Health Tips
The New Coronavirus outbreak in China and its subsequent spread worldwide has caused many of us to feel worried and anxious. Some of us might have gotten in a panic mode. All of these feelings are normal in the face of a brand new virus whose behavior seems highly unpredictable.
As world governments started implementing lockdowns and other forms of social distancing measures, cities and towns are becoming like ghost towns. It almost feels surreal that the majority of the world’s population are now faced with a common “enemy” — an insidious enemy that latches on hosts and replicates itself quickly, even if the host doesn’t develop symptoms. In fact, scientists have started to notice that people who don’t have any symptoms or have mild ones could be responsible for more transmission than previously thought. The latest research study found that as many as 86% of infections were undocumented and that, per person, these undocumented infections were 55% as contagious as documented infections.
When it comes to the incubation period, it takes anywhere from 9.1 to 12.5 days from the onset of illness to hospitalization, according to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Anecdotal evidence from China, however, has shown the incubation period can be as long as 27 days. The fact that people without symptoms can pass on the virus makes containment almost impossible.
To prevent the spread of the virus, all of us must observe social distancing measures, wear a mask indoors (except at home) and isolate ourselves as much as possible. Stay home, avoid domestic or international travels, and avoid crowded places. Different countries have issued different protocols. Here in the United States, the latest warning is to avoid events and gatherings of more than 10 people.
Evidence has shown that early actions taken to screen, test and isolate helped flatten the curve and turned the tide of exponential increase in cases (as in South Korea).
Depending on where you live, you may have the option to test for the virus. You may also want to implement stringent protocols in personal hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and properly (check out this article on how). I have learned that medical doctors routinely rub their hands in a circular fashion while washing their hands with soap, and singing “Happy Birthday to Me!” twice (that’s the length of time to ensure a good cleansing).
If you sneeze or cough, remember to cover your mouth with the hollow of your elbow. If someone sneezes or coughs, walk away to a distance of at least 1 meter, or 3 feet. This is how far the virus can travel in droplets before it falls on the ground. Remember to wipe your hands and objects that have touched the floor or any surfaces outside your home with 70% alcohol wipes.
Masks are universally accepted in Asia where people have had lots of experience dealing with epidemics (such as SARS). But elsewhere, such as in the United States, people generally have a stigma against those who wear masks. They believe the latter are sick and contagious, rather than just trying to avoid getting sick. Indeed, masks do more to keep your bugs away from others than vice versa. But, during the 1918 influenza pandemic, despite the medical profession’s insistence that they were useless, the epidemic began its decline in the U.S. as soon as people started wearing masks. The N95 mask, which is normally used as a dust mask (known as a respirator), can ward off smaller-sized particles than regular surgical masks. But the regular surgical mask will do the trick if worn properly. Check out this video on how to wear a surgical mask properly. Also, please read the logical reasons behind wearing masks in this very well-informed article. In addition, check out this scientific study on the usefulness of wearing masks.
Note that the conventional warning from doctors and public health officials against warning masks while you are healthy, was issued more for the sake of saving the stockpile for healthcare professionals, which is legitimate. I’m not saying that you should stockpile them, but in case you have some and want to wear them while conducting essential business in public, I want you to know that you should not feel ashamed of doing so. As an Asian, I have received discriminatory looks and slurs while wearing a mask to protect myself. In case you have an issue with people wearing masks, I urge you to watch this video.
All the measures recommended here are not only for ourselves and the family members we live with, but should be taken for the sake of those in our community who have compromised immune systems or have chronic illnesses. We don’t want to unknowingly pass the virus to others, and we don’t want our hospitals to be overwhelmed, leaving the vulnerable with no chance to be treated.
The subject of health has never been felt as acutely as now. Having a robust immune system has proven to be extremely important. Keep eating right and exercising according to your blood type/GenoType. Manage your stress level by having adequate rest, sleep and quiet time.
Below are a few natural ways to boost your anti-viral capacity (credit to Dr. Peter D’Adamo and Dr. Ginger Nash for sharing these tips):
Astragalus
Astragalus is the first choice for strengthening the body’s ability to fight the virus. Avoid echinacea.
Stinging Nettle
The lectin in Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root can help ward off coronavirus (Read reference paper here). Genoma EQ contains this and other synergistic herbs that can help boost your defense against the Coronavirus.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Perhaps this is a reason why the severe cases drop in warmer weather. In any case, it can’t hurt to get outside when it’s sunny or, lacking that, pop a vitamin D pill or take some cod liver oil.
