Holistic Way to Prevent Meningitis

Meningitis is a contagious disease that can be bacterial or viral. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and milder. The University of Maryland Medical Center states bacterial meningitis as a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. A few holistic methods can strengthen the immune system to help elude and fight meningitis.

Nutrition and Supplements

• Natural nutrition and supplements can help prevent meningitis. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, your body needs the proper balance of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants to fight infection. Taking multivitamins daily that contain vitamins A, B, C, D, E and the minerals calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc can strengthen the immune system.

  Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 keep the immune system healthy. Salmon, mackerel and tuna are some varieties of oily fish you can add to your diet. Fish oil supplements are another option. Take between one and two capsules or one and two tbsp of oil each day.

  For antioxidant support, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol are recommended supplements that fight free radicals. Take 100 mg to 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 before going to bed. Alpha-lipoic acid can be taken twice a day in doses between 25 mg and 50 mg. Between 50 mg and 200 mg of resveratrol can be taken once daily.

Herbs

• American ginseng, astragalus, and echinacea are just a few herbs recognized for preventing or treating meningitis. According to FitSugar.com, American ginseng possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to combat meningitis. Take between 100 mg and 300 mg twice per day.

  Astragalus is an immune system enhancer. It's taken with other herbs such as ginseng. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, astragalus is available in capsules and extract and used in teas and soups. It's most commonly used as tea. Pour boiled water over one tsp of the root and allow it to steep between five and 10 minutes. Drink three to four times a day.

  Echinacea fights infection by keeping the immune system healthy. It's often used in combination with the herb goldenseal. Echinacea can be used fresh or dried to make teas, extracts and supplements in the form of capsules. To keep your immune system strong with this herb take 200 mg of echinacea twice daily.

  As with supplementing any herb, talk to your physician first. Some herbs interact with medications. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or you're taking blood-thinning medication, FitSugar.com strongly recommends you do not take American ginseng or astragalus.

Tips

• The Mayo Clinic offers several other steps you can follow to prevent the spread of meningitis, including regular, thorough hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and keeping healthy with a balanced diet and regular exercise.