A year ago, when we were still living a ‘normal’ life, some of the health topics most searched for on the Internet included the keto diet and how to eliminate hiccups or kidney stones. Of course, those were our concerns prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that radically changed our priorities and instilled a sense of urgency.

Now in 2020, several of the main topics most often looked for revolve around or are directly related to COVID-19. We are ALL concerned about the novel virus, and information continues to change so quickly that we need to be on permanent alert.

Let's look at the health issues that have most frequently occupied our minds and keyboards. Of course, we’ll also provide natural remedies for each one.

COVID-19

Questions related to the virus that put us on hold this year have undoubtedly kept us on our toes with each passing day. Unfortunately, the Internet lends itself to everything – the good, the bad and the ugly. There are as many responsible and serious sites that only publish information authorized by agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as there are millions of portals with misinformation spreading false methods and solutions toted as ‘miracles’ that only end up causing serious harm and endangering the lives of many unsuspecting people.

Our suggestions:

• So far, there is NO natural or even chemical cure that is infallible in fighting the virus. If you read or hear about a ‘magical’ solution, no matter who is saying it, please know that there is no scientific validation to prove it, and the potential side effects can be serious and possibly fatal.

• In addition to hygiene and personal care measures, boosting the immune system is key to preventing and fighting COVID-19 and other diseases. Vitamins C and D, melatonin and zinc are part of preventive protocols and complementary treatments that can be used to strengthen the body in the fight against this virus. That is the reason why we include them in our immune support packages.

Diabetes

Diabetes is closely linked to COVID-19 because, as we now know, it represents a comorbidity risk factor for people who acquire the novel virus. Unfortunately, many people are affected. The CDC reports more than 30 million people in the US have diabetes while some 88 million have pre-diabetes (one in four young adults, 19-34 years old, and half of all people over 65 years old). Most of them do not even know it.

Our suggestions:

• Nopal, which can lower blood glucose thanks to its fiber and other nutrients.

• Jamaica tea also helps with regulating blood sugar while supporting other diabetes-related problems such as blood pressure, heart health and digestive function.

Hemorrhoids

They are such a common, uncomfortable and, for many people, embarrassing problem - although they really shouldn't be. More than half of Americans under 50 suffer from hemorrhoids at some point. It is caused by the inflammation of the tissue in the area around the anus due to changes in the process of expelling feces, such as constipation or diarrhea. It can also occur when lifting excessive weight or during pregnancy.

Our suggestions:

• Adding fiber to your diet, drinking more water and losing weight can help avoid hemorrhoids.

• To reduce discomfort, including itching and pain, use wipes and liquid or witch hazel soap, which is a powerful and natural anti-inflammatory.

• Our Holy Turmeric Remedy can also help by fighting off the body’s overall inflammation.

Cholesterol

Many of this year's cholesterol searches on the Internet have also been out of concern for COVID-19, since this presents yet another risk factor. People with no adverse health conditions should have their cholesterol measured starting at age 20, and at minimum every five years after that, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. After being confronted with a new virus and discovering the importance of reducing health risks, it’s more important than ever to ensure we are building strong and healthy daily habits.

Our suggestions:

• Improve your diet and start an exercise program.

• Eat foods such as carrots, which promote good cholesterol or HDL and help reduce bad cholesterol or LDL thanks to all the antioxidants it contains – most notably vitamin A.

• Red yeast rice, a natural remedy for lowering LDL, is as effective as statins but without the adverse side effects.

Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Bronchitis occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and produce mucus. However, antibiotics are usually not needed the way they are for pneumonia despite the symptoms being similar. Pneumonia indicates an infection in the lungs. In order to determine which condition is afflicting you, if you have even the slightest suspicion of having either, you will need to immediately see a doctor in person or online. Especially in these times when COVID-19 has developed into what doctors refer to as a ‘silent pneumonia,’ making it even more difficult to quickly diagnose.

Our suggestions:

• Drink ginger and turmeric tea with honey in addition to any medicine or treatment provided by the doctor. Both ginger and turmeric help decrease airway inflammation, while honey helps soothe coughs (one of the most troublesome symptoms).

• Quercetin can be a good supplement in supporting lung health, since this antioxidant promotes healthy respiratory tissues and helps loosen up any attached mucus.

The confidence and support we need to address health issues is provided and backed by scientific research. When looking for additional information on the Internet, search for reliable sites that quote sources like the FDA or the CDC. Otherwise, you are literally risking your life. Web browsing can be an excellent tool, so long as we do it correctly.

Let's be healthier, together!

Your friends at Santo Remedio

References
https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-en-espanol
https://www.cdc.gov/Spanish/
https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-en-espanol/preguntas-frecuentes-sobre-la-enfermedad-del-coronavirus-2019-covid-19
COVID-19 Risk Factors
https://espanol.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
Diabetes
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/es/topic/diabetes
Hemorrhoids
https://www.healthline.com/health/es/remedios-caseros-para-las-hemorroides#aloe-vera
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/es/323883#tratamientos
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/sp/for-patients/common-illnesses/bronchitis.html
Quercetin Attenuates Acute Lung Injury Caused by Cigarette Smoke Both In Vitro and In Vivo
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32237913/