Colds and Flu Prevention

The cold and flu season is upon us with a vengeance. With the cold or flu will be accompanying complications, such as upper respiratory conditions, bronchitis and pneumonia to name a few.   Taking a few precautions may prevent the onset of a cold or flu.

First and foremost of these precautions is the strengthening of the immune system. By strengthening the immune system, you are mobilizing your body’s first line of defenses. The individual has greater chances of fending off the bacteria, germs and viruses that cause colds, flu or respiratory infections. Should you get a cold, flu or respiratory infection, and your immune system is at its optimal peak, the duration of the illness will be shortened, and the symptoms will be less severe.

Therefore, strengthening the immune system is the first order of business. To accomplish this, one must have a regular regime to maintain and keep the immune system functioning at its best levels. The starting point is proper nutrition. A balanced diet of foods that will most impact the immune system should become a daily part of your diet.

Eating foods that are high in natural sources for the antioxidants, vitamin A, C, E, beta-carotene and zinc strengthens the immune system. These natural antioxidants aid the body in fighting the breakdown of cells during any onset of an illness. There are many such foods to choose from, so that if one or two is not of your liking, there are still many to choose from.

For Vitamin A Rich Foods:
Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli, Kale, Winter Squash, endive, fresh or dried apricots, watermelon, mustard greens, cantaloupe, cabbage, red peppers, watercress, leeks, turnip greens, fish and dairy products.

For Vitamin C Rich Foods:
By eating many of the foods mentioned for vitamin A enrichment, you will also be getting the needed vitamin C. These are the foods to ad to the above: Green vegetables of all kinds, tomatoes, and of course all citrus fruits.

For Vitamin E Rich Foods:
Again, many of the above foods supply vitamin E as well. All green vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin E.

For Foods Rich In Zinc:
Wheat bran, whole grains, wheat bran and some seafood’s and oysters. Poultry and lean red meats are rich sources of zinc.

Most individuals do not eat the well balanced diet needed for an optimally functioning immune system. Because of these dietary indiscretions, it is imperative that they add the proper supplementation to implement the immune system. Waiting for a cold or the flu to strike to start taking megadoses of vitamins and minerals will not aid in fighting off an infection. It would be like closing the Barn Door after the Horse is stolen. To ward off infections, you need to start this supplementation today, and take it on a daily basis. A good multi-vitamin mineral supplement is needed daily, plus the additional antioxidants we discussed above.

In addition to the well balanced diet and the vitamin, mineral supplementation, the physical aspect of the body needs to be addressed. Many people live a sedentary lifestyle. Those that do need to get their body moving more. Walk more instead taking your car, whenever it is possible to do your every day errands. Take a daily walk. Walk up and down the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Living on high floor is no excuse. Walk up 2 flights and then take the elevator the rest of the way. Increase the flights of stairs as your body becomes stronger and you acclimate to it. Your heart, and your immune system will thank you for it.

In addition to the above, starting an exercise program is a must. There should be no procrastinations when it comes to this important aspect of maintaining a healthy body. Devoting 15 to 20 minutes daily, seven days a week can keep your body as well as your immune in optimal condition. Pick an exercise program that you will be comfortable with and of course stick with. If you can stay with this program for 3 months you will become dedicated to it, so that if you skip a day you will feel guilty.

Improving your physical strengths with the proper nutrition and exercise will also improve your ability to cope with stress. The less stress that the body has will help in maintaining the immune system functioning at optimal levels. These are the best methods to enjoy the winter, or any season for that matter, with the annoyances of having a cold or the flu.

Doc Cane