Swine flu possesses similar symptoms to regular human flu—fever, sore throat, coughing, fatigue, chills, and body pain. At times, diarrhea and vomiting accompany the aforementioned symptoms. Just like the common flu, an aggravated swine flu condition could lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure which could eventually result to death, as recorded in some previous cases. And similarly, we can also help protect ourselves from becoming contaminated by the swine flu virus in as much the same way that we keep the common flu at bay by maintaining a healthy and strong immune system.
The Role of Our Immune System
The role our immune system plays in keeping us healthy and virtually safe from the terrifying grip of common ailments can neither be argued upon nor dismissed. Primarily identified as a collection of biological processes that shield us from illnesses by annihilating tumor cells and pathogens, having a strong immune system is equivalent to having good overall health. Therefore, maintaining a strong immune system, moreover, boosting it through regular healthy practices incorporated into our daily life, helps assure our physical resiliency and resistance against harmful elements that can endanger our health.
Our susceptibility to illnesses is determined by how strong our immune systems are. As confirmed by the report issued by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), one of the best means to help reduce our risk of contracting swine flu or any other contagious disease is by maintaining good overall health. And being physically healthy, as we know it, is tantamount to having a strong immune system.
Empowering Our Immune System
Fortunately for us, boosting our immune system's strength does not require any specialized effort or unnecessary expenses other than what we usually spend for our daily health needs. To reacquaint us with the different ways whereby we can keep our immune system working at its peak, below are some helpful information.
As identified by the WHO(World Health Organization) the best way to attain immunization naturally is by following a regular, nutritious diet. Going natural by opting to eat fresh veggies and fruits over manufactured ones, making use of preservatives or those with too much sugar or caffeine, is the best alternative.
Nothing sissy about regularly taking Vitamin C
The powerful antioxidant that is Vitamin C has been identified to be a must in keeping our immune system functioning up to par. Whether in a pill or taken naturally through eating veggies and fruits like broccoli, parsley, strawberries, oranges, kiwis, guavas, etc.; this wonderful vitamin works to defend our bodies from the attack of harmful disease-promoting elements.
The benefits of engaging in regular, physical exercise
Keeping our bodies' immune cells (responsible for our obliterating harmful organisms that invade our bodies) active through exercising for at least 30 minutes daily keeps our physical defense strong.
How quality rest benefits our body's immune system
A good night's sleep is another must if we are to stay protected from the attack of adverse disease-causing elements.
Why we should load up on zinc
Zinc has been identified as an important mineral that boosts our immune system. Foods rich in zinc are as follows: chicken, asparagus, spinach, green peas, dried pumpkin seeds, wheatgerm, wheat bran, shellfish, pecan nuts, all bran cereal, pine nuts, brewers yeast, spinach, and oysters.