Cold and flu season are here again and every year there seems to be new strains of viruses and bacteria that can make life miserable. One of the best ways to fight this is by ensuring you put the right fuel in your body to keep you going through the cold months. We all want to enjoy the upcoming holidays so try to remember to include some of the following foods in your diet to help you along the way.
Here’s a condensed version of an article I read at the web site Prevention. Don’t be put off by the recommended daily dose, that’s pretty difficult to attain. Hopefully though, this can serve as a guide throughout the school year to help keep your kids and family healthy.
1. YOGURT
Probiotics, or the “live active cultures” found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs.
A friend of mine who has been eating yogurt all his life insists that it’s good for the skin as well. Judging by his good looks and healthy body, I’d have to agree!
Your optimal dose: Two 6-ounce servings a day
2. OATS AND BARLEY
They boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and may help antibiotics work better.
Your optimal dose: At least one in your three daily servings of whole grains.
3. GARLIC
This potent onion relative contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria.
Your optimal dose: Two raw cloves a day and add crushed garlic to your cooking several times a week.
4. FISH
Being a West Coaster, I’m a big fan of seafood and I’ll be talking about fish alot over the coming months.
Selenium, plentiful in shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams, helps white blood cells produce cytokines-proteins that help clear flu viruses out of the body. Salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation, increasing airflow and protecting lungs from colds and respiratory infections.
Your optimal dose: Two servings a week (unless you’re pregnant or planning to be).
5. CHICKEN SOUP
The soup’s salty broth keeps mucus thin the same way cough medicines do. Added spices, such as garlic and onions, can increase soup’s immune-boosting power.
Your optimal dose: Have a bowl when feeling crummy.
6. TEA
The amino acid that’s responsible for this immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea–decaf versions have it, too.
Your optimal dose: Several cups daily. To get up to five times more antioxidants from your tea bags, bob them up and down while you brew.
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