COVID-19 is taking 2020 by storm. It feels like a nightmare for many, and we all await more normal days and a return to our regular routines. In the meantime, many are letting fear drive their anxiety to new heights and are behaving in ways they surely once considered unthinkable – by hoarding items, necessary or not, and creating a real challenge for the medical community as they strive to take care of our sick.
Ironically, this anxiety damages our most important defense system: our immunity.
Our body has the strongest immunity when there is harmony both inside and out. Traditional medicine theory believes there are two opposite forces within our body, the Yang energy and the Yin energy. Each in charge of different organs and functions. For example, Yang delivers strong immunity, however too much Yang can cause inflammation.
We can achieve a balance of Yang and Yin through our diet, activities and sleep. Finding harmony between our body and mind and the natural environment around us is important for our health, especially during the seasonal transition phase when our body is more susceptible to toxins such as viruses and bacteria.
In the modern world filled with inconveniences, stress and a hectic pace, the connection between our body and nature is reduced, therefore causing our weakened immune system.
The traditional medicinal theory believes regular detox is important to help our body to regain its balance and harmony. This form of detox is very different than the common belief that detoxing is “going to the bathroom more often.” This detox method is based on the ancient wisdom that believes natural food and herbs can inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria in our body while also building up our immunity. Several foods and herbs are believed to have these abilities and I will focus on those ingredients which are found in Karviva Whole Plant Wellness Detox juice.
- Aronia (chokeberry) is a native North American shrub producing black, purple or red berries. The Aronia berry’s color results from anthocyanins, which are a pigmented class of polyphenols, a natural plant-produced chemical. Aronia polyphenols have a high antioxidant capacity. Aronia has been tested in models of oxidative stress and inflammation, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease risk, cancer, depression, intestinal inflammation, and heavy metal exposure. Although there is still more research to be done, published studies have suggested a potential link between Aronia consumption and its ability to reduce blood sugar, oxidative stress, inflammation, cholesterol, and cellulite.
- The mung bean (Vigna radiata) has been consumed in Far East culture for more than 2,000 years. It is known for its detoxification elements and is used to refresh mentality, alleviate heat stroke, and reduce swelling in the summer. It has been suggested that the high levels of proteins, amino acids, oligosaccharides, and polyphenols in mung beans contribute to high antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor levels.
During these difficult, unprecedented times, it’s important to support our health and immunity as much as possible. The connection between our body and nature is the most important one and we must find that balance to stay healthy.
