The first reported case of COVID-19 made its debut in 2019 on New Year's Eve. By January 20th, 2020, it was declared a global health emergency. Who knew symptoms similar to the common cold would start a global pandemic affecting millions? COVID-19 is actually a specific virus in the Coronavirus group. Coronavirus was first discovered in the 1960s, and since then, seven strains of the virus is found to infect humans. 4 out of the 7 coronavirus strains produce mild symptoms associated with the common cold. Getting an upper respiratory infection is expected, with adults having an average of 3-4 colds a year. But during this time with the risk of COVID, it's hard to rest well if any signs of those symptoms occur. Some cases of the disease are mild, while in other cases the symptoms are fatal. Unfortunately, there is no certain way to know how severe your symptoms will be.
Turmeric, a ginger plant from Asia, is known for being effective in reducing symptoms in chronic illnesses such as psoriasis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and can potentially help with cold symptoms related to the Coronavirus in 3 ways:
Reduces Inflammation
One of the most common symptoms of the Coronavirus is coughing, a force of air out the lungs, which is our body's way of getting rid of foreign particles like germs. Inflammation of the lungs is often a symptom of chest colds, which is a reason for the coughing. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which means ingesting it can help decrease inflammation of the body, such as your lungs when inflamed due to an upper-respiratory infection.
Boosts Your Immune System
As someone who may have a chronic illness, you are in a vulnerable group due to having an overreactive immune system. When you have something like a cold, the inflammation your body has is actually a great thing. In the instance that your immune system is effectively battling the virus, inflammation of the body signifies your system is doing what it needs to, to rid of the bacteria or virus that has invaded. However, in the case of a deadly coronavirus, severe inflammation of the lungs can lead to the disruption of oxygen to the body and allow for further infection. Taking turmeric can increase immunomodulators, molecules in the body, which increase the body's production of messenger molecules that help regulate the immune system's reactions in a stable and efficient way.
Reduces the risk of infection
After the initial viral infection, on average, it takes 1-14 days for your body to show symptoms of a cold; this is because the virus is slowly multiplying as your immune system works to fight it off in several stages. If at some point, the virus destroys too many of your immune cells, fatal symptoms can follow. Turmeric has antiseptic properties, which means it can be used for anti-bacterial and anti-viral support to help defend against the growth of bacteria and viruses.
While clinical studies have revealed that anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds in turmeric have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-viral benefits, the compounds must be well absorbed into the body to have full health benefits. It's important to take a turmeric supplement that is easily absorbed by the body. Nuvothera's Super-Micronized Turmeric delivers maximum absorption and maximum potency. It's Nuvothera's super-micronized formula that makes it effectively absorbed by the body. Due to Nuvothera's microparticle technology, it is easily and rapidly taken up by the body to fully achieve turmeric's many benefits.
Although supplements like turmeric are a great way to maintain your upper respiratory health, please remember to protect yourself from COVID-19 by taking these steps:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly
- Wear a mask
- Stay six feet away from others
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and immediately throw it away (do not reuse)
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Those of us in the psoriasis community whether on or off various medications have additional concerns about susceptibility to the virus. Please contact your doctor if symptoms become severe and are concerning you.
Written by Alisha M. Bridges. Alisha has lived and thrived with psoriatic disease for over two decades. She is a blogger and health advocate who strives to inspire others with her story of living with a chronic condition. She shares insights and helpful tips from her experiences and holistic approaches to help manage her chronic condition.
