Cold and Flu - Strengthen the immune system

Colds and flu happen all year round and to everyone. Some can have it more often the others. A healthy immune system can help limit the amount of times you are sick. There are ways to boost the immune system. They may not always prevent colds and flu but can help to reduce the severity by shortening the length of time and reducing systems of the sickness.

How to strengthen the immune system:

sleep:
Sleep deprivation can supress immune function.

Avoid smoking:
Smoking raises the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia in everyone.

Less alcohol:
Alcohol increases possibility of lung infections.

Probiotics:
Studies have shown probiotics reduce respiratory infections. Greek yogurt is high in probiotics.

Sunlight:
A 10-15-minute exposure to sunlight will trigger the production of vitamin D. vitamin D helps prevent respiratory infection.

No Sugar:
Studies have shown that sugar can weaken the immune system

Nuts and seed:
Nuts and seeds provide vitamin E and helps in the maintenance of good health.

Manuka Honey:
Studies have revealed Manuka Honey’s antiviral properties are effective in treating cold and flu symptoms.

vegetables, fruits and herbs:
These foods will provide nutrients to boost the immune system.

By Bi-frie [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

List of vegetables to boost your immune system:

Red bell pepper
Broccoli
Spinach
Asparagus
Beans
horseradish
onions
Brussels sprouts
Ginger
Garlic

By André Karwath aka Aka [CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons

List of fruits to boost your immune system:

Banana
Apple
Papaya
Cranberries
Grapefruit
Lemon
Kiwi
Lime
Oranges
Goji berries

By Jacob Rus [CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons

List of herbs to boost your immune system:

Ginseng
Echinacea
Cayenne
Elder flower
Eucalyptus
Liquorice Root
Linden
Mustard
Peppermint
sage

Some simple home remedies:

Gargle with honey and lemon in salt water when the mixture is at room temperature. The juice is reported to decrease the strength of the cold and flu virus in the body and reduce phlegm.

Drink Ginger tea. Ginger is a natural antimicrobial, natural anti-inflammatory. Pour 500ml of boiling water over two tablespoons sliced fresh ginger and one tablespoon raw honey. Let steep for 15-20 minutes, strain and drink. Double the ingredients and warm as needed throughout the day.

Warm Epsom salt bath. A 20-minute soak in a warm bath with 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to help ease joint and muscle pain.

Face steam 1. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a large pot. Remove from heat, add 2 teaspoons each of thyme, some rosemary, and oregano. Cover for 5 minutes with a lid, and then remove lid and put face directly over pot with towel covering your head to hold in the heat. Breathe in the steam for 15 minutes. This will help loosen congestion and kill viruses and bacteria in the lungs and sinuses.

Face steam 2. Boil 2 cups of water, add 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil, put face over pot with towel covering your head and breathe in the steam for 15 minutes.

One teaspoon of Manuka Honey, 3-4 times per day.

Thanks for reading.