MOST VALUABLE HABITS TO Prevent Viruses OR BEAT THEM IF YOU GET INFECTED


The COVID-19 virus has infected over 130 million people and killed ~3 million in 2020-21. In some places the danger has gone way down, in others it is still very serious. But are there effective ways to prevent/beat them and still have a semblance of normal life with a thriving community? Science says the answer is yes.

Unfortunately, what most people are reading and watching about how to deal with the COVID-19 virus is kind of like a heavy smoker going to a doctor and the doctor telling him that he is getting lung cancer and needs to use social distancing and stay away from second hand smoke while telling him nothing about the danger of smoking himself or the wise health and diet habits that can help him build a strong immune system and repair the damage done to his body already so that he can protect his health in the most effective ways. Yes, we should wash hands, use good hygiene, wearing masks can be help a little, social distancing esp. from infected people is helpful. But there are far more valuable principles to follow. Some of them are listed below.

There are many scientific studies that say that making immune systems strong is the best way to prevent/overcome diseases/viruses and that several simple health/lifestyle habits (especially good nutrition with lots of fruits and veggies, exercise, water, sunlight, avoiding smoking/alcohol/drugs, fresh air, rest and spirituality/reducing fear/stress) are the best ways to do that.

Science actually says sunlight and fresh air can kill viruses in minutes. So outdoor events are one of the safest places to be. There are also economic, emotional, psychological and spiritual habits that science says have protective effects (an update).

Good hygiene including washing hands well, avoiding infected air/people (with masks/distancing), etc. can help. But the habits above are even more mportant in protecting people against viruses and many other dangers (partly because none of they hygiene/mask efforts will stop all viruses and science shows that if even one virus gets through, and your immune system is weak, then you’ll likely be infected).

A few scientific references for these habits are listed below and more at the last website.

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FRESH AIR KILLS VIRUSES/PATHOGENS:

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You might think that going outside in the cold makes you more likely to ‘catch a cold’. But in fact, colds, the flu and COVID-19 spread much more easily inside…outside, you’re much less likely to catch these viruses…That’s because Hydroxyl Radicals, which occur naturally and abundantly in the air outside, kill all human pathogens on contact, including cold and flu viruses.”

Why you are much less likely to catch COVID-19 outdoors

https://www.airora.com/blog/how-fresh-air-fights-cold-flu

https://www.airora.com/hydroxylradicals.html

Mayo Clinic says:

“Increase ventilation with outside air. Generally, the more that indoor and outside air exchanges, the cleaner it is. This exchange lowers the risk of transmitting COVID-19.”

Cleaner air: Another layer of protection from COVID-19

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cleaner-air-layer-of-protection-from-covid-19

Fresh air and sunlight helped treat the Influenza Pandemic over a century ago as well.

The Open-Air Treatment of PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4504358/

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SUNLIGHT INACTIVATES VIRUSES:

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Scientific studies like 1 study published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America demonstrate sunlight prevents/kills viruses in 2 ways. First it gives our bodies vitamin D which strengthens our immune systems. Second, it can kill viruses and pathogens in minutes.

“Sunshine is vital to your health…skin cells use the energy in solar radiation to make Vitamin D. Light also provides protection against disease, including Covid-19. Virologists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that, inside the laboratory, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains stable on everyday materials like metals, plastic and cardboard for several days. But it wouldn’t last anywhere near as long outside.

When researchers at the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center exposed SARS-CoV-2 in simulated saliva to artificial sunlight (equivalent to a sunny day), 90% of viruses were inactivated within seven minutes. This result suggests that Coronavirus is less able to survive under the Sun’s rays and that your risk of exposure is significantly lower in outdoor environments.”

Light Kills Coronavirus. Here’s How It Could Help Beat Covid-19 https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/06/29/light-coronavirus/?sh=14ef95b15853

“Simulated Sunlight Rapidly Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces,” in the latest issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/222/2/214/5841129

https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiaa274/5841129

Simulated sunlight kills SARS CoV-2 on surfaces in 7 to 14 minutes

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200526/Simulated-sunlight-kills-SARS-CoV-2-on-surfaces-in-7-to-14-minutes.aspx

https://www.coronavirustoday.com/natural-sunlight-rapidly-inactivates-sars-cov-2-coronavirus-surfaces

“A 34-minute dose of midday summertime sunlight can inactivate 90% or more of coronavirus, a recent study found.”

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article243753872.html

Estimated Inactivation of Coronaviruses by Solar Radiation With Special Reference to COVID-19

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32502327/

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GOOD HEALTH/LIFESTYLE HABITS PROTECT AGAINST VIRUSES

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Many medical centers like Harvard, Mayo, Stanford and major doctors say health and lifestyle habits are the most important ways to make immune systems strong and that this the primary factor in preventing or beating all diseases and viruses. They especially emphasize ~8 health principles as best to keep immune systems strong and prevent viruses:

Many of the most prestigious medical centers like Harvard, Mayo, Stanford, etc. and most effective doctors and medical professionals say in the scientific journals and in interviews that the immune system is what’s really important and determines whether you fight off viruses effectively or beat it successfully if you do happen to get it. They also say health and lifestyle habits are the primary factor in making immune systems strong and preventing or beating all viruses as well as other diseases. 

