Health: Velbert: These tips help with colds and flu

Everything sniffles, sniffs and coughs – wintertime is cold season. “People are more susceptible and it takes longer than usual,” observed pharmacist Martina Bellers, owner of the sun pharmacy in Velbert-Neviges. The accumulation of influenza infections is remarkable. The pharmacist, who is also a non-medical practitioner, estimates what is probably also an indirect effect of the corona pandemic: On the one hand, people were isolated for longer, on the other hand, everyone wore a mask for a long time: On the one hand, this is of course necessary and helpful to protect against the Covid viruses, but also has a downside: “You keep breathing in the germs.” If you get caught, there are a few tricks and tips that can alleviate symptoms and shorten the course.

More flu and colds in Velbert-Neviges

Both colds and flu have increased. The difference: “The real influenza comes like flying. Within a few hours you feel totally ill. Still fit and efficient at midday, you don’t feel capable of anything around four o’clock in the afternoon, for example you have very severe body aches.” Influenza does not come insidiously like the common cold, but rather suddenly. In both cases it is very important to give the body what it demands, namely rest. “And drink plenty of fluids.” It’s completely normal to feel weak and often drained: “Fighting viruses uses up a lot of nutrients so that the immune system can work properly again.”

You can eat good mood

So that the ailing immune system can function optimally again as quickly as possible, the mood sinks into the basement: “Our relaxation and happiness hormone serotonin can no longer be produced sufficiently, because the necessary tryptophan, an important protein building block, is needed in the immune system for defense “, explains the expert. The good news: you can feed yourself a little good mood. Hippocrates, a doctor and philosopher born in 460 BC, already knew that what we eat determines our mood. Tryptophan is found, for example, in bananas, cashews, oatmeal and cocoa powder, mind you, unsweetened. Because that chocolate makes you happy is only partially true: the sugar makes it easier for the tryptophan to get into the brain, but the sugar ends up later as bacon on the hips – and looking at the scales then puts you in a bad mood.

Enzymes strengthen the mucous membranes

In the case of infections, it is particularly important to supply the body with enzymes that immediately prevent the pathogens from penetrating the cell on the mucous membrane, explains Martina Bellers. These include, for example, bromelain, contained in pineapples, papain, which is found in papayas, or lysozyme. The latter is created when cooking chicken broth, which has always been a proven home recipe when it really hits you. Enzyme preparations are also available to suck or in pill form – you should get good advice here. In any case, it makes sense to stock up on enzymes so that the viruses cannot cling to the mucous membrane cells and penetrate the cells. Important: enzymes should be taken three quarters of an hour before eating.

Stuff hot onions in wool sock

Get rid of what makes you sick quickly – certain edible plants also help, as the naturopath explains. “Nasturtium and horseradish root, for example, promote elimination. Both plants also have a killing effect on viruses and bacteria due to their mustard oils.” Mustard oil can also have an external effect darn an old wool sock. The onion on the sole of the foot pulls the disease-causing substances out of the body, it is best to support the whole thing with a hot-water bottle.

Tartar emetic helps against cough

According to the pharmacist, tartar emetic (“Tartarius stibiatus”) has been proven to work in a suitable potency as a homeopathic remedy against stubborn coughs, such as those that occur with this wave of flu. Tartar emetic is a tasteless powder formed from the combination of cream of tartar and antimony oxide. Tartar, on the other hand, develops during the production of wine, together with various materials it is deposited in barrels and bottles. Tartar emetic, according to the expert, is good for bronchitis if the patient suffers from wet rales that rob the disease of strength. On the other hand, plants such as Rumex crispus (curly dock) or Bryonia alba (white bryony), which as homeopathic medicines promote the self-regulation of the bronchial system, help against a dry, tormenting cough. And as always, emphasizes Martina Bellers, the motto is: off to the doctor if the symptoms persist, a high fever occurs or the condition deteriorates in general.

>>>Eat colorful and alkaline

A lot of fruits and vegetables, colorful as possible, ensure a healthy acid-base balance and support the immune system.

The minerals zinc and selenium are also important: Zinc is found in oat flakes, among other things, and selenium is found in Brazil nuts.

80 percent of the immune system lie in the intestine. Therefore ensure an intact intestinal flora: Eat roughage, reduce sugar.

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