Selenium
Selenium feeds into the process that produces glutathione, a molecule essential for a proper immune defense. High dietary selenium areas in Africa have much less HIV, HCV and Ebola infection rates. A selenomethionine supplement the provides 150-200mcg selenium might be a simple way to increase overall resistance. This supplement is what I will be taking to boost my immune defense.
Fresh garlic and onion
Eat plenty of them as they are antiviral.
Elderberry
Great for its antiviral activities. I recommend Proberry Caps and Proberry 3 Liquid as excellent sources of elderberry.
Green Tea & Broccoli Sprouts
Green tea and broccoli sprouts can help enhance our antioxidant defense ability and protect us from the virus. Dr. Peter D’Adamo has explained that the reason why older people are more prone to getting infected by the virus is that their antioxidant defenses have dropped as they aged. The very young, by contrast, “have premium antioxidant defenses. Not only are their antioxidant levels higher, but they also work much better.” Studies have shown that green tea EGCG and sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprouts “significantly decreased IL-6 and markers of viral replication… in subjects inoculated with the live attenuated influenza virus vaccine.”
Avoid Ultra Processed Foods
Lastly, avoid refined sugar, alcohol and highly processed foods. Sugar suppresses immunity significantly.
Warning
In case you are infected with the virus and are having symptoms, do not take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, cortisone, etc. This is a warning from France’s health minister, Olivier Véran, who is a qualified doctor and neurologist. He said that In case of fever, take paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen, or the brand Tylenol). “If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice,” he said.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can negatively affect our ability to fight diseases. So, as much as you can, take time every day for relaxation and self-care, to recenter yourself from the dizzying and chaotic world out there. If you have access to an open area in Nature, take a walk, get some sunshine and fresh air every day, away from the crowds.
Other Resources
If you are curious about using Traditional Chinese Medicine to prevent and treat COVID-19, you may want to head over to this site to read all about it.
Dr. D’Adamo has been testing various drugs, food lectins and natural antiviral products to check their ability to inhibit Coronavirus activity. If you are interested, head over to this page.
Lastly, if you are searching for herbal supplements you can trust to boost your immune system, Dr. D’Adamo recommends this Resistance Pack, which he takes every day now during this pandemic.
Silver Lining
I’d like to think of this crisis as an opportunity. Life as we knew it is changing rapidly, and it may change permanently for some of us — for good or for bad. Some of the changes may be positive. While at home, try to take this time to refocus your priorities in life. With the extra time we have, we can turn inwards and reflect on what is most important in life. Will health become your No. 1 priority going forward? How about your relationship with family members?
We can spend more time with our family, and if face-to-face visits aren’t feasible, set up video chats instead. Besides home entertainment, perhaps we can take up some activities that we did not have a chance to do before, or even learn a few new things, such as how to cook for your optimal health.
In solidarity, we shall walk through this challenging time, and hopefully, we will come out of it stronger, with a renewed perspective and sense of purpose.
Stay healthy and safe!
Post Script:
This article was originally published on March 17, 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic. A lot of what we know about Coronavirus has been updated, but the fundamental good practices suggested in this article still hold true, with the exception that transmission of the virus through fomite, or droplets on surfaces, is much less significant than initially thought. Scientists have found out that COVID19 is mainly transmitted through aerosols. In addition, numerous variants have popped up since the beginning of the pandemic, some of which are extremely contagious. Vaccines have proven to be very effectively in reducing the risks of severe infection and death. Personally, I received two doses of the Moderna vaccines and feel a lot safer going about my daily life. However, I still wear a mask anywhere people congregate. It’s my belief that public health measures like these are non-negotiable in a deadly pandemic such as the current one. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the virus, and it’s very likely it will be endemic like the influenza, I still believe that we should do the best we can to preserve our health and life, as well as that of others in our family and community.
Food Shopping, Health Tips, Nutrition
For over 40 years, the fear of saturated fat was widespread in the United States as a result of the previous U.S. Dietary Guidelines urging us to limit its consumption. This dietary advice was based on the assumption that saturated fat raises the risk of heart disease. However, a 2014 article in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded there is no evidence to support the notion that saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease.
Suddenly, fat was like a prisoner who had been given a life sentence but released on new evidence that proved its innocence. Saturated fat like coconut oil, and monounsaturated fat like the oil found in avocados, nuts and other vegetable sources, became the “fad fats” overnight.
In fact, some diets, like the increasingly popular Keto Diet, promotes the concept of “eat fat and burn fat.”
Some of you may have tried to load up on fat based on this concept but found that it didn’t work for you. What gives?
