The weather is becoming colder now, and the flu season is upon us. Many people opt for the flu shot to try and prevent the flu. However, vaccines are controversial and a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that vaccine effectiveness went down last season.
Boosting the immune system through the diet is another option for fighting the flu, as your body will be more equipped to fight the virus. Let’s take a look at 5 ways to avoid the flu effectively.
1. Be social and have fun:
One of the most detrimental forces against our health is often overlooked: stress. It can deplete our immune systems in the long run and make it harder to fight colds. Make time for hanging out with friends and family, or doing things that you find fun.
2. Drink more green tea:
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to enhance the function of immune system cells. It also helps the immune system stop the replication of the flu virus. A 2011 Japanese study showed that those who consumed green tea every day had a lower risk of flu.
3. Eat healthy:
This may be the most important tip to avoid the flu effectively. Like the famous saying goes, “you are what you eat.” It is true, because what we eat literally makes up our body and cells. Eating foods that are rich in minerals, vitamins and probiotics can boost the immune system. Organic fruits and vegetables are the way to go.
4. Get good sleep:
Sleep deprivation is becoming an epidemic in the U.S. today. Sleep is very important because it helps our body remove cellular wastes and toxins, and gives us energy for the day ahead. New research from the University of California, San Francisco shows that short sleepers are four times more likely to catch a cold. So remember to get your 8 hours.
5. Stay hydrated:
It is always important to stay hydrated, even during the cold and flu season. “As part of overall good health habits, it’s important to maintain good hydration, regardless of the season,” said Medical Director at Cassena Care Dr. Joel Blass. “In colder weather, the body’s metabolism revs up and you tend to exhale more moisture than usual—it’s important to replenish those fluids. In winter, losing fluids tends to dry your mucous membranes, weakening that first level of defense, which in turn makes you more susceptible to contracting cold and flu viruses.”
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For an orange and lime flu shot juice.
For a cold and flu buster elderberry tea.
REFERENCES:
1. “Green Tea Consumption Is Inversely Associated with the Incidence of Influenza Infection among Schoolchildren in a Tea Plantation Area of Japan.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
2. “Behaviorally Assessed Sleep and Susceptibility to the Common Cold.” SLEEP. SLEEP, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
3. “Surprising Ways to Prevent the Cold and Flu.” The Active Times. The Active Times, 28 Oct. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
