Flu: Treatment, Diet and Home Remedies

Food and Nutrition

Foods to be taken

• Water is the best fluid to drink when you have a cold or flu as it helps lubricate the mucous membranes of the throat. Other fluids which are good options during cold and flu infection include: juice, ginger ale, herbal tea, honey and lemon tea, broth, ginger tea.
• Foods which help boost the immune system include yoghurt, fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, olive, canola and walnut oil.
• Vitamin C rich foods like oranges, grapefruits, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, pineapples, broccoli, guava also help boost the immune system.
• Include Vitamin E rich foods like leafy greens such as spinach, brussel sprouts and collards, almonds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, blueberries, whole grains. As they play an important role in supporting the immune system.
• Selenium is an important immune-related micronutrient. Selenium rich foods include: chicken, eggs, nuts etc.

Foods to be avoided

• Milk and other dairy products increase mucus secretion and hence take them in limited quantities.
• Caffeinated drinks should be avoided as they are dehydrating. They include coffee, cola drinks, energy drinks and tea.

Yoga and Exercise

When you exercise, your white blood cells the blood cells that fight infections in the body travel through your body more quickly, fighting bacteria and viruses (such as flu) more efficiently so at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, biking, or running each day is usually recommended.

YOGA
Yoga poses which help in reducing the flu symptoms include:

• Child Pose
• Mountain Pose
• Sun Salutation
• Downward Facing Dog & Forward Bends
• Corpse Pose

Home Remedies

• Breathe steam
• Take a warm shower
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water each day
• Applying warm moist compresses to the cheeks and sinuses helps in clearing the sinuses
• Try nasal saline irrigation or saline sprays
• Take hot soups
• Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection