Can being more healthy change how Covid-19 might affect me?

I’ve been interested to hear how Covid-19 affects people differently, because I had already noticed that when my health improved, through reversing type 2 diabetes, my body’s response to common   I didn’t get ill as often and I was really interested to notice that even if I did catch something, the effects were less severe.  In the past a cold would often go onto my chest and cause bronchitis, sometimes requiring antibiotics to shift it.  More recently it’s just been a cold lasting a few days.

viruses changed.

At a Reiki retreat a couple of years ago, I caught a nasty chest bug.  Other people in the group become feverish and ill for several days, with a persistent cough after that.  I had feverishness and muscle aches, for which I took some paracetamol, even though these days I take very little medication.  From past experience I expected to take more and for these symptoms to last several days, but after 24 hours I felt better, so only took that one dose of paracetamol.  I had expected the cough to go on for weeks and become more severe, but I was completely well within just a few days.  I am convinced that the difference was due being healthier, with an improved immune system, thanks to Reiki and reversing my diabetes.  I believe there is evidence that having less sugar in your bloodstream is beneficial when fighting infection.

As a type 2 diabetic I am at ‘moderate risk’ of developing more severe symptoms from Covid-19, so I am ensuring that my health is as good as possible before I put myself at risk of catching it and being at home offers an ideal opportunity to focus on this. Here are some things I’ll be doing over the next weeks to foster good health:

Sleeping well: Although good sleep can’t be guaranteed when there is a lot of stress around, I know things to do and not do that will help, such as being in bed by 11.00 pm most nights, not looking at my phone before bed and not eating after 7.00 pm.  I find that good sleep is particularly helpful in managing stress, which in turn helps me eat better.

Eating well: I am ensuring that my diet is as nutritious and well balanced as possible, with almost no sugar, plenty of vegetables, protein with each meal – mostly nuts, seeds and fish.  I also take various vitamin and mineral supplements, including vitamins C, D, and the Bs, fish oil, chromium and a probiotic.

Staying hydrated: I am ensuring I drink plenty of water – around 1 ½ to 2 litres a day.  Some of this will be herbal teas.  

Exercising: Like most people, I have been walking every day.  I have also been doing some relaxation and more active movement with my online singing groups each week.  I plan to increase my exercise to build muscle strength.  

Keeping stress levels down: Reiki practice, including daily Reiki self-treatment and sending and receiving distant treatments, helps to keep my thoughts calm and positive.

I hope you are also finding ways to stay healthy so that, if you do catch the virus, your immune system is strong enough for it to be just a mild illness and you can enjoy your 14 days self-isolation relaxing and doing something you enjoy!