Treat the flu naturally
A virus causes the flu (or influenza). While there is no treat the flu, there are some natural treatments that may help to alleviate the symptoms. We’ll go over ten natural treatments, including how to utilize them and why they might be beneficial.
Drink plenty of water and other drinks.
When you have the flu, it is even more vital to drink plenty of water and other fluids. Water keeps your lips, nose, and throat wet. If you don’t eat or drink enough, you might get dehydrated. Water loss can also be caused by diarrhea and fever (two typical flu symptoms).
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough of:
- water
- sports drinks made with coconut water
- tea with herbs
- uncooked fruits and vegetables in a fresh juice soup broth
If you drink enough water and beverages, you’ll be able to tell if:
- You must urinate on a regular basis.
- Your urine is virtually clear or pale yellow in hue.
- You may be dehydrated if your urine has a bright yellow to amber hue.
It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking as much as possible because it irritates your nose, throat, and lungs even more.
Get a lot of rest.
This aids your body’s defense against the flu virus. To help you get back on your feet, cancel your normal schedule and make sleep a priority.
Warm broth to drink
Staying hydrated may be as simple as drinking warm chicken or beef bone broth. While you are sick with the flu, drinking broth is a wonderful method to restore these minerals.
You may buy ready-made versions but seek ones that are low in sodium (salt). You may also boil chicken or beef bones to produce your own broth. Broth can be frozen in quantities for later use.
Increase your zinc intake.
Zinc is a vital mineral for your immune system. This vitamin aids in the production of germ-fighting white blood cells in your body. Zinc has been shown in studies to aid with cold and flu symptoms. Zinc aids your body’s defenses against the flu virus and may delay its spread.
During flu season, you can take a zinc supplement or a multivitamin that contains zinc. Zinc is usually abundant in a well-balanced daily diet. Zinc-rich foods include the following:
lentils chickpeas beans nuts seeds red meat shellfish lentils chickpeas beans nuts seeds
dairy \eggs
Using saltwater as a rinse
A sore throat can be relieved with warm water and salt rinse (also known as a saltwater gargle).
- Boil or boil the water, then chill it until it’s warm or room temperature. 8 ounces’ warm water + 1/2 teaspoon salt
- To rinse your mouth and throat, pull the salt water to the back of your throat and gargle it for 10 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times with the water spat into a sink.
The saltwater should not be swallowed. Allow youngsters to gargle just with plain water until they are able to do so securely.
Take an herbal tea.
Several plants contain antiviral and antibacterial effects in their natural state. Oseltamivir was originally derived from star anise, a star-shaped spice.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is a prescription medication intended to help people recover from or avoid having the flu. Some types of flu viruses are resistant to its antiviral capabilities. Germ-fighting and antioxidant properties can also be found in other herbs and green leafy teas.
Herbal tea may aid in the battle against the flu virus. A hot herbal tea might also help to clear your sinuses and soothe your throat.
With star anise and other herbs, you may prepare a flu-fighting herbal tea that includes:
Black or green tea
- fresh or dried turmeric ginger, or ginger paste
- garlic cloves (fresh)
- Pure honey can be used to sweeten herbal drinks. Natural antiviral and antibacterial activities have been discovered in honey, royal jelly, and other bee products.
These are available as dry components in a variety of bagged teas.
Essential oils should be used.
Some essential oils may aid in the prevention of certain viruses and bacteria. According to one study, tea tree oil aids in the battle against the flu virus by delaying or halting the virus’s replication. Tea tree oil is most effective when administered within two hours after infection, according to the study. This suggests that it could be useful in preventing the flu virus from replicating.
In practice, a few drops of tea tree oil can be added to liquid hand soap or blended with moisturizer while washing your hands. It’s a component in several commercially available types of mouthwash.
Other essential oils from plants and herbs may potentially act as natural antibiotics and antivirals. These are some of them:
eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, thyme oil, oregano oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil.
Only use essential oils according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Essential oils should not be consumed since many of them are poisonous. After being combined with oils like almond or olive oil, most essential oils can be used on the skin. Similar advantages may be obtained by adding fresh and dried herbs and spices to cuisine.