Well, if you apply the lens of bio-individuality, it turns out that this motto only just applies to Types O and B, but not Types A and AB, because the former enjoys a high level of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), an enzyme in the digestive tract that helps to break down fat and protein, whereas the latter has a very low level of that. You can read more about this here.
The type of fat matters. For Types O and B, who benefit from a higher proportion of fat in their diet than the other two blood groups, 100% grassfed red meat is a good choice, as it contains a higher level of an unsaturated fatty acid known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps to burn fat, whereas feedlot-raised beef is much less efficient in this regard. Grassfed beef is particularly beneficial for Type O, acting like medicine, whereas it is neutral for Type B. Type B can enjoy grassfed lamb, which acts like medicine for them.
Ghee is a good fat to include in your diet, as it has gut-healing qualities. In addition, it has an elevated level of CLA, which is thought to have anti-cancer properties. Ghee increases the intestinal microbiome for all blood types, is beneficial for the Non-secretors under Type B and AB, neutral for the rest, and beneficial for all GenoTypes. It is actually quite simple to make ghee at home. I teach it in my online cooking course. Click here to access the course.
Another oil that is good for all is olive oil. When in doubt, always go for olive oil. There has been concerns of olive oil having a low smoke point and hence unsafe for certain cooking methods. However, a recent study has found that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) displayed a high level of oxidative stability, producing lower levels of trans fats and other byproducts when compared with other oils that had higher smoke points.
If you do want to use oil that has a higher smoke point, I would recommend rice bran oil, which has a really high smoke point (232 °C/450°F). I like using it for stir-frying or the occasional deep-frying and even for baking, as it has a neutral taste and works great in all types of dishes. Rice bran oil is beneficial for Type A Non-secretors, Type B Secretors and all Type O, neutral for the rest. If you follow the GenoType system, it is beneficial for all except Warrior (avoid). It may be difficult to find rice bran oil in your local supermarket. I usually order it online. Here is my favorite brand.
One oil that I would suggest you drop is canola oil. While it is neutral for Types A, AB and O Secretors, and an avoid for Types B and O Non-secretors, the process by which it is produced presents many risks to our health. Most canola oil these days is partially hydrogenated which creates trans fat in the final oil product. The process of hexane solvent extraction in the making of this oil creates further trans fat, not to mention that the chemical hexane is a neurotoxin.
What about butter? For years, it has been demonized and margarine has been the fat of choice for those who want to avoid heart disease. However, butter’s reputation has been redeemed somewhat by the above-mentioned Annals of Internal Medicine article. In fact, butter made a comeback after Mark Bittman published his column in The New York Times, “Butter is Back.” While butter is not necessarily the demon that it had once been portrayed, and margarine isn’t as angelic as it once was deemed, butter is still something that you would want to eat sparingly—unless you are a Hunter, Teacher or Nomad (per GenoType system), for whom butter is beneficial. It is an avoid for Types A and AB, as well as Explorer and Warrior, and neutral for Types B and O, as well as Gatherer. When eating butter, choose grassfed butter over conventional butter. Better still, use grassfed ghee or clarified grassfed butter whenever possible.
As for coconut oil, it has become extremely popular in recent years due to the popularization of the Keto Diet and its promotion by certain natural health practitioners. But it might be helpful for you to learn why it isn’t such a great source of fat for the majority of people—except for Type O Non-secretors, for whom coconut oil is only neutral, as well as Teachers and Nomads, for whom it is beneficial. (Note: Type O Non-secretors make up about 20% of the Type O population, who in turn make up about 44% of the U.S. population.) You can read more about the biochemical reasons why coconut oil is not recommended for most people here.
Below are some articles about margarine and plant-based butter that might interest you:
A Brief History of Margarine
The origin of margarine
Plant-based butter
Health Tips
While Gluten-Free, Grain-free, Paleo and Low-Carb diets are all the rage, they may work for some and not others. These diets emphasize cutting out grains and starch from your diet. Unless you are diagnosed to have Celiac Disease, you don’t necessarily have to cut out all gluten from your diet. And not all grains or carbs are bad for you. Some people do well on grains while others don’t. Some can tolerate more carbs while others can’t metabolize them efficiently. It all depends on your bio-individuality.
Click here to watch my video on the Blood Type Diet’s Perspective on the Gluten-Free Diet.
It is very important to know what works for you, and therefore I suggest you to study which grains are right for you by looking at the food lists in the “Eat Right 4 Your Type” book or the online Food Value database.
In general, Type A individuals, followed by Type AB, can digest grains and carbs better than Type B and Type O, with Type O on the lowest scale of the tolerance spectrum.
When it comes to individual grains, there are some that are OK for all blood types: amaranth, quinoa, brown rice, oat and spelt. If you are Type O Non-secretors, which make up about 20% of Type O, however, you should avoid oat and spelt.
By contrast, there are grains that contain a high level of gluten, such as wheat, and are not easily digested and assimilated by most people. The issue is further complicated by lectins, which could clump up our blood and cause problems. The problematic lectin in wheat is known as “wheat germ agglutinin,” or WGA, which tends to cause a lot of problems for people.
There are also issues with the use of glyphosate in the wheat crop that could cause health problems in any blood type. So, I generally advise people–especially if you are living in the United States–to avoid wheat totally. People in Europe don’t seem to report the same issues though. Some claim that it is due to the lack of hybridization. Others believe that’s due to more stringent regulation of glyphosate. In 2015, the World Health Organisation’s cancer agency, the IARC, declared glyphosate “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Unfortunately, the EU passed a five-year lease for glyphosate late last year, and the future of how wheat production will be affected is uncertain.
Unless you are Type A and AB Secretors, for whom whole wheat is neutral, all other blood types should avoid it. And in my opinion, everyone should just avoid white flour (processed and refined from wheat) due to the lack of nutrients and the abundance of all the above-mentioned problematic components. In different blood types, wheat may exacerbate different ailments that each type is prone to. Take a look at my video that talks about how each blood type is affected by wheat.
In any case, if you are going to eat wheat, there are two great options you can choose: go for sprouted wheat, as the lectins are broken down so they won’t affect your digestion; or go for spelt, an ancient form of wheat that is much easier to digest.
If you are new to the Blood Type Diet and want to learn how it can help you get healthier, please subscribe to my newsletter by filling in the form below:
Health Tips, Healthy Habits
What do you usually eat for breakfast? Do you like to eat bread, toasts, bagels, muffins, pop-tarts, pancakes, waffles or commercial breakfast cereals?
Do you find yourself suddenly tired and hungry, and searching for a snack in the middle of the morning, way before your lunch break?
Your mood may change at this time. Maybe you feel anxious, irritated or angry (“hangry”).
All of these are symptoms of a sugar crash, and that’s because you have eaten mainly refined carbohydrates for breakfast, which causes your insulin secretion to shoot up and drop quickly not long afterwards.
This kind of sugar crash, if repeated over a long period of time, wrecks havoc to our metabolism and could lead to insulin resistance, which is a leading factor behind developing Type 2 Diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
If you can relate to the above symptoms of a sugar crash and wonder what you should have for breakfast, please check out my video below: http://bit.ly/erc_video_bf_sugarcrash
One of my suggestions for a quick-and-easy way to enjoy a well-balanced breakfast is to drink a protein smoothie with fruits, vegetables, blood type-specific protein powder and good fats. You can download my “Eat Right Chef Protein Smoothie” recipe here: http://bit.ly/eatrightchef_smoothie
If you want to get tips on how to get rid of sugar from your diet, click here to get my “9 tips on Sugar Cleanse“: http://bit.ly/erc_sugarcleansetips
If you are new to the Blood Type Diet and want to learn how it can help you get healthier, please subscribe to my newsletter by filling in the form below:
Health Coaching, Health Tips, Healthy Habits
Diabetes runs in my mother’s side of the family, so I am very aware of the possibility that I might get it too. Already in my 20s, I experienced hypoglycemia and frequently felt light-headed and dizzy when I hit blood sugar lows. I wasn’t aware at that time that hypoclycemia was a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes.
Luckily I started eating right according to the Blood Type Diet and SWAMI in my mid-30s and I am confident that I’ll be able to prevent it. In fact, it is possible to reverse diabetes even if you have it.
Recently, my mother’s diabetic conditions had worsened and became highly unstable, often reaching 170-200mg/dL even when fasting. Working with her to tweak her meals, exercise and sleep regime, her blood sugar level dropped drastically so that it hovers around 110-120mg/dL before meal. This took place within a two-week window and her level has stabilized since. She had been skeptical of eating according to her blood type and resisted properly following it for two years since I introduced it to her. Finally she is following my instructions to a tee (and of course, eating what I cook for her sometimes) and is surprised to see the benefits. Most important of all, she realizes that she doesn’t have to rely on drugs the rest of her life and is motivated to continue healing her body by food and lifestyle changes.
Check out the video below to find out how I guided her to turn her diabetic conditions around:
Watch the video here: bit.ly/erc_diabetesvideo
For the complete Diabetes protocol, check out this book by Dr. Peter D’Adamo:
Diabetes: Fight It With The Blood Type Diet
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