The drug hydroxychloroquine has been used to prevent malaria virus infection and treat autoimmunity for almost 70 years. While generally well tolerated, hydroxychloroquine is a pharmaceutical and like all pharmaceuticals it is not without side effects, some of which can be life-threatening. Recently, the drug has become popularized somewhat controversially as a treatment for symptoms of other viruses. Unfortunately how to use hydroxychloroquine for these symptoms is less well-known. While the drug's effectiveness at addressing the current so-called pandemic is up for debate, there remains a much simpler way to protect ourselves from a viral infection.
Lose weight! As it turns out, overweight Americans, who make up almost 50 percent of the population, are at serious risk for infection, and obesity is the number one risk factor for developing a severe case of viral disease in people under the age of 55. Ironically, as the so-called pandemic progresses, the weight of the average American is increasing. According to researchers, since the current crisis began in mid-march, 76 of Americans have gained up to 16 pounds.
While there's no quick solution to obesity, there are things we can do to begin to drop some weight. Briskly walking up and down a set of stairs once or twice a day can help. Beginning a nutritional supplement program has an appetite suppressant effect. Get a Vitamix and drink veggie juices all day. They're tasty, nourishing and the filling fiber will keep you from snacking and at the same time support bowel elimination and improved immunity and detoxification.
