est. 1995
A global publication for all things lifestyle & good health.
What to Do When You’re
Exposed or Sick
A Natural, Grounded Response Plan for the Moment You Need It Most
Summary:
When you’ve just been exposed to someone who’s sick — or you’re starting to feel symptoms yourself — timing is everything. The first 24–48 hours are critical for supporting your body’s natural defenses and minimizing the severity or duration of illness.
Here’s a powerful, evidence-informed response plan:
1. Don’t Panic. Shift to Calm and Proactive
Fear and stress suppress immune function. The moment you learn of exposure or feel that first symptom, take a breath and mentally shift into support mode. Your body is equipped to respond — your job is to assist it, not suppress it.
2. Hydrate, Rest, and Regulate
- Pure water with trace minerals or sea salt (like Baja Gold)
- Warm herbal teas (ginger, echinacea, lemon balm, thyme)
- Increase sleep and remove overstimulation (screens, stress, sugar)
3. Targeted Natural Antivirals and Antibacterials
Start at the first sign of exposure or symptoms:
- Zinc (with food): 25–50 mg daily short-term
- Vitamin C: 2,000–5,000 mg/day in divided doses
- Quercetin: 250–500 mg twice daily (enhances zinc absorption)
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine): 600 mg twice daily (mucus & antioxidant support)
- Oil of oregano, olive leaf, berberine, or andrographis (for pathogen support)
4. Support Fever, Don’t Suppress It
A fever is your body’s natural tool to kill viruses and bacteria. Avoid Tylenol or ibuprofen unless absolutely necessary. Instead, support the process with:
- Warm baths or warming socks
- Herbal sweats (e.g., elderflower, yarrow, peppermint)
- Rest, hydration, and observation
5. Mucosal and Lung Support
If symptoms move into the sinuses or chest:
- Nebulized glutathione or hydrogen peroxide (diluted) with iodine
- Steam inhalations with eucalyptus or thyme
- Dry brushing and gentle movement to stimulate lymph flow
- Avoid dairy and mucous-forming foods
6. Support Drainage and Detox
When the body fights, it needs to clear the debris:
- Castor oil packs over the liver or abdomen
- Binders like activated charcoal, bentonite clay, or zeolite
- Light sweating (sauna, hot bath, movement)
- Lymphatic massage or gentle rebounding
7. Natural Therapies That Can Accelerate Recovery
- LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy): e.g., Erchonia PL5
- Scalar wave sessions or PEMF therapy
- Homeopathy (e.g., Oscillococcinum, Aconite, Gelsemium)
- High-dose vitamin C IV therapy (under supervision)
8. Food as Medicine
Focus on:
- Bone broth, garlic, turmeric, ginger, leafy greens
- Fermented foods for microbiome support
- Avoid sugar, alcohol, and processed foods — they feed pathogens and suppress immunity
9. Follow-Up: Don’t Rush Recovery
Even when you start to feel better, your immune system is still working behind the scenes. Continue support for 7–10 days post-recovery:
- Light nourishment
- Gentle movement
- Sleep and parasympathetic support
- Emotional calm and gratitude
10. Prevent Recurrence
- Explore root causes (e.g., mold, viral reactivation, adrenal fatigue)
- Support terrain (minerals, sunshine, movement, microbiome)
- Address chronic exposures (EMFs, toxins, mold, inflammatory foods)
Remember:
Symptoms aren’t the enemy. They’re messages from your body. Your job isn’t to silence them — it’s to listen and support healing at the source.