Diffusing essential oils into the air with a diffuser may also aid in the prevention of some viruses and germs. Children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and pets are all affected by aromatherapy.
Make use of a humidifier.
In dry indoor air, the flu virus may persist longer. This might make it easier for the infection to propagate. Outdoor temperatures that are colder tend to reduce the amount of humidity in the air. The usage of heating and air conditioning can cause indoor air to become dry. Adding humidity to your home and office using a humidifier may help decrease flu viruses in the air.
Breathe in steam.
Water vapor is used in steam inhalation or steam treatment to assist loosen mucus congestion.
Swelling in the nose and lungs may also be relieved by the warm wet air.
Heat water for steam in the following ways:
- in a vaporizer in a saucepan on the stove in a microwave-safe dish or cup in the microwave
- Boiling water produces a lot of vapor, so stay away from it. Before inhaling the steam, make sure it’s the right temperature. To avoid scorching or burning yourself, keep your face and hands at a safe distance.
- For extra antiviral and antioxidant effects, add a few drops of essential oils or a medicinal vapor rub to the water.
Consume a plain diet.
Eat small amounts of food at a time if you have the stomach flu. Hand-sized portions are a good option.
Nausea, cramps, and diarrhea are all symptoms of the stomach flu. Foods that are bland are easier to digest and may help relieve stomach discomfort.
Foods that are easy to digest
- The BRAT diet is a low-carbohydrate (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
- crackers
- cereals that have been cooked (oatmeal and cream of wheat)
- a gelatinous substance (Jell-O)
- potatoes, boiling
- soups made with grilled or boiled chicken and broth electrolyte-rich drinks
- Foods that irritate your stomach and digestion should be avoided.
Foods to avoid if you’re sick with the stomach flu
- milk \cheese
- caffeine \meats
- meals with a kick
- foods that have been fried
- foods high in fat
- alcohol
Symptoms of the flu
The flu usually produces symptoms in the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs.
- fever \chills
- headache
- weariness and lethargy bodily soreness runny or stuffy nose sore throat dry cough
The stomach flu is a flu virus that produces symptoms in the digestive system. You might have:
- chills \fever
- nausea
- diarrhea stomach cramps vomiting
Complications of the flu
The flu can occasionally cause serious health problems. Other viral and bacterial infections in the lungs, throat, ears and other parts of the body might result. These are some of them:
- pneumonia
- bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infection, and encephalitis are all symptoms of bronchitis (brain infection)
The following people are at a higher risk of flu complications:
- adults 65 years or older individuals with additional health problems children under the age of 5 years
Influenza and other illnesses
If you have the flu and a chronic health problem, consult your doctor. These are some of them:
- Asthma and cardiovascular disease
- lung problems
- Kidney disease caused by diabetes
- liver ailment
- sickle cell anemia stroke epilepsy
Antiviral medicines may be prescribed by your doctor to assist alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu. These medications are most effective if used within two days of contracting the flu.
you should see a doctor:
- Breathing problems, chest discomfort, and a temperature of more than 100.4°F (38°C)
- chills or mucus in your mucous that is a weird hue blood
- coughing uncontrollably
Cold vs. flu
Fever can be caused by both types of illnesses. Symptoms of the cold and flu viruses are similar. The primary distinctions between the flu and a cold are the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you experience them.
Symptoms of the flu usually appear quickly and are severe. A flu infection might last anywhere from one to two weeks. Cold symptoms are usually less severe. You might be sick for a week or longer with a cold.
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You probably won’t need to see a doctor if you have the flu. Keep it at home and don’t bring it to work or school. Get a flu shot once a year. Rest and drink plenty of water.
While you have the flu, home remedies can help lessen symptoms so you can be more comfortable and relax more readily – and rest is crucial to getting better faster.
When you have the flu, there are foods you should eat and 4 foods you should avoid eating.
When you or a loved one is sick with the flu, the last thing you want to do is eat. With the flu, it’s perfectly OK to eat a bit less because your appetite is likely to be diminished. Even so, you’ll need to eat tiny amounts of the proper foods to keep yourself energized and nourished as you heal.
