Fight the Flu Naturally – Smart Ways to Feel Better Faster!
For most people, having the flu typically means you’ll be in bed and out of work for at least a week while it runs its course. Since the flu is a virus, antibiotics won’t help you get over it faster. They are only required if you have an infection present.
A good way to tell if you have an infection is to check the color of your mucous when you blow your nose or cough. If it’s persistently green or yellow in color, you may need an antibiotic to fight the infection. If not, you’ll need plenty of rest, fluids, and downtime to get over it. Right before Christmas this year, my son had a cold so I started him on extra Vitamin C and D immediately. Poor old mom didn’t know he had the flu, so I wasn’t careful about keeping my hands washed when I cleaned up behind him. So this year, we both had the Christmas flu. The good news is that we’re both feeling a lot better now because we took proactive steps to fight the flu. If you think you have the flu, see if some of these tips won’t help you too! Smart Ways to Fight the Flu Naturally
However, increase the dosage at the first sign of illness to 10,000 IU for adults to fight the flu. Higher doses have been used in medical studies without ill effects, but 10,000 IU is currently the highest recommended dosage. If you’re not better after a few days, you may want to consider increasing your vitamin D intake. Also, if you have a sore throat, try vitamin D3 gummies Broth and Juice Consume plenty of clear liquids that will provide nourishment. This includes chicken or vegetable broth and diluted fruit or vegetable juices. Lemon Water Drink warm water with organic lemon juice. Add a couple tablespoons of lemon juice per glass of warm water to make lemon water. The citrus helps thin mucus, which allows you to expel infected mucus more easily and provides vitamin C, which your body needs to fight infection. Natural Defense Add a dash of cayenne pepper and real maple syrup Apple Cider Vinegar Drink warm water with apple cider vinegar and real maple syrup. Natural apple cider vinegar Natural apple cider vinegar Goldenseal and Echinacea Drink liquid Goldenseal Chicken Soup Chicken soup is an old fashioned but effective way to fight the flu. You can stick with grandma’s recipe or try a chicken coconut curry soup. Coconut milk is extremely nourishing and curry will help your body expel thick, excess mucus. Chicken Curry Coconut Soup Heat to simmer Add NAC Supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of flu-like symptoms. NAC is form of the amino acid cysteine. In an Italian study, two hundred and sixty-two men and women were asked to take 600 mg of NAC The overall frequency of patients suffering from influenza-like episodes was significantly lower in those who were taking NAC than in placebo-treated subjects. Of those subjects with laboratory-confirmed flu antibodies, only 25 percent of the NAC group developed symptoms, compared with 79 percent of the placebo group. N-acetylcysteine also increased the activity of the immune system, encouraging a more vigorous response to infection. Take 600 IU NAC Garlic Garlic has antiviral and antifungal qualities and has long been known as a natural remedy. It contains allicin, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and kill some germs on contact. Garlic If you want to fight the flu, consume between 1 and 2 whole cloves of garlic each day. Consuming more than this is fine but this amount of garlic will provide all the immune system benefits needed. Taking a large dose of garlic supplements Garlic tea will also soothe a sore throat and cough. To make it, follow this simple recipe. Garlic Tea Finely chop one clove of garlic. Fine chopping garlic activates the allicin that is effective for fighting cold and flu viruses. Add the chopped garlic to boiling water and allow to steep for several minutes. Cool the tea before drinking. For best taste allow the tea to cool somewhat but don't drink it cold. The taste is best when slightly warm. Drink one cup each day during the winter months or when cold and flu symptoms begin. Yogurt Eating yogurt containing active culture probiotics Probiotics New evidence suggests that probiotics can aid immune function can prevent cold and flu viruses when consumed regularly. Digestive enzymes Elderberry Elderberry Orange Fruits and Veggies Fruit and vegetables that are orange in color contain Beta Carotene Humidifiers When the air around you is cold and dry, your body cannot get rid of excess mucous which is usually present with colds or flu. Help fight the flu faster by simply adding a humidifier Tea Green tea Hot Apple Cider Hot apple cider may not help you fight the flu per sae, but it can be very soothing to sore throats and help ease the chills associated with the flu. Add allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves to it for more health benefits! Mushrooms Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms help your body produce more white blood cells. They also have antiviral and antifungal properties. They contain lentinan, a polysaccharide that helps activate your immune systems' fighting T cells. Whole Grains Oats and barley contain beta glucan, which locates and expels bad bacteria from your body. Vitamin C Vitamin C encourages the growth of antibodies and helps build immunity. The best way to get it is to eat fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C. Consume more broccoli, kale, bell peppers, strawberries, turnip greens, cantaloupe, kiwi, spinach, parsley, oranges, lemons and grapefruits. When you are trying to fight the flu, you may want to stick with vitamin C supplements Olive Leaf Extract Olive Leaf exract Beef Beef contains zinc which is important to the production of your bodies production of white blood cells. A slight zinc deficiency can increase your risk of infection so make sure you are getting adequate amounts. Spices Turmeric and Cinnamon help support and keep your immune system strong. Exercise When you’re beginning to get over the flu, remember that moving helps to flush the toxins out of your body faster. Consistent and moderate exercise can help boost your body's immunity. When you’re exercising your body’s white blood cells move more quickly, which helps to target any virus or germs in your body. Rest and Sleep Sleep is an important part of staying healthy but is vital when you need to fight the flu. Make sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. People vary on the amount they need but 8 hours should be a sufficient amount. Lack of sleep can lower your immunity and leave you susceptible to sickness. Water Your body is primarily composed of water so be sure to drink plenty of water to flush out germs and keep you well hydrated. Stress Long term stress can suppress your immunity so be sure to include things in your day that will help you relax. Help relieve stress by reading a book, taking a warm bath, watching a favorite movie, or going for a short walk. Thymus Your thymus is located in the front of the upper chest and acts like a nursery for the development of fighter T cells. Tap your thymus every day to boost their production. Grapefruit and Ginger Grapefruit seed extract Whatever you do to fight the flu, be sure to stay home until you feel better. Flu spreads quickly and easily when you don’t take care of yourself first. You also risk infecting other people around you and that can quickly cause a flu epidemic. Related Pages Seasonal Allergies on the Rise – It isn't Just You, Achoo! The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar The H1N1 Influenza Virus – Coming Soon to a Theater Near You Stay Healthy and Enjoy More of Your Life! Related Products
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