| I've no doubt that you've suffered through a cold or | | | | 3. Get plenty of rest. People who don't get at least |
| two in your lifetime... if not one or two a year. Maybe | | | | seven hours of sleep a night tend to be more |
| you've even had a bout of the flu. In both cases, | | | | susceptible to all kinds of illnesses... including viruses. |
| you were up against a virus. Viruses are tough. They | | | | Support Your Immune System With Supplements |
| don't respond to antibiotics. In most cases, the only | | | | Since your immune system is at the front line of |
| prescription you'll get that works is bed rest... and | | | | defense--and often the only line of defense--against |
| who wants to spend days or even weeks feeling | | | | a viral attack, it's important that you give your |
| miserable? | | | | immune system extra support. The following |
| Today, I'm going to give you some tips on how to | | | | supplements can help reduce the severity of your |
| avoid viruses and how you can help your body fight | | | | symptoms when you get sick and can also help you |
| them off faster when you do catch one. But first, | | | | to get well faster. |
| let's take a look at how a virus works. | | | | Vitamin C: You've probably been told to take vitamin |
| Viruses are organisms that depend on cells from | | | | C when you feel a cold coming on. Unfortunately, by |
| other organisms in order to reproduce. A virus will | | | | then it's too late. The vitamin won't make much |
| attach itself to one of your cells and then release | | | | difference. |
| enzymes into the cell. The enzymes trigger the | | | | However, people who take vitamin C regularly |
| production of more of the virus. The new virions (a | | | | whether they are sick or well have up to a 50% |
| virion is a single virus particle) eventually destroy the | | | | reduction in their risk of catching minor viruses like |
| cell and move on to find new cells, where they will | | | | the common cold. They also experience milder |
| create even more of the virus. | | | | symptoms when they do get sick, and they get well |
| This cycle can happen very fast. The virus spreads | | | | faster. (1) I recommend that you take one to two |
| rapidly in your body, attacking different cells. The viral | | | | grams of vitamin C on a daily basis. |
| attack makes you sick, producing symptoms like a | | | | Vitamin D: In the summer time, you get plenty of |
| sore throat, a runny nose, and aching muscles. Your | | | | vitamin D from sunlight--at least you do if you go |
| body fights back, usually beating off minor viruses | | | | outside for 20 minutes at a time without sunscreen |
| with a fever. | | | | two or three times a week. But in the winter, your |
| So how do you protect your body from viruses and | | | | vitamin D levels fall dramatically unless you |
| help yourself get well faster? | | | | supplement. |
| Simple Steps to Reduce Your Exposure | | | | Researchers suspect that this fall in vitamin D is why |
| When it comes to viruses, not getting one in the first | | | | people tend to get more colds or the flu in the |
| place is your best bet. Of course, you can't live in a | | | | winter months.(2) If you do get sick in the summer, |
| bubble, but you can take a few simple steps that will | | | | make it a point to go outside and sit in the sun for a |
| reduce your exposure. | | | | few minutes each day. In the winter, supplement |
| 1. The number one way to prevent getting infected | | | | with vitamin D on a daily basis. Take at least 400 IU |
| with a virus is to wash your hands regularly. Any time | | | | (1200 would be better) or a supplement that contains |
| you've touched a doorknob, shaken hands, or even | | | | vitamin D3. |
| picked up a newspaper, you may have come in | | | | Eucalyptus Oil: The essential oil from the eucalyptus |
| contact with viruses just waiting for a host. You can | | | | tree works as an antiviral compound. There are two |
| wash them away with some warm water and soap. | | | | ways you can use eucalyptus oil when you're sick. |
| I'm not recommending that you become obsessive, | | | | You can put a few drops in a pan of steaming, hot |
| but do pause to wash your hands now and again. | | | | water. Place your head over the pan and put a towel |
| You can also try using a hand cleanser like Purell. But | | | | over your head to trap the steam. This will help kill |
| moderation is important when using these types of | | | | the virus particles in your respiratory system. |
| products. | | | | You can also use eucalyptus oil in an aromatherapy |
| 2. Try not to touch your face. The usual route of | | | | lamp to help stop the virus from spreading to others |
| entry for a virus is from your hands to your nose or | | | | in your household. |
| mouth. Make an effort to keep your hands away | | | | There are many, many natural ways to fight viruses. |
| from your face, unless you've just washed them. | | | | I've only scratched the surface here, but these |
| (This step has the added benefit of keeping your | | | | simple steps and supplements can help you reduce |
| skin cleaner.) | | | | the amount of time you spend feeling sick. |