Dr Arpana Neopane, Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine at the Kathmandu Medical College, says that the general conception of flu basically deals with common cough and cold. [break]And it is during the fall and beginning of winter, the infective agents in the environment that causes flu are more active.
But there are ways to prevent from getting flu. Dr Neopane says intake of liquid, for instance lukewarm water, vitamin C enriched fruits and getting a flu shot are helpful.
Also, proper rest is essential. Sharma, who is associated with the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center and Autism Care Nepal as a dietician, adds though citrus fruits such as orange and lemon, enriched with Vitamin C, are on the priority list to combat flu, seasonal fruits should also be emphasized.
Fruits also help to maintain a balanced diet, thus helping build immunity power to fight against seasonal viruses like flu.
Here is a list of fruits enriched with vitamins and nutrients that will give a boost to your immune system.
Apple
Apple is one of the major sources on antioxidants, which helps in maintaining health and preventing different diseases.
“Antioxidants can be related to the immunity power,” says the dietician. Though apple has a relatively lower amount of vitamin C, it has an antioxidant effect equivalent to 1,500mg of vitamin C per apple.
Guava
Enriched in vitamin C and dietary fiber, a guava can have four times the amount of vitamin C than an orange. It also has high antioxidant value, thus helping to boost the immune system.
Banana
Bananas are a major source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. Since they are high in potassium, it has more calories, says Sharma, adding that calories are related to the immune system. Thus, intake of bananas could help in maintaining a good immune system that would help fight flu.
Papaya
Papayas are enriched with vitamin C that is equivalent to 250% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance, a standard for the daily dietary intake.
Papayas are the major source of beta-carotene, a major source of vitamins A, C and E. it also helps in the stimulation of the immune system, thus helping combat different viruses.
It also helps in soothing inflammatory problems in the body.
Home Remedies for Flu/Cold
l Take one teacup of ground mustard in a cloth bag and boil in four teacups water. Add the decoction to a hot foot-bath.
l Extract one tablespoon each juice from fresh ginger, betel leaf and tulsi leaves. Add one tablespoon honey. Take two to three times a day.
l Mix half tablespoon ground pepper in warm water along with one tablespoon palm candy. Drink at bedtime.
l Squeeze a lime in a glass of hot water and add one tablespoon of honey, two tablespoons of brandy. Drink before retiring to bed.
l Mix one tablespoon turmeric powder along with one-fourth tablespoon of ajwain powder in three teacups hot water. Allow to cool. Take one tablespoon of this decoction along with one tablespoon honey twice daily for a few weeks.
l Boil half tablespoon each finely powdered cinnamon and black powdered pepper in one teacup water. Add honey and drink.
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