Sunday, October 31, 2010

Healthy foods, cold and flu fighters

The facts about colds and the flu.


First off colds and the flu are infections caused by a virus not bacteria. A cold may only last a few days while it may take a week or more to get over the flu or influenza. And sadly some people develop life threatening conditions from the flu, like pneumonia.

Who is most at risk? First of all the viruses are constantly changing over time. This makes all of us susceptible over our lifetimes to some form of the virus. Those with weakened immune systems due to poor nutrition and or high stress are most at risk.

Symptoms include some or all of the following:

•Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and sore throat.

•Low grade fever for colds and high grade fever for the flu.

•Fatigue, lethargy, muscle aches and pain are also most common with the flu.
 
A good start to your day, can help chase colds and flu away.


A study conducted in Wales of a hundred people showed that those who ate breakfast in turn had fewer colds. So if possible every season but especially during cold and flu season make it a common habit to have a healthy breakfast.


Some good things to try our a glass orange juice, whole grain cereals or two slices whole grain toast, strawberries, grapefruit, tangerine, mangoes, guavas, lowfat yogurt (the live cultures are very helpful) and some cut pieces of cantaloupe all these will do wonders.

Of course the main reason for these choices is for the vitamin C, the selenium and the live cultures all which assist our immune systems. As well the vitamin C does wonders for our energy level a much needed boost for the fatigue during a cold or flu.Studies show that although vitamin c may not prevent a cold it has been shown to shorten the length of time you may suffer from one. Also studies have shown that the live cultures in yogurt when taken regularly shortened the numbers of colds in those studied. And as well in studies of those with higher levels of selenium the suffered less dramatic effects from the flu than those with low levels. Selenium is abundant in most grains and thus the importance of whole grain cereal or bread.

*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*


The facts about colds and the flu.

First off colds and the flu are infections caused by a virus not bacteria. A cold may only last a few days while it may take a week or more to get over the flu or influenza. And sadly some people develop life threatening conditions from the flu, like pneumonia.

Who is most at risk? First of all the viruses are constantly changing over time. This makes all of us susceptible over our lifetimes to some form of the virus. Those with weakened immune systems due to poor nutrition and or high stress are most at risk.

*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*


Symptoms include some or all of the following:



•Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and sore throat.

•Low grade fever for colds and high grade fever for the flu.

•Fatigue, lethargy, muscle aches and pain are also most common with the flu.

*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*


A good start to your day, can help chase colds and flu away.

A study conducted in Wales of a hundred people showed that those who ate breakfast in turn had fewer colds. So if possible every season but especially during cold and flu season make it a common habit to have a healthy breakfast.


Some good things to try our a glass orange juice, whole grain cereals or two slices whole grain toast, strawberries, grapefruit, tangerine, mangoes, guavas, lowfat yogurt (the live cultures are very helpful) and some cut pieces of cantaloupe all these will do wonders.

Of course the main reason for these choices is for the vitamin C, the selenium and the live cultures all which assist our immune systems. As well the vitamin C does wonders for our energy level a much needed boost for the fatigue during a cold or flu.

Studies show that although vitamin c may not prevent a cold it has been shown to shorten the length of time you may suffer from one. Also studies have shown that the live cultures in yogurt when taken regularly shortened the numbers of colds in those studied. And as well in studies of those with higher levels of selenium the suffered less dramatic effects from the flu than those with low levels. Selenium is abundant in most grains and thus the importance of whole grain cereal or bread.

*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*===*


Ways to ease discomfort.

Now lets look at some things we can do during a cold for relief.



•Ginger. A fragrant herb ginger can help your body be rid of virus. Simmer two to three slices of fresh root of ginger in about 12 oz of water for about 10 to 15 minutes for a smooth refreshing remedy.

•Chicken soup.The healing power of chicken soup has finally been recognized by health experts. Researchers found that the hot liquid can soothe your sore throat and clear your nasal passages.As well it has been found to relieve upper respiratory tract infection symptoms as it reduces inflammation.

•Hyssop. or hyssopus officinalis though its unsure its relation to the hyssop of the Bible. It has been used for centuries as a decongestant. It can be prepared as a tea to loosen phlegm or gargled to ease a sore throat. You can buy ready made tea bags of hyssop at most health stores and if you want added flavor try a little honey.

•Pineapple juice and honey.If you have a severe cough your throat can become very scratchy and sore feeling. Try mixing 8-10 oz of warm pineapple juice with 2-3 teaspoons of honey for a soothing delicious drink.

•Water, water and more water. This is the most important one, drink plenty of water. Whether low grade or high grade the fact you have a fever means you are losing fluids so you need to replace them. Water will also keep your throat moist as to prevent cracking which would let viruses in. Also you will want to drink enough water to flush your system so you should have at least 8 glasses or enough to run your urine till its clear.

Another good suggestion to help calm yourself and your symptoms is by taking herbs such as echinacea, thyme, horehound and elderberry all which can be found in your local health store. Also for relief of that congestion try a few drops of eucalyptus oil added to a bowl of steaming water and place a towel over your head and inhale the vapors. You might continue to feel stuffy for about a half hour but be patient. Eucalyptus loosens mucus making it easier to cough up so you should soon be breathing with ease.

Also remember since the flu virus is constantly changing it is important when possible to get a yearly flu shot when available.


Again until next tip happy and healthy eating!

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