Flu outbreaks in schools are common as students gather in
close proximity. Of course you teach
your students to wash their hands regularly and to shield their mouths when
coughing and sneezing, but this may not be enough to protect them from seasonal
flu. Another way to prevent them from getting sick is to bolster their immune
systems. To this end, make sure that they take a regular vitamin supplements
and make sure that they also eat lots of these immune system-friendly foods.
Probiotics
This is the good kind of bacteria that aids in digestion and
with the absorption of nutrients in the body. Probiotics are available in
fermented foods like natural yoghurts and probiotic drinks. Supplements are available
too. Probiotics reinforce the strength of intestinal walls and boost immune
systems.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and also
helps to settle stomach and prevent nausea. Ginger has the same pain-relieving
properties as over-the-counter pain medications. You can add ginger to fruit salads, soups and
stir-fries or slice it thinly and steep in warm water to make a tea. Add honey
for added anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Chicken Soup
This really does work! Studies have shown that chicken soup
has other benefits beyond rehydration and nutrition. Not only does chicken soup
have mild
anti-inflammatory properties, it is also thought to improve the ability of
cilia, the tiny hair-like parts of the nasal passages, to protect the body from
bacteria and viruses. Add garlic to your chicken soup to improve its healing
powers. Garlic stimulates your immune
system and has anti-microbial properties.
Leafy Dark
Green Vegetables
Spinach, kale, collards, Swiss chard and other leafy greens
are excellent flu-preventers. Packed with vitamins A, C, D, K, B1, B2, B6, and minerals such as
zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium and copper, leafy greens are a great option for
improving the immune system.
Sweet Potatoes
These
tasty tubers are packed with beta carotene which can also be found in carrots.
When absorbed into the body, it’s converted to vitamin A which helps neutralize
toxins and combats respiratory infections. Sweet potatoes also combat
free-radicals and this helps to boost the immune system.
Citrus fruit
Enjoy
an orange or a grapefruit, or sip juice if you are not up for eating. The
vitamin C in citrus fruit helps to boost the immune system. It’s a great
preventative measure too as vitamin C helps to boost cell integrity so that
they are more able to withstand germs and viruses.
To
improve your immune system, avoid sugary or processed foods and always include
seven fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Drink fruit juices and green
tea to boost your system and combat free radicals. Preventing illness is easier
than you think and is just one of the plethora of positive benefits of eating well and exercising regularly.
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