What I Did Immediately after Getting Covid
Here I sit with my second round of covid. I tested positive yesterday around lunch and now have no symptoms. I will tell you EXACTLY what I did to fight the virus.
**Please remember that I am not a physician. You know your body and if you need immediate medical attention. My symptoms were those of a cold/sinus infection with no problem breathing. My suggestions below are what helped me, but if you have a more severe case you should certainly see your doctor!**
First of all, let me say that my immune system was pretty robust before I got it. I eat a ton of fruits and vegetables, prioritize sleep, and make fitness a part of my daily routine. When you start from a point where you are healthy, it makes fighting off an invader easier.
Fortunately, I had just gone to the grocery store so had the supplies. If you do not, order on Amazon or Instacart or bribe a friend to do a food run for you!
What you will need are the following:
Bag of mandarins (any oranges will do; I just love mandarins. Grapefruit is also a great citrus choice)
Box of strawberries
Bag of riced broccoli (whole broccoli of course works too)
Mini bell peppers (look for a bag with lots of red ones)
Lemons
Vitamin D supplements
Probiotics
Rosemary oil
The importance of these things is that vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics will support your immune system in fighting this off.
Step #1: cut a lemon and squeeze half into a glass of water.
Why: Here is a one-two punch of hydration and vitamin C. You know you need a lot of fluids to fight off any virus, and the flavor of the lemon will encourage you to drink even more. Also, lemon is essentially a superfood that is cheered for its cancer fighting properties (much credit to the vitamin C here).
Step #2: Cut up the strawberries and peel some oranges. Build a nice little fruit box to eat through today and tomorrow.
Why: Strawberries have even more vitamin C than do oranges. Pairing them just tastes good. And I suggest eating it at various times of the day because in order for your body to fully absorb and utilize the vitamin, it can’t be all at once. This is similar to why shouldn’t eat all your daily protein at one more – your body can’t use it all at once.
When you spread vitamin C consumption through the day, you’ll have a higher uptake of it to more efficiently fight the virus.
Step #3: Take a probiotic.
Why: 80% of our immune system is in our gut, so the healthier the bacteria balance in your digestive tract, the more power you have to fight foreign invaders.
Step #4: Take a vitamin D supplement.
Why: For my vitamin D, I take gummies (so delicious). The daily recommended dose for mine is 2 for 2000 IU, but for covid I took 3 for 3000 IU. Much like vitamin C, I take this throughout the day for maximum absorption.
So many of us are deficient in this critical immune supporting vitamin, particularly during the winter with its shorter days and harsh climates for lingering in the sunshine. So since you likely won’t be getting the sunshine naturally (i.e. from the sun), and there aren’t a ton of food sources for it, a supplement is a good choice.
Or, if you are a cereal person, by all means, have a bowl fortified with vitamin D!
Step #5: Make stuffed mini bell peppers.
Why: For your next meal, you are going to want to load up on more vitamin C. Red bell peppers are another gem with more vitamin C than oranges.
I like to make jalapeno poppers with mini bell peppers instead of jalapenos (jalapenos also have a lot of C, so if you want a kick, go for that!)
I cut the peppers in half and seed them, then fill them with Laughing Cow cheese and a sprinkling of shredded cheddar on top. Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted. These also make for great leftovers tomorrow.
Step #6: Microwave a bag of broccoli rice.
Why: Broccoli, vitamin C, you get it. I like to toss mine with feta cheese and crushed red pepper…and if we are being totally honest, also with some nacho cheese sauce. (You’re sick, so it’s okay to have some comfort food!) An added bonus is that capsaicin in the crushed red pepper also boosts your immune system!
While the peppers are cooking, chow down on this. I saved half for breakfast the next day.
Step #7: Shower with rosemary oil before bed.
Why: Rosemary oil, particularly when combined with steam, opens up your sinuses (it’s like the adult spa-like version of rubbing Vick’s Vapo Rub on your chest).
I add a few drops into my shampoo (added bonus: it promotes hair growth when applied to the scalp) and rinse as normal. Enjoy being able to breathe again!
Step #8: Take yourself directly to bed.
Why: Sleep is what you need the most now. You have spent the day loading up your body with nutrients you need to fight off infection, now let it really kick into high gear. I got 9 ½ hours of sleep, and that was perfect.
If you are a fan, take some melatonin before you shower. Not everyone loves it, but it always puts me right to sleep. Also make sure you have some water on your nightstand if you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night – again, stay hydrated!
Hopefully you wake up refreshed and feeling better. I had a bit of a headache and a few hours of sneezing and nose running (which I usually do after lying down with a cold or allergies), but by lunch I was pretty much back to normal! Make sure you finish up the broccoli, red peppers, and fruit box you made yesterday in addition to taking your vitamin D and probiotics to keep your immune system fighting!
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