Superfoods to strengthen the immune system and fight colds and flu

Colds and flu are among the most common manifestations of aggression by viruses and bacteria, lurking especially when the climate becomes harsh and in the changing seasons. To stay healthy, the body relies on the immune system, a real defensive army on the front line. In the most delicate moments, we can lend a hand to this army with superfoods, with the help of phytotherapy and some very special foods, such as fermented





Cold and flu they are among the most common manifestations of aggression by viruses and bacteria, lurking especially when the climate becomes harsh and in the changing seasons. To maintain good health, the body relies on the immune system, a real defensive army on the front line. In the most delicate moments, we can lend a hand to this army with superfoods, with the help of phytotherapy and some very special foods, such as fermented foods.

Index

A helping hand to the immune system

In the event of an infection, enhancing the intestinal microenvironment could prove beneficial to health. This is exactly what fermented foods do. Kefir, kombucha and fermented vegetables are filled with beneficial and potent bacteria that improve gut flora and, as a result, lead to healthy immune strength.

Kombucha

Superfoods to strengthen the immune system and fight colds and flu

For hundreds of years that of kombucha has remained a secret formula for "insiders", a real lifesaver unknown to most. It is rich in glucuronic acid, which plays a role in one of the most important detoxification processes in the body. Among its other benefits:

• helps to calm the persistent cough in the season of flu and colds
• relieves migraines and headaches
• improves vision and any cataracts
• improves digestion
• helps seasonal allergies
• reduces appetite during weight loss diets
• accelerates the healing of ulcers (kombucha kills H. pylori, a common ulcer-causing bacterium)
• increases energy
• strengthens the immune system
• reduces joint pain
• helps to get rid of fungal affections

One of the easiest ways to get the Kombucha consists of buying it at an organic food store. It is also possible to prepare it yourself.



A burst of energy with superfoods

Providing the body with the so-called superfoods, superfoods, puts us in a position to face everyday life in full shape and to have greater mental and physical performance. A superfood is in fact a healthy, raw food, easy to digest, rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids, antioxidants and plant substances that strengthen the body and the immune system.

Camu camu

Superfoods to strengthen the immune system and fight colds and flu

The berry of camu camu it is considered the fruit of the earth richest in vitamin C, thirty times that of an orange! Alongside this remarkable value, other data also make the comparison with orange impressive: ten times more iron, three times more niacin, twice more riboflavin and phosphorus. These berries are an ideal food to strengthen the immune system and are recommended for fighting colds and vitamin C deficiencies. They also contain other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, thiamine (vitamin B1), niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), phosphorus and iron, as well as several amino acids. Camu camu berries are naturally sour and therefore ideal is to combine them with other ingredients to obtain smoothies and drinks.

Natural anti-inflammatories

Superfoods to strengthen the immune system and fight colds and flu

Numerous medicinal plants exert an anti-inflammatory action. Some stimulate the adrenal glands to produce more cortisone, which thus circulates more abundantly in the blood and exerts its anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body. Others have substances that directly block or curb inflammation.

Pino silvestre (Pinus sylvestris)

Stimulating the adrenal glands, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective, Scots pine exerts an action on the respiratory tract: sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, allergic colds and nasopharyngitis. For the therapeutic properties young needles and buds are used. It is taken in the form of an infusion, mother tincture, essential oil and capsules. Attention, it is contraindicated in case of hypertension, nervousness and renal weakness.



Alloro (Laurus nobilis)

Powerful analgesic, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory, laurel acts on the respiratory tracts (colds, sinusitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma) and on the digestive tracts (diarrhea, enteritis, colitis, gastroenteritis). The simplest way to use it is in the form of essential oil, diluted for gargle. Beware, some do not tolerate laurel essential oil well. It is therefore essential to carry out a small skin test before using it.

Mint (Mentha piperita)

Mint acts in particular at the level of the lungs and liver, associating its anti-flu action with a digestive action. According to Ayurvedic medicine, the equivalent of three mint capsules three times a day, or nine capsules, should be taken for respiratory tract infections. The capsule shell is removed and the powder is mixed with half a teaspoon of honey.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is particularly effective against colds, bronchitis and acute throat diseases (sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis). In these cases, the decoction of licorice roots can be used up to the maximum dose of 10 g per day (dried roots). Beware of hypertension in case of prolonged use in excessive doses.

To know more:

Christopher Vasey, Natural anti-inflammatories, Il Punto d'Incontro Editions, 2016

Gérard Edde, The best medicinal plants, Il Punto d'Incontro Editions, 2014

Donna Schwenk, Natural probiotics in the kitchen, Il Punto d'Incontro Editions, 2015

Thorsten Weiss and Jenny Bor, 50 superfoods, Il Punto d'Incontro Editions, 2015

add a comment of Superfoods to strengthen the immune system and fight colds and flu
Comment sent successfully! We will review it in the next few hours.