Foods to consume
Food provides your body with the energy and nutrition it requires to function properly. When you have the flu, such consequences are much more important. Still, consuming the proper meals for your condition is crucial.
When you have the flu, try eating the items listed below.
1. Broth
When you have the flu, the broth is one of the finest things you can consume, whether it’s chicken, beef, or vegetables. You can consume it as soon as your symptoms appear and continue to do so until you are completely recovered.
Broth prevents dehydration, and the warm components can help alleviate congestion and soothe a sore throat.
2. Soup with chicken
The advantages of broth are combined with the benefits of additional ingredients in chicken soup. Cut-up chicken is high in iron and protein, and carrots, herbs, and celery give additional nutrients.
You may eat chicken soup to stay hydrated and satisfied when you are sick with the flu; just keep an eye on the salt content.
3. Garlic cloves
While you may think of garlic as a taste ingredient, it has been utilized in alternative medicine for ages to treat a number of diseases. Garlic supplements improved immunity and decreased symptom severity in individuals with the flu.
However, you do not need to take supplements. Garlic is eaten raw may also be helpful. Consider consuming garlic as the first symptom of the flu because of its immune-boosting properties.
4. Frozen yogurt
According to mouse research published in the journal International Immunopharmacology, yogurt containing living cultures can help relieve a sore throat while simultaneously boosting your immune system. Protein is also found in yogurt.
While your throat is painful, you can consume yogurt, but make sure to pick complete yogurts without added sweeteners.
5. Fruits high in vitamin C
Vitamin C is a crucial component for supporting your immune system, which is especially vital while you’re ill. While supplements can assist, your body can absorb minerals like vitamin C better from meals.
While you are sick with the flu, try nibbling on vitamin C-rich fruits. Strawberries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are examples of vitamin C-rich fruits.
6. Greens with a lot of leaves
When you have the flu, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can help improve your immune system. They include vitamin C as well as vitamin E, an immune-boosting ingredient.
Make a smoothie with leafy greens and fruit, or eat them raw with a sprinkle of lemon and olive oil. It’s ideal if you consume these immune-boosting foods all the time when you are sick.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that can help your body recover from illness. One serving of this dish contains immune-boosting vitamins C and E, as well as calcium and fiber.
When your appetite returns around the middle or end of the illness, try broccoli. Broccoli soup may also be eaten; just make sure to check the salt content.
8. Oatmeal
A hot cup of oats may be a calming and healthful food choice when you’re ill. Oatmeal, like other whole grains, is a natural source of vitamin E, which helps the immune system. It also includes polyphenol antioxidants and beta-glucan fiber, which helps to improve the immune system.
To get the greatest advantages, choose whole oats.
9. Spices
You may experience greater nasal and chest congestion as the virus progresses. Pepper and horseradish, for example, can help break up congestion so you can breathe easier. When you have a sore throat, though, stay away from spicy meals.
Keeping yourself hydrated
With the illness, it’s easy to get dehydrated. When you have a fever, you not only eat and drink less and consume less water overall, but you also lose water through perspiration.
Fluids are vital for your body’s overall operations, but they may also assist break up congestion and prevent infections.
Water still reigns supreme when it comes to hydrating beverages. It also helps your body cleanse naturally. You can also drink: if you don’t like water or want something with a little more taste.
herbal tea with honey and lemon tea broth ginger tea (mix equal parts with hot water)
juices made entirely of fruit (look for products without added sugars)
If you’re simply dehydrated, low-sugar sports drinks or other electrolyte-containing liquids, such as Pedialyte, can be utilized.
Vomiting and diarrhea, while not characteristic of the seasonal flu, are symptoms that may necessitate the use of electrolytes.
Foods to avoid
It’s probably just as essential to know what to avoid eating when you have the flu as it is to know what to eat. When you have the flu, stay away from the following items:
Alcohol. This weakens your immune system and dehydrates you.
Caffeinated drinks are those that include caffeine. Dehydration can be exacerbated by drinks like coffee, black tea, and soda. Furthermore, several of these drinks may include sugar.
