Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help fight against harmful pathogens in your body. They’re found in healthy food like yogurt, fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, and supplements, which you can buy at a health food store or online. They act as good bacteria that protect against infections, such as H1N1 (swine flu), E-coli, and salmonella poisoning.
According to the National Institute of Health, probiotic treatments for acute respiratory infections like the flu have not been studied as rigorously as other uses for probiotics. Still, early results from a study at a children’s hospital in India show some promise.
A group of children with the flu was given either three strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus or a placebo for two weeks. The probiotic group showed a significant decrease in fever and cough severity, suggesting that probiotics may be an effective treatment for the flu.
The best time to start taking probiotics is before you get sick. As with any medication, probiotics could have adverse effects if you already have an underlying medical condition or take other medications.
