To stay healthy, avoiding the bad stuff is key- refined sugar, processed foods, additives, excess alcohol and beverages stored in crushable plastic. But you can also up your nutrient game by crowding your plate with these veggie wonders- packed with vitamins and minerals that boost your body’s immunity.  Some of these foods have particular constituents that can inhibit the coronavirus such as kaempferol, phycocyanobilin, and beta-glucans (1, 2, 3).
Include these often and try eat a colorful variety of whole, seasonal foods each week.

• Cranberries
  
• Grapefruit
  
• Parsley
  
• Cucumbers
  
• Tomatoes
  
• Blackberries
  
• Spinach
  
• Pistachios
  
• Brassicas such as broccoli, bok choi, kale, and Brussels sprouts
  
• Mushrooms
  
• Spirulina
  
• Green tea
  
• Alliums like onions, garlic, chives, and leeks
  

The coronavirus is all over the news, and the stats seem to get worse each day. Similar to SARS, it’s categorized as moderately contagious. As you know, antibiotics cannot treat the virus. Fortunately, there are simple, proven steps you can take to protect yourself. Read on for our prevention AND treatment suggestions.

The coronavirus spreads from person-to-person in close proximity, similar to other respiratory illnesses. Primarily spread through coughing and sneezing, the droplets can travel several feet and stay suspended for minutes. So how can you protect yourself?
CDC recommendations to avoid contracting the Coronavirus:

• • Wash hands regularly with hot soapy water or alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your face or eyes.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people with cough or fever, especially if they have recently traveled.
  • Use coughing and sneezing etiquette, covering your nose and mouth.
  • Keep objects and surfaces in your home or workspace clean and disinfected.
• Extra Tips! 
  • Need to scratch your eyes or nose? Grab a kleenex and use that instead of your fingers.
  • Tend to rub your mouth/chin area when contemplating something (it’s amazing how many people do!)? Try clasping your fingers in your lap and tapping your thumbs together instead.
  • Ride public transit and need to hold on to railings or hand holds and can't wash your hands right after?  Try wearing disposable gloves and discarding them before going into your home or car
  • Use your phone all the time, everywhere?  Put it in a ziplock bag, the touch screen will still work!

We stock all of the items below and are ready to help you stay healthy - you can also order online through wellevate

PREVENTION

• Immunotone Plus by Designs For Health is a comprehensive, synergistic herbal blend safe for all ages groups. Some of it’s significant botanicals include echinacea, astragalus, elderberry, green tea and mushroom extracts designed to support the immune system by regulating cytokines that support normal immune response. Take during the cold and flu season to boost your system and avoid getting sick. This little ninja even contains the herb Arabinogalactan, also known as Larch tree, which has a significant effect on enhancing beneficial gut microflora, specifically Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.
• Vit D is essential for our immune system to function at its best. Ask your doctor to test your Vit D to determine if you need supplementation. We recommend taking 20,000 IU on the first day of your cold or flu. Then take 10,000 IU for the next two days. After that scale back to your maintenance dose prescribed by your practitioner.
• Vit C- For a long time there has been controversy about Vit C, however it is crucial for our immune system. Many cells of the immune system need Vit C for their task, therefore a deficiency in Vit C results in reduced resistance. Eat foods high in Vit C regularly and consider supplementing with C during cold and flu season. We love C+ BioFizz, a great beverage alternative to another pill.
• Zinc- Zinc plays a starring role in immune function, helping mediate neutrophils and natural killer cells.  Zinc deficient people experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. Dose up on zinc to boost your immune system or at the first sign of fighting a bug. Zinc  Supreme is a good option.
• Immune Support packets include all of the above for an all-in-one option.
  
  

TREATMENT
If you are sick, fear not: Check out this natural viral fighting gladiator!!

