Fight Viruses Naturally

Colds, fevers, the flu, and now the widespread Coronavirus—everyone is and should be on high alert about their health with these viruses spreading wide and fast. There is no better time than now to focus on your health and improve your immune system so that you can help your body fight off the chance of catching ANY sort of sickness. While there are a variety of vaccines out there, make sure you do your research before going that route. Some vaccines are experimental and can cause different side effects. Going the natural route is a safe and healthy way to fight off viruses and help your body feel its best.

The following list contains natural ways to fight off viruses and to help you achieve a strong and healthy immune system:

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil packs a punch as it is extremely high in antioxidants, providing even more than some fruits and vegetables. Plus, it has also been proven to act as an antibiotic, which comes in handy when it comes to fighting off viruses. Research has also shown that oregano oil may be effective against types of bacteria that can become resistant to antibiotics.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps protect your body from immune system deficiencies, plus a growing list of benefits including cardiovascular disease, eye disease, skin wrinkling, and more. You can find vitamin C in a cup of orange juice, cantaloupe, broccoli, red peppers, and more. Sounds like it’s time to stock up on those fruits and veggies!

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Used for the flu and cold, elderberries are packed with antioxidants, high in vitamin C, and a good source of phenolic acid. Studies have shown that elderberry extract can reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a common herb that is used to fight off the flu and cold. Stemming from the daisy family, echinacea has been proven to reduce a person’s chances of catching a cold and reduce the length of time a cold lasts.

Ginseng

Ginseng, the slow-growing herb, has largely been linked to strengthening the immune system. Not just boosting the immune system for the common cold, ginseng has even been linked to increasing the survival rate in cancer patients. This herb can easily be added in your diet to help resist infections and viruses.

Probiotics

Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the good bacteria in the body. With the good bacteria in your body, your immune system is more likely to properly protect you against germs. When your immune system isn’t functioning properly, you are more likely to get infections, autoimmune disorders, and allergic reactions. Maintaining a balance in good bacteria can help prevent you from these ailments.

Multivitamins

Multivitamins help you boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Containing a variety of vitamins and minerals, multivitamins help your body fight off diseases and viruses from heart disease to the common cold. Even giving you a boost of energy, multivitamins will give you the strength that your body needs to get through flu season.

Clean Eating

Eating clean is not only for achieving that bikini body, it is also an important factor in your internal health. Deficiencies in some key nutrients—such as vitamins A, B, C, and E—can weaken parts of your immune system, thus making you more susceptible to the common cold or flu viruses.

Wash Hands Correctly

It should go without saying that it is extremely important to wash your hands throughout the day to help prevent catching or spreading any germs. To wash your hands, wet your hands with clean, running water then soap up your hands. Lather your hands with the soap, scrubbing your palms, back of your hands, in between your fingers, and underneath your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure you are getting all of those germs. Rinse your hands with clean, warm water and dry your hands off on a clean towel or air dry.

Hydration

Keeping yourself hydrated is extremely important at all times, but especially if you get sick. Dehydration is a common effect from those who suffer from a cold, fever, or flu. Loading up on fluids will help reduce headaches, relieve flu symptoms, and strengthen the body’s immune response system, ultimately reducing the sickness all together. Drinking 1/2 your body weight in ounces is ideal, but at least 8-10 glasses of water a day at minimum.