As the news is filled with alarming trends and new stats about the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people are questioning their immune responses. Is your immune system strong enough to tackle the virus? The correct answer to the question is that it is impossible to tell. Recent studies in Europe, Iceland, and Asia imply that a high proportion of infected individuals don’t display any symptoms. As such, it might be fair to say that the virus is not as destructive as the figures make it appear. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean you can ignore your natural immune defenses.
What can you do to protect your body against viruses and infections? The first and most important rule you need to remember is that self-medication rarely works. Antibiotics, for instance, are ineffective in fighting viruses. Additionally, excessive use can help to create resistance among bacteria. Instead, you can turn to natural remedies to support your immune system.
Boosting your gut flora
Your gut flora refers to the bacteria in your digestive tract. Indeed, not all bacteria are harmful. The good bacteria that live inside your gut play a significant role in your immune defenses. Maintaining a healthy gut flora through your diet and the use of probiotic-enhancing food can speed up the immune response and the production of antibodies. As antibodies are essential to stop viruses in their tracks, those good bacteria – or probiotics – become your best defense mechanism. Additionally, nurturing your gut health can also help to reduce inflammation and infection spread in the body.
Focusing on herbal tricks
Herbs and spices are a staple of your pantry. But they also deserve to become a staple of your first aid box. Indeed, early medicinal assistance in Ancient Times used to rely on the properties of plants. The Greek and Roman Empires were among the first to use elderberry for colds, for instance, taking advantage of the delicious immune boost provided by the berries. Brewing thyme in a fresh herbal tea can also help strengthen the immune response against the cold or other viral infections. Garlic is a fantastic anti-inflammatory ingredient, which can help to tackle issues as it becomes part of a regular diet. The list of useful herbs and spices is long, so it’s worth investigating how you can stock your kitchen adequately.
Controlling what you eat
We’ve all heard the old tale of Grandma’s magical chicken soup that can cure the flu. But what is it about chicken soup that makes it so effective? Ultimately, researchers agree that some substances in homemade chicken soup can help alleviate minor symptoms. However, as hypotheses were never tested on humans, it’s impossible to tell. Does that mean Grandma’s chicken soup can’t help? No! The scent of the soup, the comfort it brings, and the nutrients it contains are all part of a healthy and immune system boosting diet. As such, preparing your food from scratch with plenty of delicious vegetables and healthy proteins is the most delightful way of helping your immune response.
While medicated treatments, from vaccine to antibiotics, are crucial in our fights against viral infections and diseases, they are not the only weapon you’ve got to protect yourself. Of course, consuming chicken soup with plenty of herbs is no cure to the current virus situation. Nevertheless, these little tricks fuel your immune system and make it stronger and fitter for purpose.
*contributed post*
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