Choose antioxidant rich foods and foods with antiviral properties to give your immune system a boost:
- darkly colored berries
- all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, etc.)
- citrus fruits
- leafy green vegetables
- nuts and seeds, especially Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
- garlic, onions and shitake mushrooms
- ginger
Other excellent foods and herbs:
- Oregano
- Cloves
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Lemon Balm
- Cumin
- Aloe Vera
- Spirulina
- Green Tea
Choose organic fruits and vegetables
Here's a sample menu for a "Swine Flu prevention diet"...
...otherwise known as a nutrient packed, immune system boosting menu:
Breakfast:
Old fashioned oats topped with strawberries and pumpkin seeds.
Am Snack:
orange
Lunch:
Spinach salad that includes baby spinach, red onions, shitake mushrooms. Top with a piece of poached salmon. Drizzle with olive oil.
Snack:
Plain nonfat yogurt topped with Brazil nuts and blackberries..
Dinner:
Grilled chicken
Steamed Brussels sprouts
Baked sweet potato
I'm getting hungry....
Other simple things you can do to boost your immune system and possibly protect yourself from the Swine Flu:
Get Your Vitamin D
Get out for 15-30 minutes of sunlight per day.
Get enough sleep: 7-8 hours/night
I know. Sometimes this is easier said than done.
However, you should make getting adequate sleep a priority. Inadequate sleep can weaken your immune system over time.
Here's a secret to good sleep:
Make your bedroom like a cave...
...cool and dark.
Turn your digital clock away from you or cover it up, hang black out curtain, or paint your room a dark color. Open the windows or turn down the air before you lay down. You'll be amazed at how such small things can make such a big difference!
De-stress
Again, easier said than done, I know! Stress is toxic and will suppress your immune system!
Yoga anyone?
If yoga is not for you, take a walk, talk to a friend, journal your fears, take a nice long bubble bath, etc. Find a way to relax.
Get moderate exercise.
Strengthens the entire body and is a great way to reduce stress.
Don't forget the obvious.
Wash your hands and cover your mouth when you cough.
Of course there are no guarantees. It sure feels good to control the things you can control however!
