Viruses have always been a part of life, but now more than ever they seem to be lurking around every corner. With flu season in full swing and Covid-19 still active, it’s important that we all take steps to reduce our risk of infection. But with so much conflicting advice, what natural solutions can actually protect us from viruses?
In this article, we’ll look at some evidence-based, easy-to-implement strategies that have been proven to help prevent viral infections such as colds and flus, and even gastroenteritis. We’ll look at how to give your immune system the boost it needs to fight off these unwanted infections before they wreak havoc on your health!
The 4 pillars of a healthy immune system.
Food:
The first step to protect yourself from viruses is to strengthen your immune system. One of the most effective ways to achieve this naturally is through a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in vitamins C, D and E as well as zinc has been shown to improve immune function and help prevent infections. Foods such as oranges, sweet potatoes, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, and nuts are especially beneficial for providing the nutrients needed for optimal immunity. Additionally, increasing the consumption of probiotics may help regulate the gut microbiome, which may also improve overall health and reduce the risk of infection from viruses.
physical exercise:
Exercise is another key part of any virus prevention plan. Regular movement helps stimulate lymphatic circulation, which allows white blood cells to move more freely through the body and fight off any unwanted invaders more effectively. Aiming for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 days a week will help keep your immune system strong.
Restorative sleep:
Good sleep habits are also essential to ensure the optimal functioning of our immune system. Studies show that when people don’t get enough restful sleep, their bodies produce fewer cytokines (proteins responsible for killing invading microbes), which increases the risk of contracting viral infections like the common cold or flu. . To ensure you get enough restful sleep each night, aim for 7-8 hours a night (or whatever works best for you), at regular times throughout the day or night, with minimal stress. interruptions or disturbances during sleep.
The “No-stress” approach:
Reducing stress plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system, as high cortisol levels caused by chronic stress can suppress immune system function, making us more susceptible to illnesses like colds. or the flu due to viral infections. One way to reduce stress naturally is to practice mindfulness activities like yoga or tai chi, which can help lower cortisol levels while improving mood and mental clarity!
To boost your immunity even more naturally, holistic medicine has a lot to offer you.
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Strengthen your immunity:
Herbal remedies can be used to help increase your body’s natural ability to fight disease. One of the most popular recipes for boosting immunity involves making a tea from a blend of herbs known for their antiviral properties, such as echinacea, elderberry, and ginger root.
To prepare this herbal tea, add a teaspoon of each of these plants to a cup of hot water and let it steep for five minutes. You should drink this herbal tea twice a day for best results. You can also add supplements like vitamin C and zinc to your diet, as they are both known to help boost the immune system.
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Resist the flu:
It is important not only to take preventive measures during the winter months but also to strengthen your body’s natural defenses against viral infections through herbal remedies. Regular consumption of turmeric has been shown to be effective in fighting flu viruses due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects – adding it to meals or taking it as a supplement can be beneficial in this regard!
Additionally, elderberry syrup has long been popular for helping fight colds and the flu. It contains antioxidants that work by inhibiting viral replication and reducing inflammation in the body, which helps boost its defenses against viruses like the flu!
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Prevent Covid-19 infection:
It is recommended to take measures that reduce the risk of contact with the virus. Herbal remedies can also be used to support these measures by strengthening the body’s defenses against infection. One option is to consume fresh garlic on an empty stomach every morning – its antiviral properties may offer some protection against viral infections like Covid-19.
In addition, it has been found that consuming foods rich in beta-glucans can help protect against viral infections by boosting immunity. Mushrooms such as shiitake contain high levels of this compound and can be added to meals to boost health!
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Avoid gastroenteritis:
For example, one of the most popular recipes is a tea made from equal parts ginger root, garlic cloves and honey, which is boiled in water until it is reduced by half. This tea can be drunk several times a day in case of gastrointestinal disorders caused by a virus such as influenza or coronavirus.
Also, if you are prone to bouts of nausea or vomiting related to infections like gastroenteritis, drinking peppermint tea or snacking on some fresh leaves can also provide relief. Also, adding spices such as turmeric or cumin to your cooking throughout the week will aid digestion while providing additional antioxidants that can help boost immunity against winter viruses like those mentioned above.
