{"id":5592,"date":"2021-08-15T18:31:51","date_gmt":"2021-08-15T18:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cookhappylivehealthy.org\/blog\/?p=5592"},"modified":"2021-08-15T18:35:53","modified_gmt":"2021-08-15T18:35:53","slug":"facing-down-the-mutants-whats-your-backup-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cookhappylivehealthy.org\/blog\/facing-down-the-mutants-whats-your-backup-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Facing Down the Mutants: What’s Your Backup Plan?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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14 Questions to Ponder and Ideas to Build a Solid Backup Plan
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As the Delta invasion barrels towards us, conversations swirl with anxious questions about who’s vaccinated and who’s not and why not. But are our own houses in order? Do we ourselves have a good backup plan to face down the Delta mutant–or whatever other variant might crop up?<\/p>\n

It’s tempting to simply take comfort in being one of the vaccinated. But in a globalized economy, the dire situation in other countries is everyone’s problem. And then there are those breakthrough infections. . . . So there’s probably good reason to temper smugness with a little preparedness.<\/p>\n

Happily, nature has given us an exquisitely brilliant backup mechanism to be prepared: Our multi-faceted immune system is designed precisely to fight whatever invaders come our way. BUT this amazing mechanism can only offer protection if it is cared for and nurtured. So here are 14 questions to ponder that will probably prove to be a more productive use of time. Over the last couple weeks:<\/p>\n

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  1. How many times did I stop and breathe<\/strong> deeply? (One of the best ways to move the lymph, which is critical for fighting infections.)<\/li>\n
  2. How much sleep<\/strong> have I been getting? (Our bodies fight infection and make repairs while we sleep!)<\/li>\n
  3. How often have I treated myself to sugary treats<\/strong>? (There’s good evidence that sugar suppresses immune response)<\/li>\n
  4. What about alcohol and caffeine<\/strong>?<\/li>\n
  5. Did I eat the recommended 5-9 servings of b<\/strong>each day?<\/li>\n
  6. Did I eat a wide, colorful variety of fruits and vegetables<\/strong>? (1)<\/li>\n
  7. What about all the other foods filled with the Super 8 immune boosting nutrients<\/strong> (Vitamins A, C, D, E and Folate (B9) and the minerals Zinc, Selenium, Iron are critical for an effective immune system)<\/li>\n
  8. Did I get a good dose of fresh air<\/strong> every day?<\/li>\n
  9. How many times did I move and exercise<\/strong>? (Critical for lymph flow and causes the body\u2019s disease-fighting white blood cells and antibodies to circulate more rapidly, for faster disease detection.)<\/li>\n
  10. Did I take time to relax and relieve stress<\/strong> (Calming the nervous system frees it to do important things like fighting viruses.)<\/li>\n
  11. How much water<\/strong> have I been drinking (Helps the immune system “rinse out” the body)<\/li>\n
  12. Have I taken time to play and relax<\/strong>? (Helps the body become less vulnerable to the negative effects of stress)<\/li>\n
  13. Am I incorporating delicious, immune-boosting herbs and essential oils<\/strong> into my lifestyle?<\/li>\n
  14. How many processed foods<\/strong> have I been eating (Two chemicals that are commonly found in processed foods may harm the immune system, according to a new study.) (2)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Surprised that there IS SO MUCH we can do to prepare and protect ourselves?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Granted, immune-boosting takes more effort than walking into Walgreen’s for a shot. But a robust immune system will not only be a good backup plan to face down Delta or whatever other variants may come our way. It can also help us ward off other infections (like common colds and seasonal flus which will likely be back this winter) while also preventing the many chronic diseases and conditions common in today’s world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Read More About These Powerhouse Immune Support Steps<\/span><\/h4>\n
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    Earlier this year, I shared 10 Top Immune-Boosting Tips from 10 Healthy Living Experts.\u00a0 As autumn and winter fast approach, take a few minutes to remember what these dedicated experts share about how the immune system works and how we can easily protect and prepare it for whatever invaders come along. And get access to lots of great handouts, cheat sheets, videos and recipes.<\/p>\n

    5 Top Immune-Boosting Tips from 5 Healthy Living Experts<\/a><\/h4>\n

    5 More Immune-Boosting Tips from 5 Healthy Living Experts<\/a><\/h4>\n

    A sampling of what you’ll learn about:<\/p>\n