FLU AND 10 SIMPLE TIPS

While there is no cure for the flu, there are natural remedies that can help ease flu symptoms, or at least they can help shorten the duration of the flu.

Here are 10 natural remedies that might work for you:

1. DRINK WATER AND LIQUIDS

Drinking water and other fluids is extremely important when you have the flu. This is essential whether you have the respiratory flu or the stomach flu.

Water helps keep your nose, mouth, and throat moist. This helps your body get rid of accumulated mucus and phlegm.

You can also become dehydrated if you don't eat and drink normally. Additionally, diarrhea and fever (two common symptoms of the flu) can also cause dehydration.

You can stay hydrated by consuming plenty of:

• country
• coconut water
• sports drinks
• herbal tea
• fresh juices
• Soup
• water use
• raw fruits and vegetables

You'll know you're drinking enough water and fluids if:

• you have to urinate often
• your urine color is almost clear or light yellow
• If your urine is dark yellow to amber, you may be dehydrated.

You should also avoid smoking as much as possible as it can further irritate your nose, throat and lungs.

2. RESTORE MORE

When you have the flu, you should rest and sleep more. Sleep can help boost your immune system.

This helps your body fight the flu virus. Break your usual bad habits and make sleep a priority to get you back on track.

3. DRINK WATER WATER

Drinking warm chicken or beef bone broth is a good way to help you stay hydrated. It helps to loosen and break up nasal and sinus congestion.

Bone broth is also naturally high in protein and minerals like sodium and potassium.

Drinking broth is a good way to replenish these nutrients when you have the flu. Plus, protein is important for rebuilding immune cells.

You can buy ready-made varieties, but be sure to look for ones that are low in sodium (salt).

You can also make your own broth by boiling chicken or beef bones.

4. ADDITIONAL CODE

The mineral zinc is important for the immune system. This nutrient helps your body make germ-fighting white blood cells.

Research shows that zinc can help ease cold and flu symptoms.

Zinc helps your body fight the flu virus and can slow the rate at which the virus replicates.

You can take a zinc supplement or a zinc multivitamin during flu season. You can usually get plenty of zinc from a balanced daily diet.

Foods high in zinc include:

• Red meat
• shellfish
• lentils
• green bean
• bean
• nuts
• Seeds
• dairy products
• egg

5. WASH WITH BRINE

Gargling with warm water and salt can soothe a sore throat. In addition, it can also help clear mucus. Here's how to gargle with salt water:

• Bring to a boil or heat water and let cool until warm or at room temperature. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
• Pull the salt water to the back of your throat and gargle for about 10 to 30 seconds to let the salt water rinse your mouth and throat.
• Spit water into the sink and repeat 2 to 4 times.
• Do not swallow salt water. Do not allow children to rinse their mouth until they can safely rinse with plain water.

6. DRINK HERBAL TEA

Some herbs have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. Anise is a star-shaped spice from which oseltamivir is traditionally extracted.

Oseltamivir phosphate (also known as Tamiflu) is a prescription medicine used to speed recovery or prevent the flu. Its antiviral properties are effective against certain influenza viruses. Other herbs and green leaf teas also have antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.

You can make herbal tea against flu with star anise and other herbs such as:

• green or black tea
• turmeric
• fresh or dried ginger, or powdered ginger
• fresh garlic
• Clove

Sweeten herbal tea with pure honey. Honey, royal jelly and other bee products have been found to have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Many of the packaged teas available also have these dry ingredients combined.

7. APPLYING ESSENTIAL OILS

Certain essential oils can help protect you against certain viruses and bacteria. One study found that tea tree oil helps fight the flu virus by slowing or stopping the rate at which the virus replicates. According to research, tea tree oil works best when it is used within two hours of an infection. This suggests it may help stop the flu virus from multiplying.

In fact, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to liquid hand soap when washing your hands or mix it into the lotion you use. Some commercial mouthwashes include it as an ingredient.

Other plant and herbal essential oils can also act as natural antibiotics and antivirals. Including:

• cinnamon oil
• silver berry crystal ha
• Eucalyptus oil
• geranium oil
• lemon oil
• thyme oil
• oregano oil

Most essential oils can be used on the skin after they have been mixed with oils such as almond oil or olive oil. You can add fresh and dried herbs and spices to foods to get the same benefits.

Diffusing essential oils into the air with a diffuser can also help fight certain viruses and bacteria.

Be aware that aromatherapy affects children, pregnant and lactating women, and pets.

8. USE A MOISTURIZER

Influenza viruses last longer in dry indoor air. This can make the virus spread more easily.

Colder than outdoor temperatures usually reduce the humidity in the air. Indoor air can be dry due to the use of heating and air conditioning systems.

Using a humidifier to increase the humidity in your home and workplace can help reduce airborne flu viruses.

9. INALING STEAM

Inhaling the steam from a pot of warm water can help soothe your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Sauna or steam therapy uses steam to help loosen mucosal congestion.

Warm, humid air can also reduce swelling in the nose and lungs. Inhaling steam can help soothe dry coughs, nasal irritation, and chest tightness.

Ways you can heat water to create steam:

• in a pot on the stove
• in a microwave-safe bowl or cup in the microwave
• in a vaporizer
• Avoid steam from boiling water. Carefully check the temperature of the steam before inhaling. Keep your face and hands far enough away to avoid scalding or burning. Add a few drops of essential oils or vaporizers to the water for added antiviral and antioxidant benefits.

10. EAT SCIENTIFIC

If you have an upset stomach, eat little by little.

The stomach flu can cause nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Pale foods are easier to digest and may help ease your stomach symptoms.

• BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple sauce, toast)
• crunchy biscuits
• cooked cereals (oatmeal and cream of wheat)
• Jelly (Jell-O)
• boiled potatoes
• grilled or boiled chicken
• soup and broth
• Drinks rich in electrolytes

Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach and digestion.

• Milk
• cheese
• caffeine
• meat
• spicy food
• fried food
• fatty foods
• wine
• flu symptoms

11. SYMPTOMS

The flu usually causes respiratory symptoms — the nose, throat, and lungs —. The top flu symptoms are:

• fever
• chills
• headache
• body pain
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• dry cough
• tired and tired

Stomach flu is an influenza virus that causes digestive symptoms. You may feel:

• chills
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• flu complications

The flu can sometimes lead to health complications. It can trigger other viral and bacterial infections in the lungs, throat, ears, and other areas. Consists of:

• pneumonia
• bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• ear infection
• encephalitis (infection of the brain)

People at high risk for complications from the flu include:

• children under 5 years old
• adults 65 years and older

If you have the flu, talk to your doctor if you also have a chronic illness such as:

• asthma
• heart disease
• lung condition
• Diabetes
• kidney disease
• liver failure
• epileptic
• sickle cell anemia

Your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to help reduce the symptoms and duration of the flu. These medicines work best when taken within two days of getting the flu.

Tell your doctor if you have a fever higher than 38°C. Also, seek emergency medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after one to two weeks.

See your doctor if you have:

• shortness of breath
• chest
• fever higher than 38°C
• chills or sweating
• strange colored mucus
• blood in your mucous membranes
• bad cough

12. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FLU AND COLD

Viruses cause the flu and the common cold. Both types of infection can cause you to have a fever. Cold and flu viruses cause similar symptoms. The main difference between the flu and a cold is the severity of your symptoms and how long you have had them.

Flu symptoms start suddenly and are often severe. Cold symptoms are usually milder. You can catch a cold for a week or so.