Flu
What is the flu?
Flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory tract, the nose, throat and lungs. It is different from viruses such as gastroenteritis (stomach flu) that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
In most cases flu goes away on its own. However, its complications can be deadly for those with increased risk including:
- Young children, under 5 years old and, in particular, those under 2 years old
- Adults over 65
- Those in residential care and other long-term health care centers
- Pregnant women and women two weeks after delivery
- People with weakened immune systems
- People suffering from chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes
- Very obese people, whose body mass index (BMI) is 40, or above
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Which mushrooms have useful properties for flu?
In viral conditions, mushroom extracts have helped to stimulate the immune system. Several scientific studies are confirming that helping the body to ‘awaken’ the immune system and by increase the body’s own defenses is the key to fighting the flu.
Four powerful mushrooms have the ability to stimulate the immune system:
Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Sun Agaricus Mushroom
With cold and flus, a synergy of these four mushrooms such would have a potent effect to help the body kickstart and fight off the virus.
Polyporus
Polyporus mushroom, with it’s ability to reduce mucous, can also additionally be added to fight flus with phlem.
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Nutritional recommendations and general healthy habits for the maintenance of a good state of health
- Rest properly.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, sugar or processed foods.
- Take foods rich in vitamins and hot like creams of vegetables, mushrooms …
- The flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not improve symptoms or speed healing.
- The administration of aspirin to children or adolescents is discouraged, as it could cause a rare but serious syndrome called Reye’s syndrome.
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- Yang SF, Zhuang TF, Si YM, Qi KY, Zhao J. Coriolus versicolor mushroom polysaccharides exert immunoregulatory effects on mouse B cells via membrane Ig and TLR-4 to activate the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Mol Immunol. 2015 Mar;64(1):144-51. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.11.007.
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