Flu Season is upon us! And while there are many ways to protect yourself from getting sick, here are five prevention tricks you may not have known about.
1.Eat foods containing zinc
Zinc naturally interferes with viruses trying to access the body’s cells. By blocking certain metabolic activity, zinc can help to prevent the flu from settling into your body. Foods that are rich with zinc include oysters and squash. While zinc isn’t a cure, it may definitely offer some protection.
2. Add some garlic to your daily routine
Garlic contains antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which can prevent infections from taking hold and spreading in the body. By simply consuming two raw garlic cloves daily, you can enjoy the herb’s health benefits.
3. Mix some mushrooms into your favorite dish
While not actually preventative, mushrooms have the ability to increase production and activity of white blood cells, which improve chances of fighting off infection. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms provide the strongest immunity boost.
4. Schedule time for a tea party
A freshly brewed pot of black tea will jump-start your immune system! Drinking black tea benefits the body by providing the body with cold and virus-fighting chemical interferon, which makes it an excellent seasonal addition to your daily routine. Researches suspect that green tea has the same effect.
5. Hit the snooze button
Sleep is arguably one of the most important measures to take this flu season because it will allow your immune season to recharge itself. A fatigued body can’t fight off infections, so be sure to get at least eight hours of rest every night so your body is protected.