IMMUNITY, ENVIRONMENT & GREEN LIVING

For over a month I lost my internet access because the public libraries closed down due to the virus threat. Finally I was able to receive internet service at home. A January injury flared up, so I had to go to the chiropractor. In January I accidentally fell on the glare ice at night. Right now I am doing exercises she recommended and every day I am getting better than the day before. Healing does take time. All this teaches you patience.

Several of the Ayurvedic practitioners are now talking about an important topic: immunity. Building immunity is part of living in line with the environment and having a green life style. So what builds immunity? Eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, and consuming the right vitamins and minerals. There are herbs which also build immunity.

Eating right is very important. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are important in building immunity. Seeds, nuts and healthy proteins are also part of a good, healthy diet. Red meat, especially beef, should be avoided. When you eat beef you are contributing to deforestation of the rain forests in Brazil. It is also not good for your health either. Deforestation contributes to global warming. If you choose to consume eggs, poultry and fish, it is best to purchase them at food coops or natural food stores. These groceries buy from local farmers who use sustainable and organic practices. Small herds of animals who have free range pasture and spaces are healthier for the animals and the planet. Eighty percent of your diet should be alkaline to promote the best health. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains are the most alkaline.

Vitamins and minerals are also important in building immunity. Zinc and selenium are important minerals. Vitamin D and C are important in building immunity also. Numerous fruits and vegetables are full of Vitamin C and A. Mangoes have a good balance of both Vitamin C and A. Seeds, nuts and leafy greens are full of minerals. If you consume the darker lettuces or leafy greens, you will absorb a higher mineral and vitamin content in your digestive tract than eating the lighter colored greens and lettuces.

Exercise and sleep are important in building immunity. Walking in the park near a lake, river or waterfall is the best because you take in Earth energies, oxygen and sunlight. Sunlight is a significant source of Vitamin D. Walking is the safest exercise because you don't over extend the joints. Those with asthma and heart disease can usually walk. Running is not always recommended because of the body stress involved for those kind of individuals. Start out with a 10 minute walk each day and build up to an hour. Remember to social distance at least six feet away from others. Sunlight also is good for your mental health.

Sleeping six to eight hours a day is good for most adults. Reading and soft music before sleeping is best for many people. Using natural herbs is superior to using medications. They are non-addictive and safer to use. Scullcap and passion flower are two good sleeping herbs. Some people can tolerate valerian and chamomile. I also plug in a scent ball with clove and lavender essential oils. Another practice I use to help me sleep is saying mantras because it helps to focus the mind.

There are some herbs which help build immunity: elderberries, echinacea, pau d'arco, tulsie (holy basil) and neem. Food coops, health food stores and Indian groceries are good sources of a number of these herbs. You can also order these herbs on line. Some Ayurvedic doctors recommend lemon with water and ginger. These herbs alkaline the body and provide immunity for many individuals.

Some hospitals have decided to use copper door knobs and faucets for sinks because of research showing that copper destroys or reduces viruses and bacteria. Hospitals who instituted the practice have reduced viruses by 50%. There is a device called Copper Zap which is helpful in the reduction of viruses which is available on line for consumers.

Environmental cleaning practices are also important in maintaining health. Chemical products do not kill bacteria and viruses. The University of Minnesota studied these products and tested many of them. None of them killed viruses and bacteria. Hot water definitely did kill bacteria and viruses. Washing your hands with hot water is the best practice. Hospitals use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and viruses. Essential oils, borax, baking soda, lemon juice and Bon Ami are also good and safe cleaning products to use. Some chemical products cause cancer or respiratory symptoms. Vinegar in water in a spray bottle can clean a mirror. You can also purchase a special cloth and use water on it to clean a mirror.

Wind, solar and geothermal energy will help reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Planting trees is important in reducing those green house gases. Good to see a reduction during the virus crisis in auto emissions. Walking, biking and mass transit will help to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. Electric cars and hybrids will reduce auto emissions. Not all can afford green cars, but you can at least buy cars with lower gas mileage. The city of Minneapolis now has one third of its electricity from renewable resources of wind, solar and geothermal.

Masks are useful. I have used them for years when the temperature is below 65 degrees F. I have a cold wind allergy. During the virus crisis it is important to use one when you can't social distance easily. In the pandemic of 1918, people used them later in the year and it saved lives. I also recommend using an air filter. It filters out dust, pollen, mold and some chemicals. Hospitals are using them in rooms of virus patients.

The crisis is likely tied to global warming. When the Earth is not cool enough, viruses and molds can get out of hand. We are building too close to nature. Bats are connected with this virus. People farm too close to their habitat. Some people were using bat dung for heating purposes. Some people go into caves where bats live. We need to respect their environments and not live too close to them.

Smoking causes half the health care costs in this country. Those who smoke cause air pollution to those around them. Smokers have twice the risk of others of picking up viruses and it takes them longer to recover. Homeopathic nicotine is available at health food stores, such as Present Moment in Minneapolis. It is not good to expose others to 4,000 chemicals, heavy metals and pesticides. Cigarettes contain those harmful substances.

We can take this time to change our life styles to be more in line with Mother Earth. Crises can provide opportunities for change, so let us build immunity and live more in line with our great Mother Earth who has many names, but is so wonderful to us.

JAI SHRI MA! JAI SHRI HEALTH! JAI SHRI IMMUNITY!

Radhapriestess