Boosting Your Immune System to Thwart Viral Infections
After being infected with SARS-like virus, a 39 year-old man died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Sunday. According to reports, the victim got the virus from his father who just came home from a travel in Pakistan and Middle East. So far, there are only four confirmed cases in Britain, and 12 around the world.
The virus, called corona virus, which was first identified in the mid 1960s, comes from a large family of viruses known to cause varying illness, ranging from common cold to severe or acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Symptoms of this viral infection include cough, fever and breathing difficulties. According to scientists, the virus is less dangerous because it is not easily passed between humans, and only survives for 24 hours outside the body of their host. The man who died at the Birmingham hospital was already suffering from a long-term health problem, and his dad is currently undergoing treatment at another hospital.
Nevertheless, the effects of this virus can be very serious. People infected with the virus can suffer from pneumonia and kidney failure. Statistics show that out of 10 reported cases, 5 have been fatal.
Strengthening the Immune System to Beat Corona Virus
Just as other types of virus, corona virus is airborne. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets that contain the virus travel in the air and can be inhaled by someone nearby. Health experts recommend simple ways to protect ourselves from this SARS-like virus. These include covering the nose and mouth when someone near you is coughing or sneezing, exercising regularly, and eating immunity boosting foods such as:
Button Mushrooms
Most edible mushrooms are fully packed with essential nutrients and enzymes for a healthy immune system. The button mushroom though is more recommended during flu seasons because it is contains selenium and antioxidants, and B vitamins riboflavin and niacin. Low levels of selenium in the body have been linked to a higher risk of developing more severe types of flu.
Watermelon
This refreshing, naturally sweet fruit has powerful antioxidants including glutathione that shields you from developing respiratory illnesses.
Cabbage
This leafy veggie isn’t hard to find so make sure your usual dishes include cabbage for an optimal immunity boost! It has glutamine – a healthy compound that is known to strengthen the immune system.
Almonds
Too much stress can weaken your immune system and expose you to flu viruses, such as the corona virus. Almonds and other nuts such as pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts and peanuts contain huge amount of vitamin E that boosts the immune system. They also have riboflavin and niacin that beat the effects of stress to your body.
Grapefruit
Vitamin C is critical for a strong immune system. You can get vitamin C in many fruits and vegetables such as tangerine, oranges, and spinach, but grapefruit gives you an extra dose of flavonoids for optimal immunity!
Yogurt
A cup of low-fat yogurt everyday can keep those flu viruses away! Studies reveal that the probiotics in yogurt and other cultured food products stimulate the immune system to fight illnesses.
Wheat Germ
Instead of white flour, use wheat germ as your base ingredient for cakes, breads and other pastry delights. It is the part of the seed that feeds a baby wheat plant so you can be certain it is full of nutrients, including fibre, protein and good fats. It’s tastier than flour too!
Spinach
For your vegetable salad supreme, don’t forget to add spinach. This super nutritious veggie is fully loaded with fibre, vitamin C, antioxidant and folate – nutrient that produces new cells and repair damaged DNA.
Dear Readers,
Other than eating right, what else can we do to avoid being infected with life-threatening viruses?
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Source of this article:
Sars-like virus claims first UK victim after man, 39, dies at a Birmingham hospital
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