Harvard University for example says:

“Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy:..

**Don’t smoke,

**Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables,

**Exercise regularly,

**Maintain a healthy weight,

**Drink little or no alcohol,

**Get adequate sleep,

**Take steps to avoid infection…,

**Try to minimize stress.

**Keep current with all recommended vaccines. Vaccines prime your immune system to fight off infections before they take hold in your body.”

“How to boost your immune system”

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

The University of Pennsylvania gives similar advice:

“Ways to Boost Your Immune System

A few lifestyle changes and new habits can naturally keep your immune system strong and healthy:

Eat a balanced diet

Get enough sleep

Exercise regularly

Wash your hands

Keep up with your vaccines

Maintain a healthy weight

Don’t smoke

Try to minimize stress”

“6 Signs You Have a Weakened Immune System” (& 8 ways to boost your immune system at the end)

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/weakened-immune-system

One reason nutrition is so important is that:

“Research shows that nearly 70 percent of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. The beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that live there defend your gut from infection and support the immune system. Low amounts of these helpful gut bacteria can leave you at risk to viruses, chronic inflammation and even autoimmune disorders.”

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/weakened-immune-system

1000s of scientific studies on the best ways to make immune systems strong are summarized in these 8 tips (doctors on the site explain why each is important:

N: Nutrition

Fruits and vegetables enhance immunity because of the abundance of micronutrients. High anti-oxidant fruits (Berries, Plums or Prunes) and vegetables (Cruciferous: broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach, kale and garlic which is also a natural anti-viral), no sugar intake.

E: Exercise

Exercise boosts your immune system within minutes. Try to find time to go for a walk (long or short) a couple times each day; start a vegetable/flower garden, or help a neighbor with outside chores. However, overdoing exercise (like running a marathon) suppresses our immune system. So choose an exercise that suits you in your location and get moving!

W: Water

It is important to stay hydrated for good health. Drinking a sip of water every 15 minutes will wash any bacteria or viruses into your stomach where your stomach acid will destroy them. Gargling salt water cuts down the risk of catching a cold. Hot and cold contrast showers (3 minutes hot/30 seconds cold, 3 times) increase white blood cell count and circulation in the blood and lymphatic systems. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water helps to prevent the spread of germs.

S: Sunlight

Sunlight is antimicrobial and there is evidence that it can kill the flu virus. Sunlight on the skin also produces vitamin D which boosts immunity and your mood. Spending time outside in nature, walking or gardening helps us not only to get more sunlight, but better rest and fresh air.

T: Temperance

Practice temperance in areas like: media (cellphones, computers, TV, etc.), getting enough sleep, food intake and portion control. Many people also struggle with habits like alcohol, smoking, or caffeine, which lower and suppress the immune system. Hold on to promises in God’s word when you are tempted: “…I will strengthen you; I will uphold you in my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

A: Air

Go outside and breathe in the fresh air produced by trees. Research shows that outdoor air is a natural disinfectant. Fresh air can kill the flu virus and other harmful germs. Germs can circulate inside buildings, so on days when you can’t get outside be sure to refresh the air by opening the windows and breathe deeply.

R: Rest

Sleep deprivation decreases the number of natural killer cells. Getting a good night’s sleep boosts the immune system by enhancing the T-cells in the body, which adhere to and destroy cells infected by pathogens or viruses. Sleep renews and heals worn down body systems. Sleep aids in natural melatonin production which enhances immune response. In addition to the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night, studies show that the body benefits from a weekly rest. We can be thankful that the Lord gave us a rest day from the very beginning, giving us an example that we can follow for our physical and spiritual health today.

T: Trust in God:

Resting your faith in God not only gives you spiritual and mental peace, but science is now studying its effects on physical healing and disease, in the lowering of cortisol levels and the increase of white blood cells. Trust that the Lord is giving us resources we need, not only for our own use, but also to share with and bless others. “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

COVID-19: Boost Your Immune System with NEWSTART

https://www.newstart.com/covid-19/

Professor Roger Seheult talks about several of them here:

If You Get COVID 19: Optimize Immune System (Vitamin D, Monoclonal Antibodies, NAC, Quercetin etc.) by

Dr. Seheult is co-founder and lead professor at https://www.medcram.com , an Associate Professor at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine and Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Dr. Seheult is Quadruple Board Certified: Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine.

More references and  wise tips for beating viruses and diseases with God’s wisdom and science are listed here: