Vitamin D3 is one of the best natural ways to prevent the flu due to the ability to produce antiviral peptides which can get rid of invading organisms, and helping to prevents macrophages from releasing inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. Naturally the body can produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun, however during colder months people become less exposed to the sun resulting in a decline in vitamin D levels, this is theorized to be one of the reasons for the increased prevalence of influenza during winter. You can increase vitamin D levels with supplements, such as cod liver oil as it supplies vitamins A & D along with omega 3 fatty acids.
Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria and yeast that can help to boost the immune system which can be found in whole foods such as kimchi, kefir, kvass, and yogurt among others to help support gut bacteria that make up about 80% of the immune system.
Green tea can also help protect against the flu, it contains EGCG antioxidants, and catechins that have been shown to help improve T cell function as well as disrupt the replication of the influenza virus.
Elderberry is a good item to have stocked in your arsenal to help prevent the flu, which is reported to inhibit certain strains of the flu virus and increase cytokine production to activate the immune system.
Echinacea has been used to help fight cold and flu for many years, it has been proven effective against avian flu H5N1, H7N7, and swine H1N1. Research has confirmed it is helpful against the flu as it reduces severity and duration of symptoms as effectively as the drug Tamiflu.
Garlic has been used as food and medicine for centuries to enhance the immune system and fight germs thanks to its alliin/allicin compounds which have been shown to boost disease fighting responses of some white blood cells when they encounter a virus. Not only can it reduce the risks of becoming sick in the first place it can also reduce the severity of symptoms if taken consistently.
Vitamin C is another helpful aid in prevention and combat of flu and colds that has been shown to be clinically effective. If administered before or after the appearance of flu and cold symptoms vitamin C can relieve and prevent symptoms.
Detecting the flu during early symptoms is important to help prevent its spread and potentially help you to treat the illness before it worsens. Symptoms can include cough, chills, fatigue, body aches, fever, sore throat, and gastrointestinal problems.
Some may opt for vaccination as a “preventative” measure, however in reality it cannot replace natural immunity, and actually interferes with the body’s natural immunological processes and expose you to adverse effects and risks.
