I have been thinking
long and hard about: “What should the Eugene Chapter’s response be to
COVID-19?”
The short answer is
that our upcoming meetings will be held online (see more about
Zoom meetings below).
I have several
thoughts, about what to do. First of all focus on nutrient-dense foods. The
Wise Traditions principles are perfectly suited for improving resistance to
Coronavirus (or any virus):
Recommendations:
2.
Vitamin
D: Vitamin D works
with vitamin A to give us a strong immune system. Best sources are cod liver
oil, egg yolks from pastured hens, butter from grass-fed cows, fish eggs and
lard from pigs raised outdoors.
3.
Coconut
Oil: The coronavirus
is a lipid-coated virus that pegs out in the presence of medium-chain
triglycerides–and coconut oil is our best source of these healthy fats.
4.
Gelatin-rich bone
broth: Supports the immune system and helps us detoxify.
5.
Vitamin C: Your
best source is fermented veggies like sauerkraut–there is ten times more
vitamin C in sauerkraut than in fresh cabbage!
6.
Saturated
Fats: coronavirus has an affinity for the lungs, and the lungs can’t work
without saturated fats, so eat plenty of butter and avoid all industrial fats
and oils.
7.
Raw
Milk: Raw whole milk
from pastured cows contains many compounds that strengthen the immune system.
I also think it is
important to remember that in any epidemic there is a segment of the population
who is exposed but never manifests symptoms of the disease. There will be some
people who get mildly sick and wonder what all the fuss is about. Then there
are people who get seriously ill and a few who die. I believe it is our job to
try to be in one of the first two categories rather than the last. Unlike most
of the messages in the news right now, at the Weston Price Foundation we
believe that how your body responds to a virus is not simply chance, but is
based on your overall health and nutrient status. This is good news because
that means there is something you can do to protect yourself!
Americans have more
chronic disease and worse health than other nations (and consume more junk food
than any other country and yes, I believe there is a causal relationship
between the two), but YOU are not average. Even if you are new to this way of
eating, the fact that you are here shows that you have more knowledge about the
connection between nutrition and health than 99% of Americans. And even though
we are not meeting in person right now, I would trust hanging out with our
local chapter over any other random group of people in America.
So you can choose to
whine about how you don’t like the taste of cod liver oil, complain that making
bone broth is so time-consuming, hide out in a bunker, sanitizing everything,
and live in fear believing there is nothing you can do to improve your
resistance to disease or you can take control of your health.
I also recommend
learning about homeopathy. Homeopaths have been treating and preventing flu for
over two centuries. Joette Calabrese recommends Ignatia 200C to combat
the Ferocious Flu Fears and Gelsemium 30 or other
remedies to prevent or treat the disease.
I do have concerns
about what this panic is going to do to our society. I know that when people
make decisions out of fear, they are usually not good decisions. So I urge you
to avoid TV and other media if it contributes to your fear, and take time to do
some sort of calming practice, whether it is meditation, mindfulness, prayer,
earthing, artwork, spending time in nature or anything else that helps you
remain sane.
I also worry that this
fear will lead to more social isolation in a time when we are already more
disconnected than ever before. The Eugene Chapter will remain available to you
for resources and I’ll keep coming up with ideas on how to strengthen our local
WAPF community!
So here are my
recommendations:
- Eat nutrient-dense foods from the above list.
- Take your cod liver oil whether you like it or not.
- Find ways to stay calm and centered.
- Be kind to each other and help each other.
- Be prepared to take care of yourself but ask for help
if you need it.
- Learn about homeopathy.
- Keep connected with community.
I think these are good
tips at any time.
And just to be clear,
this is meant to be in addition to other precautions you are taking, not
instead of. I always think it is wise to have a store of food and supplies for
any type of emergency. I assume you’ve all already heard the advice to wash
your hands, minimize contact with others and stay home as much as possible, you
don’t need me to reiterate those instructions. I do think this is a good time
to stay home and make sauerkraut and bone broth! Contact me if you need help.
We will cover these topics in future meetings.
