Eight Ways to Protect Yourself from the H1N1 Virus
by Alan Muir
Keep your immune system strong this coming flu season with eight essential regimens.
Load up on nutrient-rich foods: Garlic, chilies, and ginger have properties that aid circulation and respiratory health. Also include foods with antioxidant-rich properties, such as citrus, berries, and dark green vegetables. Eat lean protein and good fats to boost immunity. Avoid refined sugars and processed foods that wear down the body.
Vitamins & Minerals: Stress and nutrient deficiencies can breakdown the immune system and deplete the body of crucial vitamins & minerals. Include dietary supplements, such as a multi-vitamin, vitamin C, vitamin D, a vitamin B complex, and zinc to support immunity.
Focus on D: Vitamin D is so essential to immunity that it deserves its own heading. Studies indicate that individuals with higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to come down with the flu. Vitamin D prevents the immune response from over-reacting and reduces inflammation.
Exercise: Exercise is essential to immunity, as a moderate amount can boost your health by helping the circulatory system, muscles and organs to work optimally. Do not do too much too quick though. This can add more stress on the body.
Sleep & Stress Less: The body needs rest and relaxation to function optimally. Adequate sleep can help you manage stress and aid the proper function of your nervous system, whereas sleep deprivation can have very negative effects on the immune system.
Wash your hands: Germs are easily spread by common objects we touch, or the hands we shake. Use warm water and soap for 15 to 20 seconds to disinfect the skin. You can also carry hand sanitizer to kill germs.
Maintain distance: An airborne virus can be caught in less than 6 to 10 feet. Don’t lock yourself up in your house until spring, but if you are around people that are coughing or sneezing, stay more at bay.
Contact your physician: If you think you have a flu virus, contact your physician. Most common symptoms are: fever, cough, muscle aches, and headaches, but symptoms may also include runny nose, red eyes, nausea, and vomiting.
1. Gombart A. (2009 August 8). Key feature of immune system survived in humans, other primates for 60 million years. Retrieved on October 15, 2009 from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/osu-kfo081809.php
2. Willingham, V. (2009, Oct. 12). To fight flu, arm your immune system with diet, rest. Retrieved on October 15, 2009 from http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/12/immune.system.H1N1/index.html
