Ive had influenza for 3 weeks what foods will build up my immune system? am fed up?

Hi WEndy

Here are some ideas to use.

Diet: To improve your ability to resist colds and flu, emphasize fresh, organic vegetables, such as carrots, leafy greens, onions, and orange squash, that are eaten raw or lightly steamed. You can also make fresh vegetable juices and soups, which will help your body remain in a slightly alkaline state, free of over-acidity. Also be sure to drink plenty of water during the day, and avoid mucus-forming foods such as milk and dairy products, wheat, and most grains (millet and brown rice are acceptable exceptions).

Herbs: Herbs have long been used by most world cultures to treat and prevent colds and flu, due to their ability to stimulate immune function, as well as their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-catarrhal properties. Herbs that can increase immune function include astragalus, echinacea, goldenseal, licorice, and St.John鈥檚 wort. Goldenseal is also excellent for helping to reverse inflammation of the mucus membranes.

Another important herb that can protect against colds and flu is lomatium, which acts as an antiviral agent and an immune stimulant. It is particularly helpful for treating cases of the flu, often bringing about complete recovery in 24 to 48 hours. Some herbalists recommend mixing lomatium with echinacea for even better results.

Other useful herbs are boneset, which stimulates the immune system, encouraging white blood cells to destroy viruses and bacteria; elder flower, which acts as an immune stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and anticatarrhal agent; elecampane, which helps to soothe irritating coughs and bronchial infections; eyebright, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps heal irritations in the nasal pharynx and the sinuses; and yarrow, which is particularly useful for colds and flu associated with fever, loss of appetite, and overall malaise.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is another excellent herbal remedy for colds and flu. For best results, take garlic in high doses at the same time as you take your nutritional supplements. High-quality deodorized garlic capsules are more effective in this regard than garlic cloves because they offer more concentrated doses of allicin, garlic鈥檚 active ingredient, which has been shown to increase immune function and to stimulate the production of flu antibodies.

According to Jonathan Wright, M.D., a leading holistic physician, the following herbal combination formula is also excellent for both colds and flu: cayenne pepper, echinacea, myrrh, osha (also known as Porter鈥檚 lovage), and red clover. This combination can be taken as a tea (3-5 cups per day) or as a tincture (30 drops of each herb, four times daily).

Best of health to you

Build up your immune system? Try loads of vitamin c.

old fashioned chicken soup..it does work!!
also natural vitamin C...oranges..orange juice...strawberries
yogurt....

In influenza,you should try this -
Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Drink enough so that your urine is clear or pale yellow.
Try chicken soup. It's not just good for your soul 鈥?it really can help relieve flu symptoms by breaking up congestion.

Yes. Definatley take vitamins and eat lots of nutrient rich foods, like bananas and oranges.

Eat lots of fruit and veg and steer clear of junk foods. You may also want to take a vitamin supplement to ensure your body is getting what it needs. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Sorry nothing really does that specifically. Assorted fresh fruit and vegetables, will help you stay healthy, vitamin supplements are not nearly as useful.

You need to make sure you have lots of natural anti-oxidants found in fruit and veg. In particular try pomegranate, cranberries, blueberries, redcurrents and cooked spinach (must be cooked as body cannot obtain antioxidants from raw spinach). Avoid vitamin supplements. Anti-oxidant foods are not a new age idea - it is proven scientifically. I am a biomedical scientist as that is what my research project is on. Reactive oxygen species or ROS (nasty disease causing compounds which are the result of body metabolism) can be countered by natural antioxidants. When the Government says eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day - they are actually meaning eat more natural anti-oxidants. ROS are the cause of atherosclerotic plaque formation in arteries which leads to heart disease.