Unfortunately, there isn’t much to be done as your body fights off a viral infection. However, there are some ways to help your body along and make you feel less foggy and more functional during your days of recuperation.
1. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking! Studies suggest that a positive outlook helps protect against seasonal illness or reduces the intensity of the symptoms, while stress undermines the immune system through cortisol release (the stress hormone) and makes your more susceptible to illness. (10)
2. Sleep. Sleep deprivation is a no-no when it comes fighting the flu. to As mentioned earlier, sleeping lets your body focus its energy on fighting the virus, allowing the body to wash away the waste products lodged in between your brain cells.
3. Consider caffeine. A 2014 study illustrated the benefits of caffeine, a stimulant, and ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory. Individuals were given either 200 milligrams of ibuprofen with 100 milligrams of caffeine or 200 milligrams of ibuprofen alone or 100 milligrams of caffeine alone or a placebo. The groups were tested two times over a 3-hour period. The caffeine and ibuprofen group showed the biggest improvement in reaction times. While I’m not big on using ibuprofen, the study also found some improvement with caffeine alone. So a cup of coffee could perk you up during seasonal illness, if you can stomach it. (11)
4. Tap flu-fighting oils. Use this guide to the best essential oils for colds, the flu and beyond to help support your body during seasonal illness.
Final Thoughts on Flu Brain
•Seasonal illnesses like colds and influenza activate the body’s immune system, unleashing a wave of pro-inflammatory antibody proteins known as cytokines to keep pathogens under control.
•This immune response impacts the brain and central nervous system tremendously.
•It throws off normal neurotransmitter functioning, leading to everything from muscle pain and brain fog to symptoms of depression.
•A cold can lead to impaired cognitive function for a few days; the flu may cause weeks of cognitive dysfunction.
•Virus-triggered inflammation links the immune, neurological and psychological systems during cold and flu season.
Flu Brain: Prevention and Maintenance