Winter months bring with them colds and flu. How to avoid catching these viral infections? They cause a lot of discomforts and hamper routine activities, work, and studies.
And the cure for them is lacking. What is the remedy for the prevention of colds and flu? Dietitian Susie Burrell discusses them.
Colds and flu
Common colds and flu invariably come once winter and cold months start. They affect many people and the infections range from mild to severe.
In some patients, it causes hospital stays and even deaths, especially in those with premorbid health conditions. The viral infection leads to misery and discomfort and affects work, daily routine chores, and studies and play in children.
Probiotics (Source: Dr. Axe)These are viral infections for which there is no specific cure. Only symptomatic treatment works a bit. Certain antiviral drugs help but they have their side effects.
Preventive jabs are given but are not 100% efficacious. Dietitian Susie Burrell from Australia has some natural remedies to keep colds and flu away.
She prefers probiotics, garlic, chicken soup, and medicinal mushrooms to keep herself protected from the virus.
Susie Burrell and the natural treatment
Australian nutritionist Susie Burrell prepares herself to brave the cold winter and stay protected from the common cold and flu. She said:
‘Not only can giving the body the right vitamins and minerals help fend off illness, it can also reduce the severity of symptoms and as a result the length of time you are not at your best,’
Chicken soup (Source: Shares Passions)She explained in depth:
‘Dehydration is surprisingly the most common reason bugs tend to stick around and continue to make you feel sick. Congestion, runny noses and a small intake of fluid can make headaches and fevers worse, prolonging the effects of a cold.’
‘Even if you do not feel like it, if you are suffering from any cold like symptoms you need to increase your intake of fluids… 100% fruit or vegetable juices, herbal teas or plain water are all good choices.’
‘Avoid cola and energy drinks completely as they can act as diuretics drawing fluid away from the body.’
Vitamin C-rich goods such as kiwi, tomatoes, berries, and red capsicums can help. Fresh fruits and vegetables are effective to ward off cold.
Soups and cold
The dietitian adds:
‘Add plenty of vegetables in addition to the chicken stock made from bones and you will be on the right track. And, unfortunately no, the tinned varieties of soup do not count,’
Read more here: Susie Burrell, Australian dietitian talks on budget-friendly and healthy vegetable options this year!
Medicinal mushrooms (Source: MedicineNet)The chicken soup has water and immune-boosting power. Additionally, probiotics can help lessen the duration and severity of a cold. Garlic stimulates macrophages to fight the virus.
This is due to the organosulfides and vitamin D in garlic. Echinacea and olive leaf extract are good to fight germs.
Additionally, Japanese people use shiitake, reishi, and maitake mushrooms to prevent and treat colds and flu. These boost immunity.