Flu season begins in the fall and lasts until spring. True flu usually strikes mid winter; however, other
types of viruses, such as parainfluenza virus, thrive on changing weather conditions and are more likely to come to town when the weather chills in the fall and suddenly warms in the spring. While flu shots are the mainline defense against this annual menace, there are many natural remedies that can strengthen the body’s resistance to the virus, making it harder to become infected.
Three proven approaches can boost your immune system, they include eating a healthy diet, getting proper exercise, and avoiding stress. When planning an immune boosting diet you should eat lots of antioxidants, avoid exposure to oxidants, and be sure to correct marginal nutrient deficiencies. Healthy anti-oxidant diets include frequent servings of fish, such as salmon, which is rich in omega-3-fatty acids, olive oil, which is rich in mono-saturated fats, and lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You should avoid excessive use of margarine as it contains unhealthy forms of fat. Be sure to get enough micronutrients in your diet. Micronutrients are essential for many of the body’s chemical reactions that keep the immune system running. The typical American diet, for example, is often deficient in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Exercise is a proven immune system booster. As little as 20-30 minutes of brisk walking 5 times of week has been shown in scientific studies to help improve the body’s immune response. Regular exercising also improves mental well being. Regular aerobic exercises, for example, have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.
Stress can wear down the immune system. Stress can not only contribute to the development of fatigue, difficulties in memory, aches, pains, and sleep problems, it is also a proven deleterious influence on the immune system. Whenever possible avoid people and situations that lead to stress. Guided imagery that makes the practitioner focus on soothing, calming settings has been shown to improve the immune system’s ability to battle disease.
Above and beyond the three basic immune boosting steps, there are many herbal preparations that can boost your immunity. According to the University of Maryland website, garlic may reduce the risk of contracting flu, Spirulina, (blue-green algae many have immune boosting properties, echniacea boosts the immune system and helps fight infection and zinc is essential for a properly functioning immune system.
Other herbs and mushrooms that boost the immune system include, Shiitake mushroom, Golden Needle mushroom, Agaricus mushroom, Hericium, Wolfberry, and Ganoderma.
Getting ready for the flu season is like preparing for any other project in life. If you make responsible plans ahead of time, to protect yourself from the virus when it comes to town, you will be sure to have the best possible outcome. I wish you a safe and healthy winter.
references
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and- flu/9-tips-to-treat-colds-and- flu-the-natural-way
http://www.wtvq.com/health/ 537-boost-your-immune-system- to-fight-the-flu