Influenza is a disease that is easy to catch but a little difficult to heal, and is likely to be caught even once a year. Influenza, which leaves us tired and sluggish, can easily be transmitted in the work environment and in public transportation. Influenza is actually a disease that is seen in almost everyone and has no cure due to its contagious nature. Since the flu virus is constantly renewing itself, the content of the flu vaccine is changed every year. Preventing the flu, along with the ways to get rid of the flu, is valid to a certain extent. Despite these measures, you caught the flu, how will you get rid of it? Apart from the drugs and antibiotics your doctor gives, what is good for the flu, how does the flu go? You can shorten the recovery period with foods that are good for the flu and natural solutions you will prepare at home. Here are the curiosities about the flu…
WHAT IS THE FLU?
The name of the flu is thought to have come from the word flu, which means to be infected by the Gauls. It is derived from the medical word influenza and an Italian word meaning “force from the stars”. Influenza is colloquially called “Flu, Flu or Rag Disease”.
Records kept with the flu date back to pre-historic times. There have been periods in the history when the flu has taken over some continents many times in history, that is, when it was a pandemic. The most well-known of these is the Spanish Flu and the Avian flu, which is also seen in our country. The Spanish Flu was seen in America between 1918-1920. And in 18 months, it caused the death of close to a hundred million people.
Influenza, or influenza, is a viral illness. There is no cure for the flu, as it is a viral infection. Since there are thousands of types of influenza viruses, life-long permanent immunity cannot be gained. The healing process of this disease is accelerated by antibiotics, vitamin loading, natural methods and consuming plenty of water. The flu virus is transmitted through droplets spread by coughing and sneezing, as well as through contact such as kissing and shaking hands. The first way to protect yourself from the flu is to avoid contact with the infected person.
NATURAL WAYS TO PREVENT FLU
We can protect ourselves from this disease by taking some precautions before we catch the flu. Consumption of certain foods other than the flu vaccine also provides us protection against the flu. Foods containing vitamin C, which are the most necessary for this disease, are at the top of this list. And it is possible to protect us from the flu with foods that strengthen the immune system and are natural antibiotics. In order to avoid the flu, we should definitely neglect exercise. Along with taking plenty of fluids, we need to consume foods such as onions and garlic that are natural shields for the flu. While head trotter soup is especially recommended for flu, if you don’t like it, lentil soup with butter will also increase your body resistance and energy.
WHAT IS GOOD FOR FLU?
When we catch the flu, our body resistance decreases and we feel sluggish. Depending on the strength of the immune system, the flu will pass in 1-2 weeks. Passing the flu depends on the body’s resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to consume foods that will increase body resistance and contain especially vitamins A, C and E. Apart from these, selenium, zinc, magnesium minerals, omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids are also recommended to be consumed during flu.
1- Vitamin A increases lymphocyte production and antibody formation in the body. Foods rich in vitamin A, such as eggs, milk and fish, both provide protection against the flu and accelerate the recovery process of the flu, due to their protective properties from the formation of infection. With the consumption of spinach, oranges, carrots, green peppers and apricots in addition to eggs, milk and fish, we meet the body’s need for vitamin A and stop the progression of infections.
2- It is also the season of fruits rich in vitamin C, during the winter months when the flu is most common. Vitamin C purifies the body from harmful substances because it is an antioxidant. Thus, the body’s defense power is increased. It is necessary to include the consumption of foods such as green pepper, parsley, cress, arugula, cauliflower, spinach, orange, lemon, tangerine and rosehip, which contain mainly vitamin C.
3- Another antioxidant is vitamin E. With this feature, vitamin E is our main assistant in the treatment of flu. Nutrition with oil seeds such as hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, oils (such as canola, sunflower oil), green leafy vegetables, dried legumes and tahini meets our vitamin E needs and is good for flu.
4- Omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are powerful antioxidants, are abundant in fish, fish oil, hazelnuts and walnuts. Thus, the treatment of flu is accelerated with these foods that strengthen the immune system.
