Let’s face it, it’s been several long, isolated months. The kids are stuck inside whining, I’m bored, spouse is irritable, impatient, money is tight, you’re depressed and food provides comfort. “It’s cold outside, so let’s bake cookies!!!”
I’m not an alarmist, but please limit sugar during this time. Sugar, although comforting and fine in small doses – making a person feel good, also lowers one’s immune system. If you’d like to bake cookies, then use less sugar and create those which have some nutrients in them like oatmeal raisin, gingerbread or even dark chocolate chunk.
During the days of Covid-19 a person needs the most powerful immune system he/she can build! So start building up now if you haven’t so far. Select lots of fruits, vegetables, good quality yogurt – you know the drill, common sense nutrients.
I started taking my personal favorite elixir weeks ago. It consists of crushed garlic, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, a teaspoon of lemon and chug it down. Sometimes I’ll add a touch of hot sauce or a bit of honey for variety. It has kept me away from contracting the disease so far. (Garlic killed the Black Plague it can help us here too.)
I had to self-isolate for two weeks when I was notified I was physically touched by someone who developed the disease. Was I worried? No. Except I was hurt because other people were so scared of me, they avoided me like the plague, (literally!)
First, I have a strong immune system. I knew even if did come upon me, I would most likely have lesser symptoms and if not, then Philippians 1:21 applied, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” God controls my destiny and I trust Him in all circumstances, even Corona Virus.
Getting back to sugar: it also ages and causes inflammation. By lowering your sugar intake, I promise you will look younger (which will improve your mood!) Sugar creates harmful advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). When I drastically lowered my sugar intake, I saw fewer wrinkles. When one sees results, it’s an incentive to keep it up.
A new study which declared sugar doesn’t make children hyper, obviously never had children in the home! Too much sugar changes brain chemistry.
Exercise! If you are prevented from walking outside then exercise inside. Lift weights. No weights? Then lift laundry detergent containers, water bottles or canned goods. There’s also stretch bands and isometric exercises like planking which one can do inside. If your dog needs walking and you can do that outside a six foot isolation, then walk, don’t stroll. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Exercise produces endorphins which will keep your attitude upbeat.
Speaking of attitude. A positive one will definitely improve your chances of fending off this disease. Stress lowers one’s immune system.
Heart disease. if you’re not exercising, walking or exercising at home, your heart’s not working much either. Stop sitting around all day, We should have the cleanest, most organized houses in our lifetime!
I hope this is a wake up call to caution our country that NOW is the time to become healthier, exercise and eat right. Let’s face it – we have the highest obesity rate we’ve ever had in this country! We are treating the symptoms of debilitating illnesses when we should always be focused on our original problem: unhealthy living. It seemed good at the time, is a silly excuse.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7)