The simple solution for slashing your risk of the dreaded norovirus

You know how much I love simple, easy, natural remedies for staying healthy. Well, here’s a good one for you: Scientists have discovered lemons may help prevent the spread of the highly contagious norovirus.

You’ve probably heard about outbreaks of this virus on cruise ships. But you can pick up the norovirus anywhere. It’s commonly confused with the stomach flu, because the symptoms are virtually the same (stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea). But according to the CDC, 21 million cases of norovirus occur every year in the U.S.

That number could go down dramatically if people put the results of this new study to good use. The researchers discovered the citrate from lemon juice inhibits the norovirus’ ability to bind to surfaces.

In fact, the citric acid in lemon juice can kill most bacteria.

And it doesn’t take much. The researchers noted that a few drops of lemon juice on food or food prep surfaces may be enough to prevent the norovirus from spreading. It certainly couldn’t hurt.

Resources:

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150825103120.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/13/lemon-beauty-benefits_n_3743905.html