Foods that are hard or jagged. Coughs and sore throats can be worse by crunchy crackers, chips, and other foods with comparable textures.
Foods that have been processed. The more processed a product is, the fewer nutrients it contains, whether it’s from a fast-food establishment or a package. Because your body is attempting to mend itself while you have the flu, it’s critical that you get enough rest.
Assisting your kid in remaining fed
It might be difficult to consume nutritious foods and drink enough water as an adult with the flu when you have little appetite or energy. For youngsters, this might be much more challenging.
Because of their smaller bodies, children are more susceptible than adults to get dehydrated. Make sure your youngster gets enough fluids.
Additionally, you can:
- For pains and fever, use an over-the-counter pain medication such acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). Just make sure to double-check the dose quantity and pick a baby or kid version if your child’s age and weight warrant it.
- If your kid has a fever and chills, have them dress in layers.
- Offer popsicles to aid them with their fever and calm their throat.
- Encourage children to sleep by providing a low-stimulation atmosphere. Even while it may be tempting to place them in front of the TV, too much television may interfere with their sleep.
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It’s critical to eat the appropriate meals and remain hydrated when recovering from the illness. While the worst symptoms may go after five days, it might take one to two weeks to fully recover from the flu.
If you have a secondary illness from the flu, it might take much longer for you to heal. As a general guideline, remain hydrated and consume flu-friendly meals as much as possible until your symptoms subside and your appetite returns to normal.
When you’re sick, these are the best foods to eat.
At that time, one of the last things on your mind is likely to be eating.
When you’re unwell, though, eating the correct meals may do a lot more than just give you energy.
Certain meals can help you feel better, recover faster, and keep hydrated while you’re healing.
When you’re ill, these are 15 of the greatest meals to eat.
Soup with chicken
It’s a convenient source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, all of which your body may require in higher amounts when recuperating from an illness
Chicken soup is also high in fluid and electrolytes, which might help you avoid dehydration if you’re suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or a fever.
The warmth of the soup may assist to relieve congestion since hot or spicy drinks can help with this.
N-acetyl-cysteine, a kind of cysteine, is an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant that breaks down mucus.
Although there isn’t enough evidence on bone broth’s benefits on immune health to back up these claims, homemade chicken soup made from bone broth is rich in collagen and minerals that may aid boost healing.
N-acetyl-cysteine, a kind of cysteine, is an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant that breaks down mucus.
Although there isn’t enough evidence on bone broth’s benefits on immune health to back up these claims, homemade chicken soup made from bone broth is rich in collagen and minerals that may aid boost healing.
Broths
Broths, like chicken soup, are high in fluid and electrolytes, which might be beneficial while you’re unwell. They may also help alleviate nasal congestion when heated.
They’re flavorful and nutrient-dense, but they’re also gentle on your stomach.
Bone broths are also high in collagen and amino acids (protein building blocks) from animal bones, which may aid in quicker healing, however evidence is limited.
If you must adhere to a salt-restricted diet, look for reduced-sodium or no-salt-added broths when purchasing prepared broths from the grocery store.
Garlic
Garlic has been used in herbal medicine for ages and has a long list of health benefits. It has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties in test tubes and animals.
In one trial of 146 persons, those who took a garlic-based supplement had around 70% fewer ill days than those who received a placebo. The scientists cautioned, however, that there is little data to infer that garlic can help prevent disease and that additional study is required.
Supplements containing aged garlic extract may also improve immune function and reduce the severity of colds and flu.
When you’re ill, adding garlic to your diet may both enhance taste and make your food more effectively.
Coconut’s water
When you’re ill, coconut water is a great drink to drink. It’s high in electrolytes, which must be replaced along with fluids when vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, or a fever occurs.
It also contains a little amount of natural sugar from the fruit, which can provide your body with a quick and simple source of energy.
Ginger
Ginger is extensively used in cuisine, herbal medicine, and as a home treatment, with its anti-nausea properties being the most well-known. It has been found to help with nausea associated with pregnancy and cancer therapy.
If you’re feeling nauseated or dizzy, ginger is one of the most effective natural treatments for relieving these symptoms.
