Preventing Cold and Flu Viruses
Cold and flu germs are inhaled with every breath we take. Even in the warm and sunny months of the year, these germs are taken in. So why do we continually get colds and flu? Our body’s immune system works hard to try and fight off these unwanted cold and flu viruses.
When a person gets sick, they slow down and will more than likely stay home in hope that they will get better and be able to return to their daily activities soon.
Is it just bad luck that a person can get a cold or flu as many people think? Well, extensive research tells us differently. It has been proven that some things can be done to prevent cold and flu viruses. Becoming a willing host is not one of them.
For the immune system to become stronger, there are four key categories to consider: Sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management.
If a person loses sleep their body is unable to repair and restore all of its functions, including the immune system. We all know this from first-hand experience: just a couple of poor nights sleep and before you know it, we find ourselves fighting off a sore throat or cold. This is what is known as being a willing host.
Foods can contribute significantly to better immune function. All the necessary antioxidants can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Chicken soup, garlic, green tea, mushrooms and cayenne pepper are all recommended for preventing and fighting off cold and flu viruses.
Several herbal supplements and naturopathic remedies stimulate immune system function. Ginseng and Echinacea have been found to be of benefit after being tested in several clinical trials. These products are very well known because they have a good reputation for working, and they are available in health food stores and pharmacies.
There are other nutritional products that can be beneficial in preventing cold and flu viruses. They are vitamins A, C, E, zinc, astragalus, aloe vera and beta-glucan.
Junk foods and sugar should not be part of your diet if you are trying to prevent cold and flu viruses. Other harmful addictive substances and tobacco can damage the body’s immune system.
Exercise is also a highly significant and well-known method of preventing colds and flu. People, who run often and participate regularly in any form of exercise, very rarely get any type of cold or flu virus.
Excessive levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, can be associated with some cancers, post-traumatic stress disorder, Type two diabetes, anxiety and depression. Health practitioners recommend natural stress management strategies as an important part of maximum health.
For the most part, it is the simple yet practical choices that we make which will determine whether one will come down with any type of cold or flu virus. A person cannot get more natural remedies for preventing any type of cold and flu viruses than, plenty of sleep, good diet, and the right amount of exercise and stress management. Not to mention that they are known to work, and there are no negative side effects. One final thought, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently during cold and flu season as this is one of the most common ways for diseases to spread, and spraying work areas and computers with lysol to kill germs can help as well.
John and Andrea Paduchak are partners in Complements for Health in Nashua, NH.
Andrea is a Physical Therapist and Massage Therapist. John is an entrepeneur, internet
marketer and online publisher. Visit us on the web at www.complementsforhealth.com
and www.powerbusinessbuilders.com, as well as for links to our other sites. This
article can be reproduced as long as this resource box is included.
