How to Stay Germ-Free During Flu Season

Before diving into specific foods recommended for boosting your immune system, it's essential to begin with a prayer to Hashem, the healer of all flesh, requesting protection from all viruses and bacteria, alongside pursuing medical efforts and asking that they serve as means for health.

Our body's immune system is comprised of numerous biochemical substances produced within cells. It's akin to a vast "orchestra" with hundreds of instruments, all required to function in impeccable harmony. There must be synchronization among different substances to defend the body against invaders like bacteria, viruses, and even cancerous cells.

Emotional burden and mental stress weaken the immune system. To bolster it, it is vital to reduce stress through practices like slow breath relaxation, refraining from harboring guilt before sleep, forgiving oneself and others, and alleviating fear and tension.

Reducing toxins in food is crucial. All additives to natural foods are toxins. Even salt, when consumed beyond the permitted amount (2 grams per day), can be harmful to health. The same goes for smoked foods, fatty animal foods, and fried foods. It's important to avoid air pollution and radiation from sources like cell phones.

Enhance essential fatty acids like omega-3, such as in fish oil, while reducing trans fats.

Taking antibiotics weakens the immune system; therefore, if prescribed, it’s advisable to enhance the body with probiotics.

It is recommended to avoid consuming white sugar and white flour.

Oxidation produces free radicals that damage cell DNA. Hence, consuming antioxidants like green tea, pomegranate, leafy greens, orange vegetables, and red grapes, which contain resveratrol, is important. Drinking organic red grape juice is also suggested.

It's advisable to enrich your diet with vitamins: Vitamin C is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, kiwis, red peppers, and lettuce; Vitamin E is present in wheat germ and olive oil; Vitamin D comes from about 20 minutes of sun exposure and is also found in halibut; Vitamin B6 is available in leafy greens and legumes.

Minerals are also vital for the immune system: Zinc is in pumpkin seeds, whole sesame seeds, wheat germ, nuts, and alfalfa sprouts; Selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, garlic, and onions; Omega-3 is present in salmon, walnuts, pecans, almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds; Omega-9 is in cold-pressed olive oil.

It's recommended to consume a teaspoon of turmeric and cinnamon daily to fight inflammation.

Consider drinking sage infusions, as well as infusions of calendula, mint, lemon balm, and verbena.

We wish everyone good health and strength to serve Hashem with joy and wellness.

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