Swine flu is all the hype these days. But is it what its cracked up to be? Ummm…pandemic?
Very unlikely. But still, if you want to stay on the safe side, and it is better to stay on the safe side, here’s some basic tips.
- Avoid public places.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your nostrils, mouth, and eyes when you’re out in public.
- Exercise regularly, keep your body as fit as you can.
- Don’t worry, be happy. Sounds cliched but true.
- Get adequate rest
Here’s a list of herbs and natural substances that can boost your immune system:
- Green tea
- Garlic
- Cranberry juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Astragalus
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Some foods to avoid because they increase mucous production or cytokine TNF-a and IL-6 in the body:
- Dairy products
- Bananas
- Chocolate
- Honey
- Spirulina
- Chlorella
Cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 are the body’s antibodies and when these cytokines are at an excessive level, they trigger off what is called a cytokine storm. So your body’s defences may actually get worse, rather than better.
The best way to keep healthy is to ensure your body’s immunity does not dip. That means doing the needful, and not taking unnecessary chances with your health, like working late night shifts and eating poorly. As they say, prevention is better than cure.