minimize the symptoms of COVID.
Vitamin D- Vitamin D may bind to the protein spike of COVID making the spike less able to infect the cells. Foods rich in Vitamin D include eggs, fortified milk and orange juice, beef liver, mushrooms, yogurt, and fish.
Vitamin A- Vitamin A can similarly bind the COVID spike protein making it less likely to infect a person exposed to the virus. Foods rich in Vitamin A include beef liver, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, and carrots.
Vitamin K – Vitamin K can similarly prevent the virus from infecting cells. Foods rich in Vitamin K include soybeans, leafy greens, pumpkin, pine nuts, and blueberries.
Lastly if you are statins, the use of cholesterol lowering statins reduces your risk of developing COVID and shortens the recovery time in less severe cases.
Mask Mouth
Mask mouth is now a common oral side effect from trying to prevent the spread of COVIS. Mask mouth is caused by having disrupted breathing patterns such as shallow more frequent breathing, dehydration from this rapid breathing and drinking less water, and the recycled air which traps more carbon dioxide in your mouth.
Symptoms of mask mouth include dry mouth, bad breath, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and swollen tissues.
Prevention incudes improved home care, proper and more frequent brushing, the use of a dental recommended mouth rinses, staying hydrated, and using a clean mask. Masks should be washed regularly, or disposable masks replaced often.
Benefits of COVID?
This sounds like an oxymoron but there are some benefits to the COVID pandemic. You will be able to have more time for yourself and for self-care. This includes a better diet by cooking and eating better, exercising, spending more time with loved ones, being more creative, and most importantly spending time with your pets!
Wishing you a healthy 2021!