74. PREVENT AND HEAL THE CORONAVIRUS

DEAR GRANDMA DONNA: What do we need to do to deal with this coronavirus? Some are being overly-cautious, while others seem unconcerned, so I hope your answer fits everyone. LOVE, SAVANA

DEAR SAVANA: I believe the perfect answer is “build immunity!” A strong immune system is valuable for everyone and for every disease. Even those who have no fear of the new virus, usually have a concern for colds, flu, and more serious diseases of diabetes and heart trouble. The best way any of us can prevent and heal any sickness is with a strong immune system, which can be built “A NATURAL WAY, nine steps that come from the acronym of the title of our column:

A – Attitude. We must look for the positive to avoid the natural response to be fearful. One of the best ways to be positive is to count all the good things in our lives. Another valuable trait is to find ways to help others, which in almost every case, gives us more than we give.

N – Nutrition. Choose foods daily from the Basic 4 Vegan Plant-Food Plan which comes from Genesis 1:29: “every herb bearing seed and every fruit yielding seed.” These foods make up a natural, fiber-filled diet of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Let’s follow the counsel of Hippocrates given in 400 B.C.: “Let food be thy medicine!” To name a few valuable foods: vitamin C foods (oranges, broccoli) provide healing. Vitamin A foods (sweet potatoes, spinach) build the immune system. Vitamin E foods (sunflower seeds, almonds) protect the cells. Calcium (greens and beans) maintains strong bones. Phosphorus (lentils and nuts) help growth and repair. (Check other food values on the Internet.)

A – Fresh Air. Since poor breathing habits reduce vitality, produce depression, anemia and decreased mental capacity, train the body to breathe from the diaphragm and to develop good posture. Throughout the day practice breathing deeply to the count of four, then breathe out just as slowly. Try to live in the most healthful air possible and get plenty of fresh air at night.

T – Temperance. Abstain from every stimulating kind of food and eat moderately of wholesome, simple food. Eat a hearty breakfast to start your day. Eat nothing, while you wait five hours between meals. Strictly limit fats, sweets, and salt and all harmful substances—tobacco, alcohol, caffeine.

U – Unpolluted Water. Drink 8 to 10 cups of water daily before and after meals, but never with meals. Since dehydration causes most illness, this natural antidote helps to keep you well and mentally alert. It lowers your fatigue level and increases your energy level. Soft drinks containing sugar, caffeine, and many other additives actually damage the body.

R – Rest. Every cell and organ in the body from the heart to the kidneys has a rhythm of rest and activity. If you allow that natural rhythm to synchronize as it should, your body will respond with energy that will surprise you. The secret lies in regular hours of sleep, regular times to eat, and regular periods of relaxation and recreation.

E – Exercise. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. After a 5-minute warm-up, walk briskly for 20 minutes to stress your heart to 80 percent of its maximum rate (220 minus age = maximum rate). Exercise increases the efficiency of your mind, lungs, heart, muscles and every part of your body. Endorphins bring a high. A fringe benefit is that extra oxygen creates an environment which starves disease germs.

S – Sunlight. Sunshine is one of the most healing agents in nature. Sunlight makes the skin healthier, builds the immune system, and helps cure diabetes and cancer. Adequate daily amounts of Vitamin D form in the skin with only five minutes exposure to sunlight, using cholesterol in the process. Try to spend time outdoors every sunny day, but don’t burn your skin. (A high-fat diet makes more conducive to sunburn.)

WAY– The “Way” is the trust in God that puts the power behind all these activities and brings success. This is the biggest component in the health equation. Remember, in this age of singing, “I did it my way,” the only plan that really works is “His Way,” which is A NATURAL WAY. This lifestyle builds immunity to help prevent the coronavirus and brings renewed health to all who practice these remedies!

THE ONLY WAY IS A NATURAL WAY! GRANDMA DONNA

BLACK BEAN HAYSTACKS

1 lb black beans

1 lg chopped onion

1 lb tomatoes fresh or canned

1 chopped green pepper

4 cloves minced garlic

1 bay leaf

2 t salt

1 T lemon juice

2 t onion powder

2 t basil

2 c frozen corn

Wash the beans and soak overnight. Pour off the soak water, cover beans with water, bring to a boil and simmer two hours or until tender. When beans are tender, add all ingredients and cook 30 minutes longer. Serve over cooked brown rice. Sprinkle tomatoes, onions and olives on top.