5- Zinc is a mineral necessary for the production of many important proteins that balance the immune system. When the zinc, which is about 2-3 grams in the body, falls below this value, the probability of catching the flu increases. Zinc, which also fights flu, is found in shrimp, oysters, fish, meat, liver, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, whole grains, walnuts, almonds, eggs, cheese and milk. Therefore, the consumption of these foods is good for the flu.
5- The benefits of kefir and yogurt are endless. Kefir and yogurt protect the body against infections as they are antimicrobial and probiotic. In addition, the consumption of yogurt and kefir containing prebiotics in foods such as artichoke, celery, leek, asparagus and banana is good against flu and helps to pass the flu.
6- Honey, which is good for the flu, is a source of healing in itself. Honey, which contains 82 percent fructose and glucose, is good against colds, flu and infections because it provides energy to the body and is antimicrobial. It is possible to make a natural remedy against cough by mixing honey with black pepper, lemon and ginger.
7- Garlic is a complete anti-flu with the vitamins and minerals it contains. With its regular consumption, it provides full protection to the body against many infectious diseases, especially flu. Zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium in garlic are good against flu. Thus, the immune system is strengthened and the recovery of the flu accelerates.
8- Leaving many fruits behind in terms of vitamin C, kiwi is also rich in magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, beta carotene and antioxidants. Thus, the consumption of kiwi is good against the flu and allows you to overcome the disease in a shorter time.
The effect of berries against the flu in the opinion of experts
Orange and lemon meet half of the body’s need for vitamin C.
Cherry juice meets the thirst we need in feverish diseases such as flu.
Fibrous fruits, apricots and peaches, also provide good protection against the flu and are effective in passing the flu.
Grape juice is rich in vitamins A and C and is good against flu.
Due to its high antioxidant content, bilberry has been used in the treatment of sore throat and digestive system disorders since ancient times.
- Rosehip tea meets the body’s need for vitamin C on its own and is good against flu.
A NATURAL HOME REMEDY FOR FLU
It is possible to cure the disease in a short time with this natural solution for the flu, which you can prepare at home. In this recipe, we will use lemon, pineapple, ginger, garlic and honey, each of which is good for flu. So how much do you need? How is it done? How is this drink consumed?
MATERIALS
3 lemons
2 slices of pineapple
1/2 piece of grated ginger
1 clove of garlic
1 teaspoon of honey
HOW TO DO?
Squeeze the juice of 3 lemons. Then put the lemon juice, pineapple slices and grated ginger in the food processor and mix. Mix the garlic and honey that you crushed in a mortar into the mixture. Your drink is ready.
HOW IS IT CONSUMED?
You can consume it in the morning on an empty stomach before a meal. Prepare your mixture fresh and consume it 2 times a week. With regular use, your immune system will become even stronger.
WHO SHOULD HAVE THE FLU VACCINE?
With the flu vaccine, which is seen as a way to protect against the flu, it is aimed to strengthen the body’s immune system by accelerating the production of antibodies against influenza viruses. But the flu virus has several strains and is constantly changing. With the flu vaccine, effective protection against 3-4 common flu viruses is aimed. If a different virus is encountered, the flu vaccine may provide some protection. You may feel some weakness and fatigue after the flu shot. Therefore, the vaccine is more effective if you take a vacation the next day and rest. And finally, it should be noted that the best recommended time for the flu vaccine is between September and October.
So who should get the flu vaccine?
- Persons aged 65 and over.
- People with chronic diseases: Those with chronic heart, lung, liver, kidney, diabetes and similar diseases.
- People with weakened immune systems: Cancer patients, people with immune system disease, people who have had organ and bone marrow transplants.
- Children and adolescents on long-term aspirin therapy.
- Doctors, nurses, nurses working in hospitals; nursery and nursing home workers.
- People who are in close contact with people in the high-risk group
- Pregnant women after the first 3 months
- babies from month
- If the people around you have the flu, it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against the flu.