Doctors and health experts have revealed what they are doing to stay healthy – as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep the globe.
While some of the information surrounding the virus is clear, other advice including how best to look after your health at this time has been varied and often contradictory.
Doctors, nutritionists, Chinese medical practitioners and dentists have shared the things they are doing to stay on top of their health and lower their risk of contracting coronavirus.
Doctors and health experts have revealed what they are doing to stay healthy – as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep the globe (pictured: Dr Sophie Shotter)
Dr Sophie Shotter – Former A&E Doctor and Aesthetic Practitioner
For Dr Shotter, keeping a ‘calm head’ and remaining rational in a time of global panic has been key to staying healthy.
She told Get The Gloss that she has been taking ‘precautions’ since early February, beginning with screening patients and asking those with any cold or flu-like symptoms to stay away.
Carry hand sanitiser: Dr Shotter said she has been carrying a bottle of Clinisept+ everywhere with her. This is more than 99.5 per cent effective at killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.
Stock up on frozen health foods: ‘I’ve made sure my freezer is full of frozen vegetables (peppers, broccoli and green beans have been my go-to for a good mix of colour),’ she told the publication.
Watch your diet and drink lots of water: Dr Shotter is also keeping an eye on her diet at this time in order to ensure she’s eating plenty of fruit, veg, protein and complex carbohydrates, as well as drinking lots of water.
GP Claire Bailey (pictured) said she is following the Mediterranean diet and eating plenty of fermented foods to boost her immunity
Dr Claire Bailey – GP and Co-founder of the Fast 800 Plan
For GP and co-founder of the Fast 800 Plan with Michael Mosley, Claire Bailey, it’s all about listening to the sensible advice and ‘protecting yourself on the outside from the virus’.
Limit public transport: Claire said she is working from home and limiting her travel on public transport as much as possible.
Stock up on zinc: ‘If I do get infected, I plan to take a moderate daily dose of zinc, which has been found to reduce cold viruses by 50 per cent,’ she said.
Follow the Mediterranean diet: Claire said that one of the mot effective ways to beat infection is to eat a low-carb Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, wholegrains, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, spices and fish, cheese and full-fat Greek yoghurt. There are plenty of these available at the supermarket right now, so you should get your hands on them as often as possible.
Include fermented foods: Claire and Michael are also big fans of fermented foods – whether that’s in the form of kimchi or sauerkraut with omelettes and salads or live yoghurt or kefir as a snack. These foods are rich in vitamin C, iron and zinc – which all help to boost the immune system.
Get more sleep: ‘Getting a good night’s sleep turns out to be far more important for our immune systems than we previously thought,’ Claire said. ‘A range of infection-fighting chemicals are released when you are in deep sleep.’
Registered nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy (pictured) said he is eating eight a day of fruit and vegetables including shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers and citrus fruits for vitamin C
Daniel O’Shaughnessy – Registered Nutritionist
Eat eight a day of fruit and veg: Registered Nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy is making sure he gets eight a day of fruit and vegetables, including many shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers and citrus fruits for vitamin C.
Take supplements: Daniel has also upped his regular supplements to include vitamin C, vitamin D, turmeric, Optibac probiotics, Pure Encapsulations Anti-Stress Herbs and Betaine HCl.
Staying away from exercise mats: Finally, while he has not foregone his workouts completely, Daniel said he is making sure he showers at home and stays away from the exercise mats.
Dentist Dr Mark Hughes (pictured) said he is driving to work where possible, and limiting social gatherings as well as cancelling any upcoming trips
Dr Mark Hughes – Cosmetic Dentist
Dentist Dr Mark Hughes said while much of his work is continuing as normal, they have taken extra hygiene precautions and made sure the workplace is an ultra-sanitised environment.
Drive to work: Dr Hughes said that while he usually commutes to work on the train, right now he is driving to his surgery to limit his risk.
Limit social gatherings: The dentist is also limiting any social gatherings at confined or crowded places, and has cancelled any upcoming trips.
Registered nutritionist Rob Hobson (pictured) is using his elbows and feet to open doors to protect his immunity and has also stocked up on countless pantry essentials
Rob Hobson – Registered Nutritionist
Use your elbows and feet: Nutritionist Rob Hobson said he is using his elbows and feet to open doors to protect his immunity.
Stock up: He has also stocked up on essentials including pasta, pesto, canned tuna, tomato sauces, rice, beans, pulses and chicken, salmon and mince for the freezer.
Take zinc: Rob Hobson said he has been taking zinc for several months now, which he hopes will help to protect his immunity.
Chinese Medical Practitioner Katie Brindle (pictured) has long been a fan of the therapeutic healing technique, gua sha – which includes using a round-edged tool to press the skin
Katie Brindle – Chinese Medical Practitioner
Try gua sha: Chinese Medical Practitioner Katie Brindle has long been a fan of the Chinese therapeutic healing technique, gua sha. This involves using a round-edged tool to press the skin until a red flush appears. This helps to stimulate both the immune system and lymphatic drainage.
Limit the four whites: Elsewhere, Katie is limiting the ‘four whites’ – which are sugar, flour, dairy and salt, and instead prioritising fruit, vegetables and seasonal foods. She is also drinking plenty of jasmine tea.