Prepare for flu season

Prepare yourself against flu season Copy Cwp April 8, 2018 No Comments Flu season is just around the corner and if you don’t want to get sick, the best thing you can do is prepare your immune system so that it can fight against viral agents. Scientists at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in the United States discovered that the flu virus, in order to spread the infection, can kill the first cells of the immune system, which are consequently the best equipped to combat and neutralize them. Once a harmful virus penetrates the body’s defenses, the immune system manufactures cells capable of producing antibodies to specifically neutralize that type of virus that has entered. This particular type of cells (B) develop and multiply, generating antibodies and slowly begin to eliminate the hostile invader. Some of these cells store, as a viral memory, the information necessary to neutralize that specific type of virus, and go to the lungs to prevent recurrence of the infection through inhalation and subsequent installation in these organs. Because of this behavior, it is important to give our body what it needs so it can fight. The immune system needs a constant supply of vitamins and minerals because every few days, the body actively replaces a quarter of its immune cells. When viruses attack, a strong immune system can produce 10 million antibodies per hour to protect the bloodstream and attack the enemy. Therefore, a few days of poor nutrition can weaken the body’s defense capacity. Foods against the flu

1. Salmon Fish like salmon have a high protein content. proteins and omega-3. “The protein is necessary to synthesize the structures of the immune system, including the skin, membranes, cells and antibodies,” says Reinhard. Without these structures, the immune system is like a soldier without a sword, left defenseless against viruses and bacteria. Reinhard recommends eating two servings of salmon a week.
2. Greek yogurt This type of yogurt has high levels of protein as well as numerous probiotics. “Yogurt containing live cultures promotes a strong immune system due to ‘good’ bacteria preventing the ‘bad’ bacteria from increasing,” notes Reinhard. The expert recommends consuming 220 grams a day.
3. Eggs One egg contains around 6.8 grams of protein (it is recommended to consume around 50 grams per day). Protein is essential for building muscle mass and keeping your body strong. Eggs are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including B6 and B12 that contribute to a healthy immune system.
4. Walnuts In addition to being a snack with a lot of protein, walnuts are an excellent source of selenium and zinc, two essential minerals for the health of the immune system. Brazil nuts have the highest selenium content and Japanese chestnuts have the highest zinc content.
5. Peppers and dark leafy vegetables Although citrus fruits are probably the first thing that comes to mind to get more vitamin C, peppers and dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and romaine lettuce have higher content of this vitamin. Although vitamin C does not prevent the flu itself, it does help reduce the time of illness.