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measure for reducing the risk of illness. Furthermore, in Social Factors/Connection
the case of (viral) infection, implementing these changes • Reduce exposure to interactions perceived as
could significantly offset the severity and sequelae incurred hostile and non-supportive and, at the same time,
from illness. on emphasizing and encouraging time with others
While this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic may who are positive or affirming.
be stressful and have mental-emotional ramifications both • For those people who may be lonely or isolated,
short- and long-term for individuals, practitioners can as well as those who may be at increased risk of
effectively use this time as an opportunity to redirect immune compromise, recommend regular social
patients’ efforts into an evaluation of their current lifestyle connection as a routine.
and motivate to make changes that will reduce the • Ideas might include participating virtually in local
immediate risk from acute viral infection, as well as the community events or in a religious or spiritual group.
long term risk of chronic disease.
This resource is only intended to identify lifestyle
Summary of Clinician Recommendations practices that may boost your immune system. It is not
meant to recommend any treatments, nor have any of
Nutrition these been proven effective against COVID-19. None of
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Aim for these practices are intended to be used in lieu of other
9-13 servings per day of a variety of types for a recommended treatments. Always consult your physician
wide array of phytonutrients to enhance the gut or healthcare provider prior to initiation. For up-to-date
microbiome. information on COVID-19, please consult the Centers for
• Consume dietary fiber, a minimum of 28-35 grams Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/.
daily, preferably from whole foods.
• Eat fermented vegetables or other probiotic- Acknowledgements
containing foods to maintain epithelial health and We would like to thank the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) CEO, Amy R.
gut barrier function. Mack, the IFM COVID-19 Task Force, members of the IFM staff, and consultants
working with IFM for their contributions to this document.
• Reduce or avoid immune offenders such as added
sugars and salt, high-glycemic foods (including References
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60 Integrative Medicine • Vol. 19, No. S1 • Epub Ahead of Print Minich—Nutrition & Lifestyle Practices for Strengthening Host Defense