10 ways to prevent Coronavirus as supplement consumer

Unless you’ve been living on the moon, Coronavirus is, if you believe the media, on the verge of becoming the world’s next pandemic.

Pandemic’s are relatively common throughout history.

The AIDS/HIV virus was considered a pandemic, killing tens of millions of people worldwide, and in the last 102 years two influenza strains (H1N1) has wrecked havoc.

In 1918 “Spanish Flu” killed over one percent of the world’s population (some estimates suggest up to 1 in 20 people died), and 50 million (of 500 million infected) perished.

Interestingly, reports of the disease were limited in USA, UK, Germany and France to maintain wartime morale, while papers in Spain were far more open about the pandemic due to the illness of King Alfonso XIII.

This gave the impression Spain was hardest hit, hence the name.

In 2009 “Swine Flu” was responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, and again, media sensationalism caused panic – for example the disease wasn’t transmitted by consuming pork or pig products.

Now we have Coronavirus.

Just over 100 people have died so far (as of 30 January, 2020) and media is spreading the story faster than any virus.

To put the sensationalism into perspective, the flu has killed over 8,000 people in the United States in the last six months – and over 600,000 people die from the “common cold” annually.

So how can you, a supplement taker, or a regular lifter, protect yourself against Coronavirus.

1) As a gym-goer, your immune system will already be stronger

Due to the amount of germs that exist around every single gym, your immune system will naturally be used to foreign bodies.

2) Despite the above, protect yourself in busy environments

From using a towel through to washing hands with either soap or alcohol based solution, don’t be afraid to be healthily paranoid, give someone a polite serve for leaving sweat on the machine (or informing the gym staff) or keep your distance from other gym-goers (think six feet).

3) Keep exercising, but be aware of rest

Regular exercise is the key to good health and the maintenance of a strong immune system, but don’t overdo it, otherwise your immune system will be taxed. Don’t be afraid to take a couple of days off.

4) Take your Glutamine

Glutamine is critical for the immune system, being a critical food source for immune cells including white blood cells. Countless studies have shown that the inclusion of glutamine in the diet increases survival to a bacterial challenge.

Take 5 grams per dose up to 3-4 times a day.

5 ) Don’t forget your Zinc

Zinc is a crucial element that has numerous benefits when it comes to bolstering the immune system – and most people (billions of people globally) are Zinc deficient.

Almost every doctor on the planet will support the benefits of taking Zinc as soon as you get a cold, but taking between 10-25mg per day will keep your immune fortifications strong to fight off any illness.

6) Vitamin C, Vitamin C, Vitamin C!!!

From fighting high blood pressure, lowering heart disease factors, preventing gout, helping iron deficiencies and being a potent antioxidant – Vitamin C is a bit of a super supplement.

When it comes to the immune system and preventing illnesses such as influenza, vitamin C encourages the production of white blood cells (lymphocytes and phagocytes), which helps protect the body against infections.

7) Coughing on elbow / fist pump greeting

Covering one’s mouth when you sneeze or cough isn’t just manners, it is one of the most effective ways of people with illness/infection not spreading contagion.

However using your hand means that the expelled germs are now able to be spread to surfaces – using your elbow prevents this.

Equally, don’t be afraid to extend the fist when greeting people (as opposed to shaking hands). This dramatically lowers risk of spreading anything.

8) Stock up on NAC

NAC, or Acetylcysteine / N-acetylcysteine is a semi-essential amino acid that assists the body to produce glutathione – one of the human bodies most important antioxidants.

It helps cleanse free radicals, fight’s cellular damage and is critical for immune health.

If that wasn’t enough, it detoxes, helps psychiatric behaviors, relieves respiratory conditions, boosts brain health and may improve fertility.

9) Whey protein

The most stock standard supplement for lifters, athletes, and everyone in-between, whey protein is immensely beneficial for your health.

The obvious benefit is building muscle, the highest quality tissue, which results in fat loss (too much fat drastically increases risk of chronic disease) and a weakened immune system.

It also reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) a key marker of inflammation in the body, and will generally enhance the body’s antioxidant defences.

10) Don’t worry about Corona Beer

Coronavirus can actually refer to a series of viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

It’s real danger, beyond common flu symptoms, is that it has no vaccine and can quickly escalate to pneumonia.

Coronavirus gets it name from the word “Corona” which means crown in Latin, as when it is viewed under a microscope the virus has a series of crown-like spikes on it’s surface.