Symptoms of the Flu Worrying You? Well, See Why You Don't Need to...
Some symptoms of the flu can be beaten with natural remedies and good diet practices. Learn how to help yourself through the sick season.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and that usually means sneezing, coughing, congestion, a sore throat, and, quite possibly, getting “bit” by the symptoms of flu.
This time of year is supposed to be jolly, but for many of us we are forced to deal with illnesses that prevent us from having the most fun at the most festive holiday times. The most baddest bug of all is the flu.
One way to avoid symptoms of the flu is to use natural remedies that can kick up your body’s major defenses against certain viruses. Here are some ways you can avoid catching the holiday “bug” and how you can stay well throughout the rest of the year.
Probe for a Probiotic…
Probiotics have become more “newsworthy” these days because of their super powers to boost your T cells, which are white blood cells that help power your immune system to defeat the flu. A recent study in Postgraduate Medicine showed that people who took a daily probiotic saw their T cell count skyrocket, which made their chances of getting sick much slimmer.
There are some foods out there that do provide you with good probiotics, like yogurt, but in order to make sure you are getting the most benefit from a probiotic, it is best that you take a 60 to 90 milligram tablet every morning to combat the symptoms of the flu.
This will increase your t-cells, and you won’t have to worry about becoming a victim of the latest cold and flu scare.
Embrace More Vitamin D…
Vitamin D is a great friend to keep in your back pocket, especially since it’s so effective in strengthening your bones, fighting inflammation, and energizing your mood to combat flu symptoms.
Recent studies have shown that people with low vitamin D levels are 36 percent more likely to catch respiratory ailments. Studies have also shown that people with more vitamin D in their system at the time they get sick often have faster recovery times. Vitamin D is even knowb for creating a protein called cathelicidin that fights bacteria and viruses.
Often times, it is impossible to get enough vitamin D from foods—even if you eat salmon and dairy products regularly.
If you want to give your immune system a helping hand in the winter months, take at least two vitamin D supplements a day. You can soak up vitamin D naturally in the summer months, however, don’t get too much sun as this can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.
Let Yourself Unwind…
Massages release a lot of tension and stress which can be a blessing to your immune system. It’s been shown that regular 20 minute massages can actually decrease your levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone that can have a negative effect on your immune system.
When you get a massage, this stimulates your nervous system to slow the production of cortisol. This will not only lower your stress levels, but it will actually increase your immune response so you can battle the symptoms of the flu.
So you don’t get sick, make sure you make the time to unwind.
Cut Your Calories…
By even just decreasing your caloric intake by 10%, you can give yourself healthier and more productive T cells.
If you are overweight, this causes your body to release an immune-suppressing compound that decreases the functionality of your immune system.
If you are used to snacking during the day, choose something that is high-protein with few calories and minimal fat. With more protein-powered snacks, you stay fuller longer and help curb some of those highly tempting food cravings.
Another helpful tip to fight off food cravings is to keep a stick of sugar-free gum in your purse or back pocket. Reach for this instead of reaching for a high-calorie afternoon snack.
You can also switch out your mocha for a cup of tea instead. Tea has fewer calories, and some varieties can even help ward off infections.
To also cut your calories, take a 10 minute walk if you feel bored and sluggish. Not only will the exercise lower your calories, but it will also help you lower those stress producing hormones that can fuel the flu.
Even though some would argue that more socializing equals more germs, they would be partly right. However, research has shown that the more you socialize the greater resistance you will have to infectious diseases.
If you are a loner, your immune system pays for it. Lonely people usually have high stress levels, which can have a negative effect on your immune system.
If you think you need more friends, set a goal of meeting at least one new person each month. This way, your social status is on track, and you don’t have to worry about the “stress” hormones that can give those symptoms of the flu more power over your immune system.