"Feeding the Flu"

healthyaging.net

Love your liquids: the more you drink, the better. And no, I am not talking tequila people! I am talking water, orange juice, nimbu pani, green tea, maybe even some nice lemonade. Basically when your body is fighting a virus, it needs extra hydration to enable its organs to function at their best. Especially if you are taking antibiotics which can be very dehydrating, not to mention take a toll on your digestive system!


Chicken soup for the soul: they call it “Jewish Penicillin” and there must be some truth to it, because studies have shown that having a hot bowl of soup (it could even be a mixed vegetable or tomato if you are a PETA member) can actually have beneficial effects in terms of helping the body overcome the flu.

Comfort food: If you are like most people, then the first thing you lose when you come down with the flu is your appetite. And that’s why it’s important to ensure that you are putting a little something something into your mouth every couple of hours. Toast, crackers, Parle-G, khitchdi, whatever it takes. And no, it’s not going to taste like heaven, so think of it as part of your medication for your tummy so you can stay strong and battle that viral and win.

Home Remedies: you would be surprised with the effectiveness of what you can find inside your very own house! These kitchen cures can range from a mix of haldi and honey to heal a sore throat, to ginger and lemon tea to fight a fever. So don’t diss your dadi, take some of her special mixes along with your allopathic pills, and remember, they have something your prescription meds don’t have: love.

Doctor Doctor: Most important of all, DO NOT try to be too smart. If you have had flu like symptoms for more than 2 days (cold, cough, throat ache, body pain, fever) or if the symptoms have rapidly manifested in a very short duration (say overnight), then you MUST consult with your family general physician to find out more. I cant emphasise this one enough people, the sooner you determine what the problem is , the sooner you get the correct treatment, and the sooner you get back to being you happy, sunshiny self. Don’t wait for things to get worse.

Rest the body and mind: remember, even when you are feeling 90% better, that still means you have some infection left in your system. So hold your horses and don’t be rushing off to work until you have had one clear 24 hour day of feeling absolutely fine. Meanwhile lie down, sleep, rest your eyes, and allow your body to heal.

"Swine Flu Myths"

dionsdailydeal.com

                                         

                 Swine Flu: Now know the Facts from the Fiction

Its much worse than your average flu: In fact most doctors agree that swine flu has the same effect as a normal seasonal flu. It does happen to be slightly more contagious, and that’s because unlike other strains of the flu (to which many of us have been exposed to at some time or the other), we don’t have any immunity against the swine flu. However, the symptoms are very much the same as one has with a regular flu.


Masks protect you: Again, most experts agree that walking around with a mask on when you are not infected with the virus does not make you any less susceptible to it. In fact, many doctors will argue that safer than the mask is to ensure that you are regularly washing your hands with a good anti-bacterial soap. Only if you are infected with the swine flu might it make sense to wear a mask so that you can prevent spreading the virus to others through airborne transmission.

If you get swine flu, go straight to the emergency room: Patients would have a mild case of swine flu would be much better off staying at home and taking the regular medicine for flu they would otherwise take (or else taking those medications prescribed to them by a doctor). Chances are if you go to the hospital, you risk increasing your exposure to other infections, as well and exposing those around you to the swine flu virus. Of course however, if you are concerned about any risk factors you might have which can result in flu complications, its best to contact your doctor and get the right advice.

If you are young and healthy you can't get it: This virus actually tends to infect people under the age of 60 more than those above it. According to doctors its because older people tend to have been exposed to some strain of the H1N1 virus at some point in their lives, which increases their resistance to it. However, regardless of your age, the smartest thing to do would be to ensure you make a habit of washing your hands several times in a day, avoiding people who have the infection, and be aware of any symptoms (body ache, fever, throat ache, cough, cold, fatigue) you might develop. If you begin to feel fluish, do not ignore the messages your body is sending. Be smart: stay at home, talk to your doctor about the right medicines, eat well, drink lots of liquids, and rest until you are well again.

Head back to the office once you feel better: Despite what you might think, the flu virus can stay in your body (and therefore be able to spread to others) for upto 24 hours after your fever has gone and you are off any medications for fever.

"Lime Zinger"

photographyblogger.net

It makes you smack your lips with its zing. Its got that burst of something something which adds just what you cant put your finger on to your chat, your mixed vegetable sabzi, those chicken kebabs, and even plain water! Calorie-free, inexpensive, easily available and filled with goodness, it’s the perfect condiment. Introducing the one and only Lime.


Here are some of the fantastic benefits from that little green guy!

Skin Saver: loaded with vitamin C, lime acts as a natural anti-aging remedy for your skin, preventing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Drinking a glass of lemon water daily also serves to refresh and rejuvenate dull and tired skin!

Tummy Trimmer: acting as a safe aid for those who are looking for weight loss, lime (again mixed with lukewarm water and honey) also works to improve the digestive process, helping to shed those extra pounds. For the best results, drink a glass first thing every morning.


Flu Fighter: Have a throat ache? Just dilute one half-lime juice with half a glass of water and gargle. The natural antiseptic power of the lemon can help to fight and improve throat infections. Drinking lime water also helps to reduce a fever, flu or cold by increasing the amount of perspiration in the body, thus ridding it of the toxins of infection.

Stomach Soother: Due to the strength of its curative powers, lime also helps to relieve many digestive ailments including constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and bloating. So go ahead and add a little to all your meals!

"A Change is Coming"

webecoist.com

Rainy evenings. Light fog. Chilly mornings. Sweltering days. Seems like there’s a malfunction up there in the abode of the weather gods? Or maybe the gods really have gone crazy this time.


All I know is, Its that time of the year again. When everyone you meet says “there’s something going around” Here are some simple ways to dodge those mid-season viral/flu attacks!


Remember your ABCs – this is the time when taking your daily dose of multivitamins really counts. If you are regular about getting your supplements , you are sure to see a healthy resistance to those awful sneezy, coughing, bouts your friends and collegues all seem to be getting around you. So make sure you are getting enough vitamin C (through oranges, juice, even green chillies), calcium (from milk, cheese,yoghurt and other dairy products) and other essential vitamins (best through a multivitamin).


Bundle Up – feel like your body thermometer has gone out of whack? Walk out of the house in a tee feeling hot as hell, and yet a few hours later start feeling like there’s a chill in the air? Its just one of the signs of the changing season. To avoid getting catching a chill, make sure to carry a light jacket or a shawl with you when you leave home in the morning. A small umbrella you can carry in your bag isn’t such a bad idea either. You never know if its going to be one of those freakish rainy days in December!


Raw Power – raw fruits and veggies. Why? Because the nutritional content of vitamins and minerals found in raw foods is much, much higher than it is when foods are cooked. So try and get a bowl of salad into your lunch and dinner if possible. Mix some lettuce, red and green capsicum, bean sprouts, and maybe some mushrooms to make a wholesome appetizer. And for dessert? Go for some melon, banana, grapes, oranges, or an apple. Getting enough of these two food groups ensures your body has the fighting power it needs to block off any unwanted infections in the air.