Flu or cold symptoms, such as fever, cough, weakness, lethargy or runny nose, effectively disable us from daily functioning. During the first phase of the illness, the body fights the disease, then it needs rest and a slower pace to recover and get back into shape. How to support the body’s natural powers during the recovery period? How to quickly combat the symptoms and effects of illness?
After a flu or cold, the body is weakened and works in slow motion. The effects of the disease can be felt for up to a few weeks, but they are most noticeable in the first 5-10 days after the symptoms subside. In order to recover smoothly from the illness, strengthening the body is a good idea to start at the first symptoms.
Influenza and the common cold are viral diseases. The treatment used is to relieve symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, lethargy and general weakness. The prescribed medications do not act directly on the cause of the disease. On the one hand, they help to cope more easily with its course, and on the other hand, they support the body’s natural forces to fight viruses.
In order to effectively support the body in its struggle with the cold and strengthen natural protective mechanisms, it is worthwhile to act in multiple ways. A nutritious and easily digestible diet, strengthening preparations, rest and light physical activity will help you recover quickly. You can also take immunity supplements to support your body.
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals
Lack of appetite often accompanies a cold. We do not feel like eating, so it is all the more important to choose good quality, fresh, easily digestible products, rich in vitamins and minerals. Diet during a cold should satiate and warm up and provide many ingredients to strengthen the body. These are primarily vitamins (especially those of the B group, vitamin A, C and D) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium).
During illness and subsequent recovery, rely on groats and vegetables: fresh, boiled or stewed, in the form of soups or warm dishes. The diet should also not lack healthy vegetable oils and nuts (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, almonds). Of meats, let’s choose easily digestible poultry, like vegetables, stewed or steamed. Let’s remember herbs, which stimulate the appetite, facilitate food digestion and have antimicrobial effects. Products that naturally exhibit bactericidal and virucidal properties are also worth including in the diet. Onions and garlic contain phytoncides, natural substances that fight pathogens.
Also check out: over-the-counter cold remedies and immunity supplements
Natural strengthening preparations
To strengthen the body and speed up recovery, preparations that support the body’s defense mechanisms can be included in the treatment at the first symptoms. It is worth reaching for those based on natural plant extracts and herbs. Chasteberry, chokeberry, rosehip or garlic – these are the ones that help strengthen immunity.
Alliofil forte is a dietary supplement containing garlic. It is a plant described as a “natural antibiotic”, which has a beneficial effect on the upper respiratory tract and supports immunity. It has a positive effect on the circulatory system and on normal lipid levels, cleanses the blood and supports metabolism. Garlic encapsulated in capsules is an ideal solution to benefit from the health-promoting properties of this plant, while avoiding the intense taste and aroma of this plant. When used with a cold, it helps to fight the symptoms of the disease faster and supports natural defense mechanisms.
Lots of healthy fluids: herbal teas, juices
During flu and cold treatment, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of healthy fluids. Mineral water, natural juices or herbal teas help keep the body hydrated, which in turn boosts metabolism and improves intracellular processes.
Among herbal teas, you should look for those with sore throat soothing, inflammatory (such as with linden blossom) and strengthening properties. Our herbal tea for the common cold is a blend of several herbs that help relieve cold symptoms and help strengthen the body to fight the disease. It’s a dietary supplement for children ages 3 and older and adults in the form of convenient, easy-to-brew sachets with a blend of herbs.
Juices, especially those freshly squeezed from fruits and vegetables, are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and other substances with positive effects on the body, such as antioxidants, flavonoids and natural substances with antimicrobial properties.
Rest
Slowing down during illness seems obvious. All energies must be directed to the fight against microorganisms. The most important thing is recovery, so let’s give ourselves a few days of “slack”. Lying down, taking a nap or quietly relaxing in an armchair with a good book or movie and getting enough sleep have a salutary effect and make it easier to return to good health.
But rest is important not only during the illness, but also in the few weeks after the symptoms have subsided. Let’s not immediately throw ourselves into responsibilities after a cold. The body needs much more time to fully recover.
Walks and outdoor activities
When you feel up to it, be sure to take a short walk. Initially, at least half an hour in the fresh air (a park or forest will be ideal for this) is enough to oxygenate the body. Such “venturing out” additionally stimulates circulation and hardens the body. And the endorphins (so-called “happy hormones”) produced during physical activity give new strength to fight the disease and promote rapid recovery.
