We all know that it’s awful to get the flu, and it can make you feel pretty run down. Surprisingly, few people really know what the flu is. Learn how to prevent and treat the flu from the guide from Opencare company.
Consider using the following supplements to help fight viruses and strengthen your immune system:
1. Zinc – immune booster
Use zinc lozenges at the first sign of symptoms as they nourish cells. You can get zinc from foods such as beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.
2. Licorice root
Licorice root can help your immune system in attacking the virus. It contains glycyrrhizic acid which create T cells for protection. Moreover, it stimulates the main body’s infection fighting chemical – interferon. Licorice extract entering the cells can help your immune system fight not only from influenza, but also from Bird Flu, HIV, Herpes Simplex, Hepatitis B, SARS, Streptococcus Mutants and Helicobacter Pylori.
You can find licorice root in herbal food stores, in dried, capsules, tablets, powdered and other forms. Also, you can find it in herbal preparations. For example, The New Age company eHelps produces Bio Dream, a natural herbal tonic which contains licorice root extract.
3. Vitamins A, C, E, and selenium
The ACES antioxidant formula and immune booster increase the quantity and quality of white blood cells, which strengthens the immune system. Use buffered Vitamin C for children.
Recipes:
- Vitamin C Boost: Blend ½ cup of diced pineapple, 2 oranges (peeled), and ½ cup of purified water.
- Potato Water: Wash and chop 2-3 medium-sized potatoes (raw) into large pieces. Drop into a pitcher of pure water. Wait 15 minutes, and then drink the water. Raw potatoes are a rich source of vitamin C.
4. Omega-3
This oil has been shown, in many studies, to reduce your bad cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in your blood. Fish oil and flax seed are high in Omega 3 and are excellent ways to help your blood stream.
5. Vitamins B6 and B12 9.
Foods rich in the B vitamins, which help regulate metabolism, are also beneficial, as diets high in sugar tend to burn these vitamins at a faster rate. These foods include wheat germ, yogurt, and liver.
6. AlphaLipoicAcid
AlphaLipoicAcid is a unique anti-oxidant that is both water and fat soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. AlphaLipoicAcid contributes to and is important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina, reducing muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. AlphaLipoicAcid recycles and enhances the effects of Vitamin C.
7. Lysine
Lysine, an amino acid, can have a general antiviral, tonifying effect that fortifies the immune system. Take 1,000 mg daily in divided doses.
8. Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a very popular herb, commonly used as a herbal antibiotic and immune system enhancer. Goldenseal improves the health of sinus and mucus membranes. This supplement treats sinus and nasal cavities as soon as the first sign of cold or flu appear, and may prevent or shorten the strength and duration of the illness. An active component of goldenseal is Berberine, which has a broad spectrum of antibiotic and immense stimulating activity. Besides, goldenseal contains calcium, iron, manganese and different range of vitamins: A, C, E, B-complex and others.
Goldenseal is available in powdered form in capsules, in herbal food stores as well as online. You can buy it also in bulk form, with gelatin capsule separate. Remember to keep it in cool dark place.
9. Vitamin D
Vitamin D can also be very effective in protection against the flu. A good supplement of vitamin D would be in a oil based form starting at 5 000 IU/d. Studies have shown that the sunshine vitamin plays an important role in regulating the immune system and protecting the body against viruses. It should be also noted that anyone living in North America is especially susceptible to vit D deficiency due to our winter months.
*However not everyone is likely to be cured by goldenseal and if your symptoms are not acute, you should consult with your doctor.
