So, a few weeks I got the spicy cough.
I was fortunate enough to not have any major symptoms other than a slight sore back (which I thought was from a gym work out days before) and fatigue, which didn’t kick in for quite a few days.
Could it be luck?
Maybe.
But it also could be the many ways I support my body in my daily life and during this time.
So, if you’re ready to join me in a non-judgemental space, are interested in hearing my experience and are looking to see what may help you if/when you get COVID then you are in the right place.
Disclaimer…
Let’s start off with a disclaimer…
So far, I have remained pretty quiet on my socials regarding the whole COVID thing as seeing the divide it has caused the community was enough for me to know, it’s not worth starting any debates or discussions on the jabs or the virus itself.
I’m here to help as many people as I can with their health, in a no judgement space. But I will share my experience, what I did, how I felt and how I healed in the hope it helps others if they become unwell too.
How did I support my body?
1.Boost the Body with Supplements
Did you know that your body needs extra support when it is fighting off sickness?
That’s why, it is so important to support your body with supplements once you’re hit with the spicy cough.
Some supplements I recommend are:
- NAC
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Quercitin
- Echinacea
- Garlic
Remember that supplements are highly individual. If you feel like you need some additional help for personalised supplement support, be sure to book a Nutrition Consultation so that I can create a plan for you (and your family!).
2. Fuel with extra food.
Whether you are feeling more or less hungry than usual, it is integral to fuel your body with nourishing foods so that you can support it to heal.
Your immune system thrives off a variety of nutrients and energy to be as strong as possible. Ensure you are eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and legumes to give your body the best ability to heal as it can.
Through supporting your body in a healthy well-rounded diet not only during sickness, but in health, then you are boosting your immunity to thrive for the long-term and gives it the best chance to fight off sickness.
In saying this, let yourself LIVE and don’t be too strict. As it was coming up to easter whilst our family was in isolation, we had a lot of chocolate.
Did I feel guilty? Absolutely not!
Whilst I wouldn’t recommend sugar to support the immune system to fight the bugs, it may keep you sane. Remember, it’s all about balance.
3. Drink up!
The fact is, if we do not have enough hydration in our body then we cannot transport the correct nutrients and detoxify our organs properly.
This is such a simple tip but also such an integral one! Staying hydrated is important always, but more than ever when you are feeling under the weather and need to support your immune system that extra bit.
If you are struggling to drink more water, then I would highly recommend keeping a good water bottle with you at all times to remind you to drink up!
4. Rest rest rest.
Sleep and our immune system have a bidirectional relationship. Just like we may struggle to have a good night’s sleep when we are sick, consistent sleep strengthens the immune system.
It makes sense – getting the right amount of sleep gives our body the energy to have a well-balanced immune defence system which can help fight of the flu, illness, create a more efficient response to vaccines and lessen allergic reactions.
On the other hand, a lack of sleep has been correlated with multiple long-term health problems in addition to a weakened immune system. Specifically, it has been found that the risk of infections is higher in those who sleep less than 6 or 7 hours per night.
Not only this, I think a lot of us get on the bandwagon of constantly having to be productive and working, even when we are sick. It is so important to give your body and mind some actual rest, you may not realise how much you need it.
Personally, after realising that it was going to be a long week had I not accepted the fact I couldn’t leave my room, I allowed myself some time to sleep. After a few days and being symptom free, I felt like I needed to be productive again. Instead of going with that urge to be productive, I allowed myself to fully rest – something that I often don’t let myself do.
What did I learn?
Okay, now for a little of my personal discoveries (and an insight to my mind and life). What did I learn throughout my experience with the spicy cough…
- I find it really hard to sit still… Isolating in my room from the rest of the family for 7 days was tough! My room is a place to change and sleep, that’s it. I’m not someone who hangs out in there reading or watching Netflix – ever. The only thing keeping me sane was my fitball and foam roller delivered to my door to keep me moving.
- Netflix bingeing is reaaaal! Hello Bridgerton I’m looking at you! I rarely watch tv and when people go on and on about a Netflix series, I usually nod and smile. But I now realise how “just one more episode” ends up being said over and over.
- My immune system has my back. While often times people make fun of the food I eat (“rabbit food, that’s too healthy, do you ever eat junk”, etc) and how I prioritise my health, I’m certain that looking after myself all these years set the perfect foundation for fighting this thing!
- I should probably schedule regular “weeks off” like every couple of months to recalibrate and rest, and appreciate the time spent relaxing without having to check emails, contact clients etc. It was rejuvenating!
- A positive mindset is a must! The reality was when I saw those two red lines pop up, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I quickly turned my initial reaction of ‘here we go’ to ‘I got this’, and kept that in my thoughts.
Steps to Recovery
1.Take it easy baby
Whilst it was very tempting to get right back into the swing of normal life, I knew I had to give my body a break.
Particularly for exercise, I wanted to ensure that I felt right energy wise before starting to go to the gym again.
Personally, I left it 10 days prior to getting back into my normal gym routine which was long time for me…
So, when is the best time for you personally? Whenever, YOU are feeling your best self again. It is going to be different for every person, so try not to compare your journey.
2. Replenish your body
Once out of iso, I had an IV infusion at The Wellness Collective to help detoxify and provide extra support to my immune system after it had worked so hard.
An IV drip delivers essential nutrients and fluids directly into your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive tract. As there is no wait time, the nutrition is instantly available to remedy your body’s health and wellness needs.
It certainly helped my body get rid of the fatigue I experienced and lifted a little brain fog that I didn’t really know I had until I didn’t. It helped me feel a lot more clear and alive.
3. Continuing to support your body and immune system
After periods of sickness, you often realise the importance of your health.
Take this time to reflect on areas that you can improve on in your health.
Do you need to drink more water? Eat more nutritious food? Do more exercise?
This can be such an amazing time to prioritise your health so that your immunity is stronger than ever!
So, what now?
Know this, no ones experience of COVID are the same.
Some may not have the choice or option to isolated from rest of the family as they have little ones to care for, no other support at home, or need further medical attention.
Everyone is different. But do your best to support your body to heal, with what ever you have.
If you are currently sick with Rona and need acute treatment, book in for a Telehealth consult and we can chat online, and I can have supplies delivered to your door.
If you haven’t and want some help with supporting your immune system, feel free to contact me for personalised help or book an Initial Nutrition Consultation so that we can best support your immune system for life.
If you’re recovering and out of iso, but want to look at an IV infusion, send me an email ([email protected]) or check out The Wellness Collective for more info on the infusions on offer.