Remember that.
Viruses have been implicated in many conditions from the common cold and influenza, through to some cancers, Alzheimer’s (yes, really) and shingles. They work by infecting a host cell and introducing its own genetic material into the cell and spreading by producing copies of itself. They are effectively a parasite (they need a host).
Can foods and herbs help control viruses? Yes.
Curcumin in turmeric may inhibit Hepatitis C and B replication, herpes simplex, several strains of flu, HPV and other viruses.
Zinc may help inhibit rhinovirus (common cold).
Elderberry, dandelion and pelargonium may be useful for inhibiting Influenza A, B and C
Olive leaf may inhibit influenza, polio and hepatitis
Garlic may inhibit influenza, viral pneumonia, infectious bronchitis virus, coronavirus and herpes simplex.
Green tea may inhibit influenza, herpes simplex and hepatitis B.
So, do natural alternatives and foods help control viruses? Yes they can.
The action is often dose-dependent, but scientific studies have shown their ability to control viral replication. If you can include some of the above as foods into your daily diet, you are giving yourself the best chance to limit the impact of an infection.
Start adding garlic, turmeric, vitamin C (in fruit and veg) and zinc (found in meats, eggs, seeds and nuts) to give yourself a fighting chance of keeping the bugs at bay.
Oh – and don’t forget to keep your water intake up – even though it is winter.