Six Foods That Help Prevent Colds and the Flu

With a total of over 200 viruses that contribute to colds, you may want to do what you can to avoid getting sick. One way to help prevent getting a cold is to make sure you get enough sleep. Avoiding stress helps too. Diet is also very important, which is why you may want to eat more of these foods when cold season rolls around:

 

Elderberries

Elderberries are small dark purple colored berries that grow on trees. They house a significant number of antiviral compounds and flavonoids, all of which activate the body’s immune system so that it fights off illness. This fruit also contains a high amount of anthocyanins that lessen inflammation. Note that they should never be eaten raw;  cooking gets rid of the toxins in elderberries .

Garlic

Although garlic does not have a pleasant smell, it has a good reputation for being a potent antibiotic. Garlic is also antiviral, and it works to boost the immune system with the help of allicin, a powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic. Add pungent cloves of garlic to a variety of different foods to stay healthy and make your meals more flavorful.

Ginger Root

Ginger is a spice that contains potent antioxidants like gingerols, shogaols, zingerones, and 6-dehydroginerdione. It also contains sesquiterpenes, which are substances that combat rhinoviruses. Add fresh ginger root to your tea to cleanse your body of toxins and prevent the symptoms that are associated with colds and the flu.

Honey

Raw honey can supercharge your immune system. It is full of antioxidants, and if the honey is dark in color, it contains more antioxidants than honey that is lighter in color. This sweet treat also has antimicrobial properties that assist with combating infections that develop from viruses. For even more protection from colds and the flu, combine honey with tea. The tea should get rid of any chest congestion, and it will stop the flu virus from getting worse.

Oranges

If you want to take an active role in protecting yourself from getting a cold, eat an orange every day. What you may have heard about vitamin C’s ability to ward off colds is true. If you prefer to get your vitamin C from orange juice, that’s just as good. Eight ounces of this fruit juice will strengthen your immunity.

Yogurt

Yogurt that contains Lactobacillus reuteri  can prevent the cold or flu virus from multiplying. One study revealed Lactobacillus reuteri’s potential to put the brakes on the cold and flu virus when a group of people who took Lactobacillus reuteri was compared to a group that took a placebo. The number of colds the group that consumed the Lactobacillus reuteri got was significantly lower than the number of colds the other group came down with. If you want to include yogurt in your diet to prevent colds and the flu, check to make sure the yogurt you buy contains Lactobacillus reuteri.

Protecting yourself from contracting a cold or the flu is easy when you eat the right foods, so include the foods listed above in your diet. Eating right along with washing your hands frequently and thoroughly should lower your risk of getting sick. Start strengthening your immune system today for a healthier tomorrow.

 

Now is the time to shield yourself and your family from our current, global health crisis. Let this Immune Function Pack support and sustain your immune function.


 

 

 

References:  

“Miracle Healing Herbs”; John Heinerman, Ph.D.; 1998

“SuperFoods HealthStyle”; Steven G Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews; 2006

“The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods”; James A. Duke, PhD; 2008

“101 Foods That Could Save Your Life”; David Grotto, RD, LDN; 2007

“Kitchen Cures”; Peggy Kotsopoulos; 2013

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Written by HealthStatus
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our health risk assessment, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years.

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