A taste of protection: Dietary defences against tick bites

Ticks are not giving up. We are most exposed to their attacks right now. How can you protect yourself from these arachnids? Forget about ointments or sprays. All you need to do is include a few products in your daily diet.

The tick activity season starts in June and ends in September. During this time, we are particularly at risk of being bitten by arachnids that spread dangerous diseases. These include Lyme disease, babesiosis, and tick-borne encephalitis.

Until recently, they lived exclusively in forests or wetlands. Now, you can even find them in the city. How can you protect yourself from ticks? A suitable diet turns out to be helpful.

Ticks are tiny arachnids from the mite family. Despite their small size, they severely threaten human health and even life. They spread many diseases, such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis, and tick-borne encephalitis. No wonder many people fear close encounters with these arachnids.

You don't have to give up forest walks or outdoor activities. Just change your diet a bit. During the period of highest tick activity, try to eat products high in vitamin B. This is one of the vitamins that changes the smell of sweat to one that repels arachnids.

What products are the best? Spinach, nuts, groats, beans, and liver. Interestingly, beer, which also contains B vitamins, can be added to our list of repellent products, just like garlic, which also changes the smell of sweat.

Ticks also do not tolerate aromas such as peppermint, lemongrass, tea tree, sage, cloves, and thyme. It is worth stocking up on essential oils from these plants. Mix them with some oil or olive oil, and then rub them into strategic places such as ankles, knees, or the skin behind the ear shortly before going to the forest or meadow.

In addition to diet and essential oils, remember a few basic protection rules. When planning an excursion to areas with a high risk of tick contact, it is worth wearing long pants and headgear. Light-coloured clothes make it easier to spot ticks. After returning from such places, you must check your entire body thoroughly.