Optimal hydration - water and other liquids
During illness, the human body works at full speed to protect important organs and systems from potential damage. During this time, in addition to many calories, the body also consumes a large percentage of water content. Its purpose is to neutralize and "cleanse" the causative agents of infection from the body and take them out.
For this reason, drinking more water and other moisturizing drinks is highly recommended, especially to avoid dehydration. This will also help the nasopharynx to remain moisturized while being cleared of accumulated secretions and dirt. If we are infected with typical seasonal viruses, including symptoms of diarrhea, fever, vomiting, then this will lead to further dehydration of the body, which we need to compensate for with the intake of more water.
Are you not a fan of clean water and do not "taste good"? Here's how you can bypass this obstacle and hydrate your body with pleasure.
Coconut water
Coconut water is a great option if you want to drink something sweet and completely healthy. It is a pity that coconut trees do not grow in our lands in Bulgaria. Then we would gladly find ways to drink more fluids. You can also use coconut water to make a smoothie, which is another drink for hydration and providing valuable vitamins.
Electrolyte drinks
This is a great option in case you are going through a gastrointestinal virus or food poisoning. In these cases, dehydration is almost certain, but this does not mean that water alone will be enough to compensate for the losses. In fact, a combination of mineral salts will also be needed to supply the body with valuable substances. Restoring electrolyte balance is extremely important for nervous, muscular and cardiac activity. [ref. 1]
Herbal tea with honey and lemon
Honey and lemon supplements are not mandatory, but they will certainly help the body load with beneficial ingredients through honey and alkalize the gastrointestinal flora through lemon juice.
Honey, in turn, has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. If you also add a little ginger, it will contribute to the overall refreshment of the oral cavity and fight bacteria. You can bet on tried and tested herbs and drinks with them for viral conditions, such as green tea, turmeric (Curcuma longa), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) and thyme (Thymus). Echinacea is a good choice when cough increases, and mint (Mentha) can soothe an upset stomach.
Soup or broth
As already mentioned above, water alone will not always be enough for a full recovery. We all know that a serving of hot soup can fix the day even on the coldest and flu days. But it is quite understandable that during an unpleasant illness eating nuggets of food can be a serious challenge.
The good news is that we can also rely on the broth. If we have on hand a few seasonal vegetables, clean meat, salt and pepper, we can boil an improvised soup from which to drink the broth in slow sips. If we add garlic (A. sativum) to it, which is a natural antioxidant and fights many viruses and bacteria, this will make the broth not only more aromatic, but also more useful. What to do with the rest of the soup? We can blend it together with a small part of the broth and enjoy a homemade cream soup. Add something spicy, such as chili or ginger (Zingiber officinale) for a warmer effect. [ref. 2]
Rest time
At a time when our daily lives are moving faster than we can trace, one of the most common reasons for getting sick is the lack of adequate and complete rest, which compromises immunity.
Unfortunately, we often find out that we haven't rested recently when a virus hits us. And when, if not then, do we catch up on the break? Not only is this almost a prerequisite for faster recovery from flu conditions, but it is also important for strengthening the body after illness. The most important thing is to allocate enough time for sleep, as then the body cleanses and regenerates itself. Don't compromise on your sleep!
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral that supports the immune system and fights germs, helping the body produce more blood cells. In addition, it helps relieve symptoms, making recovery a little easier. If you can't get high levels of zinc through supplements, you can focus on red meat as well as red lentils. Chickpeas and beans also have a high zinc content. Dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds can also come in handy if you want to provide more zinc to your body.
Vitamin C
The powerful power of this vitamin is well known, but it does not prevent us from remembering it. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties. It protects cells against free radicals. During flu and cold, increased doses of this vitamin can help speed up recovery, giving the body the strength and energy to fight off pathogens. [ref. 3]
Essential oils
In the world of essential oils, you can find an extract of the herb for almost every health problem. Especially effective for viruses and bacteria, as well as colds, are essential oils of lavender (Lavandula), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), thyme (Thymus), oregano (Origanum vulgare), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus).
With caution, use the oils, as they are very highly concentrated. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you have never used essential oils before, you can try diffusing through a lamp. In this way, you will charge the room with fragrant aromas that will not only help to relax, but also strengthen the cleansing of the respiratory tract and fight bacteria.
If you feel comfortable, you can also prepare herbal massage oil, dripping 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil in 50 ml. or more basic - coconut, for example. Stir well with a wooden spoon before applying. Massage combinations are best absorbed through the feet, the throat, the skin of the abdomen. Always follow the instructions for use - when some ingredients are highly concentrated, they can be dangerous to use if we do not consider the proportions.
Hot bath
Was there a case where you had a cold and didn't ask you to take an almost boiling shower? The truth is that warm water relaxes the muscles and the tension from fighting a virus or cold decreases.
When we are sick, have a stuffy nose, headaches, body aches or other discomfort, it is of great importance to rest, but if we do not feel well, it is often impossible. A warm bath will predispose us to a nap to support the healing process. While enjoying the water jet, breathe deeply to help relax the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx. A stuffy nose is not pleasant for anyone, and nasal congestion almost always torments us when we are sick.
