Home Remedies To Protect Against Cold & Flu

Added 1891 days ago. 20 February 2019

It’s that time of year again, when we all seem to be our most susceptible to cold and flu.

You may have already chosen to have a flu jab by your local doctor, but there are still a number of things you can do at home to keep your immune system up and ready to fight seasonal infections.

Have an immunity-boosting diet

Taking the right multi-vitamins is an easy way to inject essential vitamins into your system, but rethinking your everyday diet could also help you incorporate these naturally:

For Zinc

Red meat and poultry
Beans (baked beans, kidney beans and chickpeas)
Oatmeal and fortified breakfast cereals
Nuts (scatter cashews and almonds over your morning cereal for an added immunity boost!)

For vitamin C

Fruit (citrus fruits have the highest levels of vitamin C. However, kiwi, strawberries and cantaloupe melon are also great for an immunity boost)
Vegetables (incorporate sweet red pepper, broccoli, cabbage and tomatoes as part of a high vitamin C diet)

For vitamin D

Salmon and tuna
Milk
Eggs (vitamin D is found in the egg yolk)

What else?

Stay hydrated

One of the simplest remedies for cold and flu is to drink plenty of water. Water is essential to keeping your internal systems running properly. It can also help you recover from infection faster; flushing you out and keeping you from dehydration. Drink at least eight 7fl oz glasses per day to keep your body hydrated.

Wash hands and disinfect surfaces

When a virus is in the air, one of the most effective preventions is simply to keep clean. Washing your hands before eating or not being around people who may be infected, can help prevent the spread of everyday illness.

Keep warm

Cold and flu viruses spread best in cold temperatures. Keeping your body warm can help keep them from taking hold. Keep a blanket handy in cold months and use a hot water bottle to keep you cosy through the night.

Top Tips!

If you do come down with flu-like symptoms, honey and lemon herbal tea is perfect for relieving your cough, soothing your throat and adding a boost in vitamins.

B vitamins also play a part in fighting off fatigue and weakness.Try incorporating starchy vegetables, salmon, nuts and tofu for a boost in vitamin B6.