Protect Yourself During This Coronavirus Pandemic

There’s an old proverb that says: “ When you have health, you have a thousand wishes but when you don’t have health, you only have one.” This saying is very close to my heart because I have been there.

Dr Disha Sridhar

I am a Gynaecologist Obstetrician ( MD, DNB OBGYN )with an emphasis on INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE.

The spread of Coronavirus has brought the sentiment back to us. And before I write anything else I would like to collect and honour all the life-saving steps you are doing to protect you and your loved ones. You may feel isolated and lonely at home but your choice to follow public health guidelines amounts to actively saving lives – not just the elderly but many people around us who have a chronic disease and are at high risk.

I’m so thankful to all of you beautiful people who are a part of the Truhealing community, for putting your own health and the health of your neighbours, above all else. You are making an important difference and I’m very grateful to you. Remember that we are all in this together and you’re not alone.

CORONAVIRUS AND WOMEN’S HORMONES:

The coronavirus doesn’t discriminate and we are all equally susceptible to catching it. While we follow the guidelines to protect ourselves, there are a few external factors which affect our stress response and our overall mental health and sense of well-being. Today I want to go into detail on how your hormones are connected to your immunity. Those of you who are doing the Truhealing protocol can learn how to support your immune system even further, by following these guidelines. Stress management is the second step of the Truhealing protocol, but in today’s situation, it is the first.

1. Manage stress

You can manage your stress well by supporting your stress response system. If you are associated with Truhealing you already know we’re all about stress management. The way to reduce cortisol and increase oxytocin is at the core of Truhealing. Now, this is a naturally anxiety-inducing time and your body may be producing more cortisol. Cortisol, as you know, is the body’s main stress hormone. We are living through a global fight and flight response and of course, our bodies need this extra cortisol. The problem is when the cortisol is high for too long, it can throw the other hormones out of whack and contribute to period problems, fertility issues and other symptoms not to mention the high cortisol suppresses the immune response. The following tips may help in controlling cortisol:

a. Limit the amount of news you take in.

b. Flush excess cortisol by movement, jumping, dancing, yoga, stretching, playing with kids online workout, or even get some vitamin D.

c. Invest in good self-care and loving interactions.

d. Taking adaptogens like Ashwagandha, holy basil or tulsi can help adrenal glands.

2. Balance blood sugar 

Balance your blood sugar by paying attention to stress eating. We really need to practice social distancing from the fridge and the pantry as well :). In times of stress like this, comfort foods are very comforting and there is nothing wrong with finding solace through this. But when we focus on sugary treats or even a lot of junk foods, it can hijack our healthy eating routine.

I want to acknowledge that you might not have regular access to fresh whole food. Frozen options are your friend and here frozen veggies can be used. Even starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes can be used instead of too much of rice. Try including some healthy fats like nuts and seeds in each meal. Lack of access to normal food can be stressful but do your best. 


3. Take care of your mental health

 In stressful times like this sticking to a consistent routine, and a doable schedule can help. Get up on time, take a shower, take care of yourself, do some stretching, schedule phone dates with friends, find constructive projects to do, focus on music, dance, and learn a new skill which can help secrete dopamine and serotonin which can be valuable right now.

4. Practice gratitude

 As you know none of my blogs is complete without gratitude. If there's only one thing that you can take from me that will be gratitude. Gratitude is the best antidote to anxiety. A gratitude-filled morning and evening routine can be an amazing way to protect our mental health.

Sending love, courage and peace to everyone in the Truhealing community and to all around the world. You are wonderful, you are brave and we are all in this together. And we will get through this together. I am here for you.

Dr.Disha

Need more support with your hormones and immunity?

Originally published March 31, 2020 by Dr Disha Sridhar

Book Appointment Chat with us