It is common knowledge that the food we eat determines our level of immunity and plays a vital role in keeping infections at bay. Just as there are foods that help to fight bacterial infections, there are items that prevent viruses from manifesting themselves. Viruses are transmitted through food and water, air, cuts and wounds. They cause diseases ranging from the serious yellow fever, polio and smallpox to minor ones like cold and fever. Research at the Indiana Medical School has shown that the diet causes the herpes virus to be activated or remain dormant.
Herbs and Spices With Anti-viral Properties
Some herbs and spices are especially known for their anti-viral properties. The holy basil of India has many medicinal qualities. The leaves have been used traditionally to prevent and cure a variety of viral fevers, the common cold and influenza. They are used to make tea, and also a decoction for gargling with.
Dill was widely used by the Romans and Greeks as a culinary herb. Apart from being a stimulant and boosting the functioning of the stomach, it is a potent anti-viral, and fights infections like flu and cold.
Garlic has long been known as a potent anti-viral; it also has antispasmodic, antiseptic and other medicinal qualities. Garlic boosts the immunity by stimulating blood circulation and increasing the metabolism of the body. It is effective against the common cold and influenza viruses, as the volatile oil clears the respiratory passages and also flushes out toxins. Moreover, it can combat even the herpes virus by destroying it directly. Traditional Indian medicine prescribes local application on the herpes eruptions.
Like garlic, ginger (in the form of juice or tea) is used to fight viruses that cause cold, cough and influenza. Pepper too is an effective anti-viral, especially during influenza. Traditional medicine recommends its use with honey and ginger. The quercetin in onions helps it to treat viral diseases like influenza and cold. Apart from being an anti-viral, it has anti-bacterial properties.
Cinnamon is a popular condiment worldwide, and has preventive and curative properties. Therefore, it prevents flu and cold, and alleviates a sore throat resulting from these conditions.
Turmeric is a popular remedy advocated by Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine. It is used with warm milk to cure infections like fever and even measles.
Anti-viral Fruits
Fruits too fight viruses naturally. Grapefruit juice contains “maringin,” which boosts the digestive system, reduces acidity, and works as a tonic to fight viruses. Oranges are rich in antioxidant vitamin C, which can prevent and fight viral infections like cold and fever. Lemons have a strong anti-viral property, and are recommended for influenza and even measles.
Other Anti-viral Food Items
Yoghurt activates cells which fight virus, and is thus beneficial in conditions like jaundice and hepatitis.
Folic acid, which belongs to the B group of vitamins, fights viruses effectively. It is found in legumes and green leafy vegetables. Folic acid disables viruses that change the genetic material of healthy cells, which ultimately leads to cancer.
Certain food items have anti-viral properties, and help to guard against and treat viral infections like cold, cough, influenza and herpes. Viruses thrive in dry conditions, so plenty of liquids are recommended, especially during viral infections like influenza or cold. Moreover, hot fluids are more effective than cold ones in weakening viruses. A diet rich in anti-viral foods helps in preventing and fighting infections naturally.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources:
Bakhru, H.K, Healing Through Natural Foods, Jaico Books, 2008.
wellsphere.com, "The Best Anti-viral Diet to Eat When You Have Herpes," (accessed October 17, 2010).
Mercola.com, "Nutrition Plan," (accessed October 17, 2010).
Nita Mukherjee - I have 25+ years of experience in education and tutoring in English, and 12+ years in writing. With a post graduate degree (B.Ed) in ...
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