As many of us approach the cold months of the year, flu season begins to peak. I fair pretty well most years and seem to avoid a lot of sick days. It got me wondering if diet has anything to do with staying cold-free.
Well, I did my research, and there is some evidence that a few key nutrients can ward off the common cold and the flu.
Top 8 Flu Fighting Foods and Drinks
- Sunflower Seeds: Are an excellent source of vitamin E–one of the highest natural sources! Natural vitamin E found in foods is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster. Most nuts and seeds are also a good source of selenium and zinc which can help the body detoxify.
- Garlic: Contains a phytochemical, called allicin, which can kill bacteria and viruses, and is thought to improve the immune system.
- Spinach: Any leafy green vegetable contains abundant nutrients. But, spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that can help ward off disease. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E, and zinc (just to name a few).
- Mushrooms: Another good source of selenium and zinc. In addition, mushrooms were used as one of the world’s first antibiotics. There is even a mushroom called the maitake mushroom that is used in cancer prevention and treatment. There is a long history of use of mushrooms for illness prevention.
- Yogurt: We all know now that yogurt contains probiotics which can improve the healthy bacteria in the intestines. Healthy intestinal bacteria are a key for proper immune health. Look for yogurts that contain vitamin D, and you will get an additional health boost.
- Citrus Fruits: One piece of citrus fruit can contain over 100% of your daily value for vitamin C. Peppers are also a great source. Vitamin C has long been studied for its properties in curing a variety of illnesses.
- Tea with Lemon and Honey: Tea is detoxifying. Lemon is a natural antibacterial. Honey is a combination of an antioxidant and antibacterial. All three combined make a nutritious and almost medicinal drink!
- Water: Helps to flush out toxins, and maintain hydration. Proper hydration is key to keeping the metabolism strong and healthy.
Of course, don’t forget to wash your hands frequently. This is the first step in preventing the flu. But, aside from proper hygiene, I will be eating healthy this cold and flu season just in case any of these nutritious foods can help keep me disease-free.
What about you, do you feel like certain foods can prevent the cold and flu?
When my immune system was weak I got sick no matter what I ate and how much I drank. Vitamins did not help and I had to wait for the cold to run it’s course. Now that my immune system is strong vitamins, minerals and the Flu Fighting Foods and Drinks keep me well. Not sick over 4 years. The key is a strong as possible immune system.
Vitamin D is best taken in from the sun or in the alternative as a supplement. It is difficult to get sufficient amounts of it through food.
Spicy foods will help clear your sinuses.
For the most part, a flu has to run its course, and most things you can do are just to reduce the misery while it is.
I looked it up on Webmd and it stated that as long as a person did not have a fever, it is alright to engage in moderate exercise with a cold. It stated that moderate exercise tends to increase one’s immunity. Vigorous exercise without recovery can weaken a person’s immune system. I find that now that I exercise regularly, that I don’t get nearly as many colds as I used to. However, this latest one has been fairly bad. It might be a good idea for meto exercise more easily and less vigorously with this cold. Webmd did say to stop exercising when a person has these symptoms,
Increased chest congestion
Difficulty catching your breath
Coughing and/or wheezing
Chest tightness or pressure
Trouble breathing or excessive shortness of breath
Light-headedness or dizziness
Difficulty with balance
It must be repeated *not* to exercise when one has a fever, but without one, a person can exercise if he/she feels like but just don’t do it as hard.
I usually find exercise to be counter productive. If I stop everything and just let my body focus on healing, my cold usually lasts about three days.. If I continue to exercise, it usually lasts a week. I’m not sure if this is true for everyone, but it has proven true for me many times, so now I don’t chance it. I just take it easy and get plenty of rest and fluids.
I have had a cold in the past few days. I often eat these kinds of foods, such as yogurt, citrus fruits and garlic (albeit powdered, not fresh) on a regular basis. Drinking a lot of water is very helpful for colds, as well as washing hands even more religiously. I also suspect aerobic exercise is helpful, because it helps to blow everything out and clear the nasal passages. It helps to bring a handkerchief along. I also buy a generic variety of sudafed, which does relieve the symptoms.
I have a fabulous ‘Ultimate Ginger Tea’ recipe which is fantastic for improving your immune system and dealing with all the symptoms of a cold.
http://fridaysfivecents.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/happy-friday/
When I get a cold, I load up on raw garlic, hot herbal tea (usually something like peppermint to help open my sinuses and prevent congestion), turmeric and cayenne pepper (again, for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as the sinus-opening factor), blueberries and strawberries, broccoli (any cruciferous veggie works–the compounds and fiber in these veggies helps culture the good bacteria in your gut so the flu viruses can’t infect you as readily), as well as yogurt, spinach, mushrooms, grapefruits, and tomatoes. Eating all that stuff and religiously using a neti pot makes my colds last a maximum of 3 days.