Influenza (Flu)
Description
Body System
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1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D3 enhances your body’s ability to fight off viruses by inhibiting viral replication and reducing inflammation. It boosts the activity of immune cells like T cells and macrophages, which are essential for defending against infections.
2. Zinc: Zinc strengthens the body's natural barriers, such as the respiratory lining, acting as a shield against invading pathogens. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system and supporting cellular balance, including redox processes that protect against oxidative damage.
3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C accelerates recovery while helping to reduce symptoms by supporting immune function. Its strong antioxidant properties protect immune cells, ensuring the body can respond effectively to threats and maintain overall health.
4. Vitamin A: Vitamin A acts as a key immune modulator, boosting the production of antibodies. These antibodies are essential in identifying and neutralizing harmful invaders, supporting the body's ability to maintain a strong defense.
5. Iodine: Iodine enhances your body’s defense mechanisms by supporting immune cell function and promoting overall immune resilience, making it a valuable tool in protecting against infections.
6. Selenium: Selenium empowers the immune system by enhancing antioxidant defenses and supporting immune cell function, creating a protective shield against potential infections.
7. Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B complex fortifies the body’s defense mechanisms while ensuring sustained energy levels, which are essential for maintaining a resilient immune system and overall vitality.
8. Probiotics: Probiotics support immune function by improving gut health, which is closely tied to immune resilience. They help reduce the severity of symptoms and amplify the body’s overall defense mechanisms.
9. Omega 3: Omega 3 fatty acids not only reduce inflammation but also support immune function by potentially blocking viral entry into cells, helping to strengthen the body’s defense against infections.
10. Inositol: Inositol supports immune function by promoting cellular health and helping regulate key processes that contribute to the body’s overall defense system, ensuring the immune system functions optimally.
11. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: NAC boosts glutathione levels, a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and mucus production. This makes it beneficial for respiratory health, improving lung function and helping alleviate symptoms during infections.
1. Quercetin: Quercetin is a multitasker that fights inflammation, helps ease symptoms, and inhibits harmful organisms. It also acts as a zinc ionophore, increasing the concentration of zinc in cells to boost immune function.
2. Bromelain: Bromelain’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties support immune health by reducing inflammation and aiding in the absorption of quercetin, enhancing the body’s overall defense.
3. Epigallocatechin Gallate [EGCG]: EGCG is a powerful agent that combats viruses, bacteria, and fungi, while also acting as a zinc ionophore. This helps increase zinc levels within cells, supporting immune function and enhancing the body’s defenses.
4. Echinacea: Echinacea boosts immune function by promoting the production of white blood cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off infections. It is particularly effective in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms, providing key support for overall immune resilience.
5. Goldenseal: Goldenseal’s active compound, berberine, provides powerful antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial and viral infections. It supports the body’s defenses, particularly in the respiratory system, ensuring strong immune protection against pathogens.
6. Curcumin: Curcumin acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, particularly helpful for lung health by blocking the NF-kB signaling pathway, which reduces inflammation triggered by infections and supports the immune system’s response.
7. Boswellia Serrata: Boswellia serrata’s strong anti-inflammatory properties support immune health by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which plays a key role in sustaining inflammation, helping the body regulate its immune responses effectively.
8. Garlic Extract: Garlic enhances immune function by stimulating protective immune cells, creating a barrier that may help prevent viruses from entering cells. Its preventive properties support overall immune resilience.
9. Elderberry Extract: Elderberry, or sambucus nigra, is known for its antiviral properties, which help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by inhibiting viral replication and enhancing the body’s immune response.
10. Astragalus Root Extract: Astragalus, a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, enhances immune function with its antiviral properties. It supports the body’s natural defenses, helping protect against respiratory infections by strengthening the immune system.
11. Licorice Root Extract: Licorice root, rich in the compound glycyrrhizin, offers antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits by inhibiting viral replication. It helps reduce symptom severity and supports the body’s immune response during infections.
1. Colloidal Silver: Colloidal silver is known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, effectively combating bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its ability to target a wide range of microbial threats makes it a valuable tool in supporting the body’s immune defense.
2. Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast, a powerhouse rich in B vitamins, supports energy production and fortifies the immune system. Its role as a substitute for the Vitamin B complex makes it essential for maintaining optimal energy levels and immune health.
1. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy, using essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil, helps alleviate respiratory symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and sore throat. Inhalation of these oils clears airways and provides symptomatic relief while supporting the body’s natural defense system.
2. Ayurveda: Ayurvedic remedies, including herbal teas and spices like turmeric and ginger, alongside lifestyle practices, help boost immune function and alleviate symptoms. These traditional approaches support the body’s defenses and promote overall wellness.
3. Vitamin C IV: High-dose intravenous Vitamin C boosts immune function by delivering a concentrated dose directly into the bloodstream, helping the body combat viral infections. It may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, promoting faster recovery and stronger immune defenses.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Viral Infection
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
It is best to support the recovery from influenza by doing the following:
consuming a whole-foods-based diet consisting of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.
eating foods high in vitamin C, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries, etc.
incorporating foods rich in zinc, such as shellfish, meat, nuts, seeds, whole grains, etc.
Eat foods containing vitamin A, such as liver, eggs, leafy greens, red bell peppers, etc.
Consume foods rich in vitamin B, such as liver, peas, whole grains, nuts, etc.
Include soups and broths in your diet.
Eat probiotic and prebiotic foods, which will strengthen your gut microbiome and your immune system.
Add garlic, onions, ginger, and turmeric to your diet. They help boost the immune system.
Include herbs that have expectorant properties to relieve productive coughs, such as thyme or oregano.
Drink green tea. It contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG], which increases the absorption of zinc.
Drink lukewarm water with lemon and honey. It can soothe the throat and help the cough.
stay hydrated. Drink quality mineral water, herbal teas, and fresh vegetable juices.
Furthermore, do the following:
Sleep as much as you need. Make sure to sleep with your head elevated.
Ventilate your space frequently. Make use of air purifiers, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers to optimize the air quality in your home.
Wash your hands frequently. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
For a stuffy nose, make a steam bath.
If you are able to handle it, let the fever run its course. It will help the body fight off the virus faster.
For a sore throat, try saltwater gargles, chamomile gargles, or ginger root tea gargles. Drinking lukewarm lemon water with honey can soothe the throat.
Change your toothbrush. It harbors viruses and bacteria.
Use essential oil-based hand and surface sanitizers.
Things To Avoid
The following foods and ingredients do not support influenza recovery:
processed, junk, and fast foods. They have a negative impact on metabolic and immune health.
Greasy and fried foods, which are high in AGEs, contribute to inflammation and excess mucus production.
sugar, candy, desserts, and sweetened beverages. Sugar is inflammatory and affects the immune system.
alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated beverages.
dairy products. They are mucus-forming.
food preservatives, such as tertiary butylhydroquinone [TBHQ], also known as E319, which makes the flu symptoms worse.
Flavor enhancers, such as MSG, impair immune function.
Food dyes, which are petroleum-derived substances, can cause harm to human health.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
aspirin, which is not recommended for viral infections.
excessive physical activity. Leave the daily chores to others while you are sick.
going outside, unless you need to see a doctor.
smoking, which will further impair your respiration, add to the inflammation, and decrease immune function.
antibiotics. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
traditional hand sanitizers. They contain harmful ingredients. Use soap or essential oil-based sanitizers instead.