This flu season seems to be hitting hard. And the new covid mutation is spreading quickly.
We all need to keep ourselves safe.
Wearing masks and washing hands are important elements in preventing the transmission of disease.
Paying attention to an appropriate diet (low sugar, high nutrients like vegetables & proteins) and adequate sleep (7-8 hours at least) is also indispensable in keeping your body and immune system strong and resilient.
Supplements like vitamin D, C, Zinc can also be helpful in prevention and treatment.
Last week we discussed the use of essential oils in boosting the immune response. (to read more about that click here)
Even with all the prevention – some of us will get sick. And that’s ok. Our immune systems are designed to handle viruses.
Yet sometimes flu symptoms can linger. A cough, a runny nose, congestion,achiness in the muscles, or something else.
Sometimes you need a little extra help to get back to feeling like yourself again.
For lingering coughs and congestion – NAC can be a lifesaver.
NAC or N-acetyl-cysteine is actually considered to be a drug. It’s used in hospitals to help detox the liver in the event of a tylenol overdose.
Cysteine is an amino acid that helps form glutathione – a potent and powerful antioxidant in your body. Antioxidants protect you from inflammation and help keep your immune system strong.
N-acetyl-cysteine (the form of cysteine that you can ingest) does more than just fight inflammation and boost immunity.
NAC has an affinity for the lungs and mucous membranes. It can help loosen mucus in your airway and help you expel it through coughing.
Studies show that NAC consistently improves lung function and is particularly helpful for people who struggle with chronic respiratory issues like chronic bronchitis (to read the study click here)
So taking NAC both during and after a flu can be really helpful.
I’ve noticed that my go to supplier for vitamins and minerals has been out of stock of NAC on and off for a long time.
I’m not 100% sure why but I think it might be that people have been using NAC to help them either prevent or recover from covid-19 infection.
So far retrospective studies show that NAC has been used successfully in cases of covid-19 pneumonia to prevent both the need for a ventilator and possible mortality.
But you don’t have to be so sick to benefit from NAC. NAC can potentially be harnessed to improve any lingering flu symptoms connected to breathing including cough and congestion.
And if you want to eat food high in cysteine choose high-protein foods, such as chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds and legumes.
Stay healthy and safe!