Simply make sure that whatever you’re using has genuine ginger or ginger extract in it, rather than just ginger flavor.
Meals with a kick
Capsaicin, found in spicy foods like chili peppers, creates a hot, burning sensation when touched.
Capsaicin has a desensitizing effect at high enough doses. It’s commonly found in pain relief gels and patches.
Spicy meals, according to many individuals, create a runny nose by breaking up mucus and cleaning the nasal passages.
Capsaicin appears to thin mucus, making it simpler to evacuate, according to a small number of studies. Capsaicin nasal sprays have been used successfully to alleviate congestion and irritation.
If you already have an upset stomach, however, spicy meals should be avoided. In some people, spicy foods can induce bloating, discomfort, and nausea.
Bananas
When you’re ill, bananas are a fantastic snack to consume. They’re mushy and tasteless, but they’re packed with minerals and quick-acting carbohydrates. Because potassium is one of the essential electrolytes your body needs, the potassium in bananas can also help restore your electrolyte reserves.
Bananas also contain soluble fiber, which is a significant advantage. Because soluble fiber gels in the presence of liquid, it can aid in the reversal of diarrhea by lowering the quantity of free water in the digestive system.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, like bananas, is bland and simple to consume, but it also has the calories, vitamins, and minerals that you require while you’re ill.
Beta-glucan, a kind of fiber found in oats, was reported to help reduce inflammation in the stomach in rats in one research. However, additional research is needed to see if it has a comparable impact on people and may be used to treat stomach problems
Consider adding a little quantity of honey or fruit to rolled or steel-cut oats instead of buying artificially flavored oatmeal with a lot of added sugar for even more health advantages.
Yogurt
Yogurt includes probiotics, which are bacteria species that can colonies in your intestine and give health advantages. Probiotics have been shown in a few trials to help both children and adults catch colds less frequently, heal quicker when sick, and useless antibiotics
In one research, ill children who took probiotics felt better two days’ sooner on average, and their symptoms were 55 percent less severe
However, some people claim that dairy consumption thickens their mucus discharges, which might make things worse while you are sick.
If dairy products aggravate your congestion, replace them with other fermented foods containing probiotics (such as kombucha) or a probiotic pill.
A few fruits
Fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which are beneficial to your general health and immune system.
Furthermore, certain fruits include antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red and blue hues of fruits like strawberries and blueberries.
Because anthocyanin has potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties, berries are ideal foods to eat while you’re ill.
Fruit extracts high in anthocyanin have been found to inhibit common viruses and bacteria from adhering to cells in a number of animal and test-tube experiments. They also boost your body’s immunological system
Furthermore, according to a study of 14 research, flavonoid supplements, which are derived from a kind of antioxidant found in fruit, reduced the number of days patients were sick with a cold by 40%.
For added health advantages, toss some fruit into a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt, or mix frozen fruit into a cold smoothie to ease your throat.
Avocados
Avocados are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as healthful monounsaturated fats.
They’re a fantastic meal to consume while you’re ill since they offer your body the calories, vitamins, and minerals it needs. They’re also soft, tasteless, and simple to consume.
Avocados may help reduce inflammation while also supporting immunological function due to the good fats they contain, particularly oleic acid (the same beneficial fatty acid found in olive oil).
Vegetables with green leaves
Vitamins, minerals, and fiber abound in leafy green vegetables including spinach, romaine lettuce, and kale. They’re particularly high in iron from plants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate
Polyphenols, which are beneficial plant chemicals, are abundant in dark green vegetables. These antioxidants protect cells from harm and aid in the reduction of inflammation.
Make an omelet with spinach for a fast, nutrient-dense, protein-dense supper. A handful of kale can also be added to a fruit smoothie. When you’re ill, most leafy greens make wonderful complements to soup, which is another terrific option.
Salmon
When you’re ill, salmon is one of the greatest protein sources. It’s soft, delicious, and packed with the high-quality protein your body requires for recovery.
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties that may aid your immune system’s performance
Salmon is also high in several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which is deficient in many individuals. Vitamin D is also important for immunological function.
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