How to Fight the Flu

The flu; which is caused by the influenza virus, is a respiratory illness bringing on symptoms of fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Every year during the fall and winter months the flu becomes more widespread. In order to help boost your body’s immune system response - vitamin and mineral supplementation should be taken daily.

Our immune system is our body’s defense to fight against bacteria, parasites, infectious disease, and germs. A strong body with a healthy immune system, along with a diet high in nutrition, is important to fight off infectious diseases such as influenza.

If your diet doesn’t include enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, your immune system cannot properly fight against infection and disease.

Natural Cures to Fight the Flu:

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A helps to regulate and enhance the immune system and increases white blood cell activity which helps prevent and fight off infections and viruses.

For getting large amounts of Vitamin A naturally, you can find it in these and other colorful food sources.

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Fish liver oil
• Liver
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Yellow Squash

Vitamin B-6:

Vitamin B-6 helps maintain healthy organs and helps increase antibody production needed to fight infection.

Vitamin B6 is found in many foods, such as: bananas, eggs, garbanzo beans and peas, potatoes, sunflower seeds and wheat germ.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient which acts as a potent anti-oxidant and improves the immune system response by fighting diseases such as the flu and the common cold.

Vitamin C can be found in many food sources including: lemons, limes, oranges, bananas, grapefruit, grapes, and pears.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D has many health benefits and is also known as the sunshine vitamin. It is required for the absorption of calcium.

Vitamin D is available in:

• Fortified breads, cereal, and milk
• Yogurt
• Orange juice
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Egg yolk

Vitamin D won’t necessarily prevent you from getting the flu, but should help lessen the effects of the flu by helping to boost the body’s immune system.

Iron:

Iron is important in the production of red blood cells and strengthening our body’s immune system. Iron rich foods are found in red meats, leafy green vegetables, dried fruits, soy bean, and broccoli.

Foods abundant in Vitamin C assist in the absorption of iron in our body. Because people don’t always get enough iron from the foods they eat, an iron supplement should be taken daily.

The vitamins listed above are very common and you may already now about their health benefits, but here are a couple others you can include in your diet that you may not know a lot about.

Selenium:

Selenium is an essential trace element and in smaller amounts will help to stimulate immune cells. Selenium is an integral part of enzymes which are essential for the control of many chemical reactions in the brain and body functions.

Other than supplement form, selenium can be found in:

• Brazil nuts
• Canned tuna (in oil)
• Turkey

Zinc:

Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune system. It has been thought by many that zinc will help protect against flu and cold. Although studies cannot say for sure in one way or the other, zinc is important for your immune system to function properly.

Zinc is a mineral found in: whole grains, nuts, pork, and oysters.

Not only will you find these vitamins and minerals in food products, you will also find them in supplement form. If you have any questions about adding supplements to your diet, check with your physician prior to use.