• Monolaurin-Avail by Designs For Health is derived from coconut oil. Monolaurin is a form of Lauric acid, which is the predominant fatty acid in coconut oil. It is a potent killer of viruses and bacteria with efficacy across a potent array of pathogenic organisms and viruses. Unlike antibiotics and other anti-microbials, it does not have adverse effects the intestinal flora. As such, it can be used for acute therapeutic intervention for someone fighting a viral or bacterial infection. It can also be used preventatively. 

Keeping our Clinic Safe and Clean
At San Francisco Integrative Medicine, we are using CDC advised methods to keep the clinic a clean and safe environment. In that spirit, we ask that if you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath, that you please stay home. We will be waiving our late cancellation fee while the coronavirus is active.
That does not mean we cannot help you if you are feeling sick!

Please feel free to email us directly at [email protected] to get our suggestions.

We have a portal at Wellevate.com that makes it super easy to order things we carry online.
 

The BART is empty! Trader Joe's isn't giving samples!  Whats going on!! 

I know that you all are thinking about safety during the current coronavirus spread. We are writing today not to alarm you, but to put you more at ease in knowing the steps we are taking at SFIM to keep you safe and healthy. The virus is likely to cause only mild symptoms in most of us, but it is crucial that we all do our part in preventing its spread. 

There are new measures we are now putting into place and have always done to minimize patient risk. Because we have patients of all ages and levels of immunity, we are choosing to use the utmost precaution to make sure you are not exposed when you visit SFIM.
 
CLEANING AT SFIM:

• As always, the practitioners will be thoroughly washing hands before each patient but will also have hand sanitizer for additional use in each room.  Practitioners will be wearing gloves during this time as well. 
• We have obtained a list of disinfectants the EPA has approved that can kill COVID-19 and we will be using those to clean rooms in between patients. 
• We will be thorough in cleaning the rooms including treatment table, face rest, furniture, doorknobs and air between each patient using these disinfectants to reduce risk of exposure. 
• Practitioners and staff will be checking themselves for fever or symptoms and will take time away from clinic as warranted.

 
 VISITING SFIM:

• If a fever is present, we will respectfully ask that you are not seen by practitioners and consider self-quarantine immediately.  Fever is usually the initial presentation of COVID-19 even before the presence of a dry cough.   
• Additionally, please wash your hands upon arrival or we hand sanitizer at the entry or you can use the bathroom sink to wash with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (get that happy birthday song ready). 
• Please stay home if you have a dry cough, shortness of breath or have had a fever in the past 21 days. We will waive the cancellation fee for illness. Inform your physician of your symptoms.
• If you become exposed to anyone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, we humbly ask that you not come to the clinic, (and consider self-quarantine) for 21 days. While many are advising 14 days, there are cases of people spreading it up to 21 days.
• For patients over 50 AND suffering from immunocompromised states such as diabetes, lung issues (COPD/asthma) or other chronic medical issues that may require medications like prednisone which affect one's immune system, we suggest that for your health and safety that you consider not visiting the clinic at this time to minimize your risk. 
• Know that we will be missing anyone who must stay home and will be so happy to see you again after your break!!
• Practitioners will be available for short telemedicine visits and phone consults to let you know what you can do at home for self-care and advise which herbs and supplements would be appropriate for you. We can drop ship supplements or direct you on how to order. Please us call to schedule. 

 
LIFESTYLE AND SUPPLEMENTS TIPS TO BOOST IMMUNITY

• Read our blog on the Coronavirus with  tips and suggestions. 
• Maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Sleep deprivation, stress, excess alcohol or caffeine all decrease immune function. Set yourself up for success with good self-care.
• Nourish your body with healthy whole foods and drink plenty of fluids. These foods can even inhibit the coronavirus.
• Consider stocking up on healthful pantry items such as frozen veggies and berries, frozen meats, poultry and fish, bone broth, soup, nuts, seeds, canned beans, grains and your favorite teas in case you need to spend an extended time at home.

Thanks in advance for your understanding and patience as we navigate implementing best practices during this time. We have immense love and gratitude for each of you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. 

In Health (And sickness)
Elanita and Jennifer