Strengthen Your Immune System and Prevent Flu
Flu can be very distressing; hence it is necessary to prevent flu from occurring. Like most diseases, one of the best ways to prevent flu infection is to boost the immune system. The immune system defends the body against diseases and other harmful invaders, including bacteria and the flu virus. The body’s ability to protect against these invaders is called immunity. Strengthening one’s immunity is the most effective protective measure against illnesses, most especially flu. Below is a list of some tips which can help prevent flu infection by boosting the immune system: Proper Hygiene to prevent the flu: Flu is a highly contagious disease. It can be transferred from person to person in various ways–inhalation droplets, direct transmission and indirect transmission –and therefore, can be easily spread throughout a given population. Flu virus can enter the body through the air that we breathe; but more commonly, it is transmitted from one person to another by touching either a sick person directly or touching inanimate objects that are contaminated by the flu virus. Hence, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests health habits to prevent flu, such as: frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap and water or with an antiseptic solution and the avoidance of touching face, eyes, nose and mouth especially in public areas.Healthy Diet: The food we eat largely affects our health and as well as our immune system. Some of the “immune-enhancing foods” are meats, poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables (raised organically and chemical-free). Fresh fruits and vegetables contain high quantities of antioxidants and vitamin C which are identified to be immune-system boosters; therefore, consuming these kinds of food is very essential. Probiotics also take part in building the body’s capability to fight off infection; and eating mushrooms have been proven to stimulate the immune system and improve immune-competent cell activities. Coconut oil on the other hand contains lauric acid and monolaurin which have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-protozoal properties and can damage lipid-coated viruses such as influenza. Ample Sleep: A relaxing and adequate amount of sleep also plays a role in promoting a healthy and well functioning immune system. Sleep gives the body time to restore damaged tissues and renew energy stores. Current studies have shown that proper and restful sleep is intimately tied to the balance of a sum of hormones, most remarkably cortisol and melatonin. Sufficient levels of these hormones are necessary to a properly functioning immune system.Reduced Stress Levels is a great natural flu remedy: Almost all illnesses can be associated to stress. A stressed person is prone to a wide range of health problems including heart illnesses, cancer, lung ailments and mental illnesses. Excessive stress also weakens the immune system and increases the risk for infection or viral and/or bacterial invasion.
