How to Prevent the Swine Flu With a Healthy Diet
Why a Diet?
Recently the CDC recommended several home treatments for preventing the H1N1 virus, which included eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Why? These foods boost the immune system, the protective force that prevents infections inside the body. When the immune system is low, the H1N1 virus attacks, causing the swine flu.
The following suggestions can boost the immune system and significantly reduce the risk of catching the H1N1 virus.
Vitamins A and C
Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A and C. According to CNN.com, both vitamins promote immune function, improving the body’s ability to respond to viruses or bacteria when it invades the body. The H1N1 virus preys on people with weakened immune systems, but a healthy diet rich in these vitamins can prevent infection.
People can incorporate these vitamins into their diet by adding richly colored fruits, vegetables, and beans to every meal. Oranges, apples, and dark leafy vegetables are great sources. CNN.com recommends eating five to nine servings of food containing these vitamins to keep the immune system amped with protection.
Increase Fluid Intake
Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids should be a part of any healthy diet–it keeps the body hydrated, which helps the body bounce back from an existing illness. It also flushes out harmful substances out of the body, preventing a swine flu infection. Water is the best choice for keeping the body hydrated, but natural juices and milk are also great sources. Juices and milk have the additional bonus of providing essential vitamins and minerals which boost the immune system, preventing the H1N1 virus from infecting at risk individuals.
To get the added bonus of fluids, aim for eight to ten glasses of fluids per day. Avoid drinking other beverages that can dehydrate the body, such as coffee or caffeinated colas.
Sip Green Tea
Have a cup or more of green tea every day. Green tea is reported to have numerous benefits, including the ability to fight off infection. A couple of studies also show green tea inhibits the influenza virus from replicating, reducing its severity. Although these studies were not conducted on the H1N1 strain of the influenza virus, the results are promising–and some doctors are recommending sipping this instead.
Green tea is also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, which improves the immune system, helping prevent the swine flu. Regardless of whether it works or not, it should be a part of any healthy diet because of its other numerous health benefits.
Eat More Protein
Consume plenty of lean protein. A healthy diet needs lean, non-fatty protein sources in order to build healthy, strong muscles, but they also aid in the healthy buildup of all cells. This includes white blood cells, the microscopic fighters that prevent the H1N1 virus from infecting the body. Eating plenty of lean protein increases the amount of white blood cells produced, reducing the risk of developing the swine flu.
People should consume one gram of protein for every kilogram they weigh. For example, a person who weighs 60kg should consume around 60 grams of protein. Great sources of lean protein include seafood, skinless chicken, eggs, beans, lentils and fish.
As always, make sure to consult with a doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. Though most of these foods are safe, some may interact negatively with some people.