new to the gluten free journey?
new to the gluten free journey?
During this unique period in our history, we have been faced with numerous unknowns. How many people will get sick from COVID-19? How many people will die? When will it all be over? Will my job still be there at the end of this? Unfortunately, the answer to all of these is that nobody knows. And continuing to focus on these unknowns will not only drive you crazy, but they can add stress leading to health and mental issues. So what exactly should you be focused on right now?
While it may feel unnatural to focus on yourself during this crisis, it is vital to do so. Helping your family navigate this time and the possibility of illness depends on you staying strong and healthy enough to do so. Take steps to boost your immune system, including:
Another crucial way to care for yourself during this time is through exercise. For many quarantined at home, this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate a fitness regimen into daily life. Though gyms are closed, consider going for a daily walk or even trying out Tabata.
Tabata is named after the scientist that researched exercise and found that eight minutes of dedicated physical activity a day was the perfect amount without over- or under-doing it.
To do Tabata, pick any exercise (push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, etc.) and perform it for 20 seconds followed by 10 seconds of rest. Do this for eight rounds (a total of four minutes), then pick another exercise and repeat the process. Try to choose one upper body exercise and one lower body exercise for a full-body workout. Not only does this type of exercise require no gym equipment, but it also requires a small time commitment making it perfect for every-day life.
With forced confinement, there has never been a greater time to focus on family than now. Work demands, outside commitments, and even technology have created a busy-ness that has taken away from quality time spent with the family unit. Therefore, use this opportunity to invest in the lives of your spouse and kids and to refocus your priorities.
Turn off the electronics and go for walks or bike rides together. Play games and try new recipes. Get creative and work on a craft or learn a new hobby. Choosing to spend quality time with family members during the quarantine will not only ease everyone’s stress and fear but will make lasting, cherished memories.
Now that some items to focus on have been established, it’s important to highlight items to avoid during this time. These include:
Though no one wants to feel fear, what few people realize is that it activates the nervous system, also known as the fight or flight response. This, in turn, increases adrenaline and cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. These hormones lead to elevated blood sugar, which over an extended time can lead to diabetes.
Additionally, the sympathetic nervous system can also reduce nutrition by suppressing digestion. Over time, this can hinder the immune system which relies on proper nutrition to function.
With so many unknowns and things outside of our control, it’s easy to let stress and fear take over. Instead of allowing that, consider how you can support your immune function and the immune function of family members, and take advantage of this time together.
Furthermore, it’s important to take stock of how you can handle things differently should another major event arise. Figure out and write down the items that can help you prepare your family and home. Most importantly, figure out how to take care of your body in a way that will have your immune system prepared and ready to tackle another virus or other health condition down the road.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.
The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Peter Osborne, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Peter Osborne and his community. Peter Osborne encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
6 Responses
I love Dr Osborne’s supplements. He is the first doctor I go to for nutritional information. I trust his information and found out to be true and informative. I have studied nutrition myself, for 38 years and I keep learning from him. I am truly impressed and I don’t get impressed easily.
I love Dr Osborne’s supplements. I support him and his company. He gives accurate information. He keeps up on what is going on in our community and the world around us. He is aware of the information we need to keep us healthy. I really appreciate him.
I have learned so much from Dr Osborne. I don’t eat gluten and am trying not to eat grains I feel so much better
Dr. Osborne on one of your youtube video you spoke about hair lost all over your body as well as the head. I have this challenge. I was told I have diverticulosis and I suspect leaky gut. I am age 65 and on a gluten free diet also I am taking supplements to support my gut. How can you help Thank you.
God grant me the serenity…Is Dr. Osborne in recovery? I am. That’s where that quote came from..just curious.
No Richard,
Not in recovery, but I am familiar with the program.
All the best,
Dr. O