Flu can be very distressing; therefore it is essential to prevent flu from occurring. Like most illnesses, strengthening the immune system is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu. The immune system is the body’s protection against harmful microbes such as bacteria and virus. The body’s ability to defend against these invaders is called immunity. Strengthening one’s immunity is the best preventive measure against diseases, most especially flu. Below is a list of some suggestions which can help prevent flu infection by strengthening the immune system: Proper Hygiene to prevent the flu: Flu is an extremely infectious disease. It can be transferred from person to person in many ways–inhalation droplets, direct transmission and indirect transmission –and therefore, can be easily spread throughout a given population. Flu virus can go into the body through the air that we breathe; but more commonly, it is transmitted from one person to another by touching either a sick person directly or touching inanimate objects that are contaminated by the flu virus. Thus, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests health practices to prevent flu, such as: frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap and water or with an antiseptic solution and the avoidance of touching face, eyes, nose and mouth especially in public areas.Healthy Diet: A complete food pyramid-based diet generally improves the human health and resistance. Organic and chemical-free meats, poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables are some of the most effective “immune-enhancing foods”. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C which are acknowledged to be immune-system boosters; hence, consuming these types of food is very essential. Probiotics also take part in developing the body’s capability to fight off infection; and mushrooms have also been proven to have immune stimulating attributes that can enhance immune-competent cell activities. Coconut oil on the other hand contains lauric acid and monolaurin which can destroy lipid-coated viruses such as influenza because of its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-protozoal properties. Sufficient Sleep: Stable, adequate sleep is important to a healthy and well functioning immune system. With sleep, you give the body time to restore injured tissues and renew energy stores. Existing studies have shown that proper and restful sleep is intimately tied to the balance of a sum of hormones, most remarkably cortisol and melatonin. Having an ample amount of these hormones in the body is significant to a properly functioning immune system.Reduced Stress Levels is a great natural flu remedy: Stress is associated with almost all diseases. A person that is extremely stressed is prone to a variety of illness including heart illnesses, cancer, lung ailments and mental illnesses. Excessive stress increases the risk for infection or viral and/or bacterial invasion as it causes injury to the body and weakens the immune system.
