Ways to prevent throat infection
Question : I'M 61 years old and have been doing exercises
regularly. I do not smoke and abstain from cold drinks and fried
food. However, I often suffer from a sore throat and phlegm.
Answer : SORE throat or pharyngitis is a pharynx inflammation
resulting from infection, either by a virus or bacteria. A weak
immune system and food allergy are the common causes of sore
throat. Non-infectious causes are excessive shouting or singing,
allergies, environmental irritants and tobacco use.
You may supplement your diet with beta-carotene and vitamins C
and E. Beta-carotene is pro-vitamin A that can be converted into
vitamin A as and when it is required by the body. Vitamin A
serves an important function in the maintenance of mucous
membranes and generates antibody responses. Vitamin C
strengthens white blood cells that fight against infections and
vitamin E is the most effective antioxidant in maintaining
membrane cell integrity and immune cell function.
As a weak immune system is one of the common causes, you may
boost it by taking a natural antibiotic, Allicin. Allicin is a
stardardised garlic extract that works by stimulating cells,
killing pathogens and detoxifying carcinogens. Allicin is able
to penetrate the cell walls of microorganisms, upset their
biochemical balance and impede their activity.
Probiotics (friendly bacteria) contributes to health maintenance
in the gastrointestinal tract, inhibiting the growth of
pathogenic bacteria. This helps to strengthen the immune system
and allay allergy conditions.
You should take less sugar and saturated fat, which makes the
body vulnerable to infections and allergies. Eat more green and
yellow vegetables, raw fruits, nuts and seeds to help eliminate
harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. Drink plenty of water (at
least eight glasses in a day), herbal teas and fruit juices.
Gargle half a cup of water with half teaspoon of salt every few
hours.
Perhaps you should change to a new toothbrush every month.
Chronic mental and emotional stress can suppress immune
function. Sufficient sleep (at least eight hours daily) and
regular moderate physical activity such as swimming, jogging,
gardening and yoga help in relaxation and strengthening the
immune system.