What to do and what not to do if you get sick

If you suddenly find yourself falling ill, then this list is what you need. If you want to get well as soon as possible, that is ;)

Things you shouldn’t do:

• Become a "hero" and decide that first you need to deal with work and then get treated and take care of yourself. If you love your job, the best solution is to return when you’re well, rather than trying to finish everything on the first day of illness, and then getting really sick for a week.

• Start taking antibiotics at the very beginning of a cold. Antibiotics are a powerful tool to fight diseases caused by bacteria. But if you have a viral illness, antibiotics will destroy most of the microflora, creating uncomfortable conditions for immune cells. Which will only help the virus develop. However, if the disease doesn't go away for some time, bacterial infections may begin to develop against the background of the virus. And then doctors prescribe antibiotics.

Healing herbs that are useful:

• Elderberry.
  Elderberry is a source of zinc, which plays an important role in providing strong immunity, as well as antioxidants including vitamin C and anthocyanin, which strengthen the immune system.
  A 2004 study found that consuming 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup 4 times a day for 5 days significantly improved symptoms of cold compared to a placebo.

• Garlic
  Garlic owes its beneficial properties for immunity primarily to allicin - a component that helps the body fight viruses. Interestingly, there is very little allicin in whole garlic, but there is alliin. When the garlic is crushed or chewed, alliin is converted to allicin, thus acquiring its beneficial properties. By the way, allicin is a source of sulfur, which is responsible for garlic's unique smell and taste.

• Echinacea
  Echinacea is responsible for boosting your immune system. It has proven effective at reducing the severity and duration of colds when taken immediately after symptoms appear. Also, it contains echinacein - a compound that helps to combat bacterial and viral infections.

• Astragalus
  Astragalus has been highly valued since ancient China for its ability to strengthen the immune system and prevent the spread of infections in the body. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial,  and antiviral properties, it helps the organism to cope with illness as soon as possible. But just like echinacea, it works most efficiently when consumed immediately after symptoms appear. 

• Warming foods such as ginger and cayenne pepper
  In addition to helping your body warm up, these foods contain tons of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances. They can be added to both beverages and meals.