When it seems that someone around you is catching the flu, you know you need to do whatever you can to give your body the best chance of avoiding illness. Of course, you’ll be washing your hands often, you’ll have had your flu shot earlier this year, and you’ll be concentrating on rest and relaxation. All of these are important for your wellbeing. Don’t forget about your kitchen, though. It has some unexpected flu-prevention properties.
Some foods boost the immune system, but you should also try to cut back on the bites that weaken it. Real foods enable your immune system to work properly. The key point to remember is to limit your intake of processed foods, particularly during cold and flu season.
Vegetable juice
Antioxidants are healthy compounds found in fruits and vegetables that boost the immune system and aid recovery from illnesses like the flu. When you’re sick, you don’t want to eat solid food. In a bottle of vegetable juice, you’ll get the same health benefits and antioxidants. To avoid consuming too much salt, choose a low-sodium version. If you don’t have access to vegetable milk, a bottle of 100% fruit juice will provide antioxidants.
Chicken soup
Your grandmother was right. When you have the flu, chicken broth is a good thing to eat. Chicken soup contains compounds that tend to work well together to boost immunity. The function of hair-like structures in the nasal passages that protect against bacteria and viruses is improved by drinking hot chicken soup.
Garlic
Add some garlic to your chicken broth while you’re making it. Garlic gives meats a fiery flavor, but it’s also high in compounds that boost immunity and help prevent colds and flu. More studies are required to confirm the findings.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral that the body uses to help white blood cells function better. Viruses such as the flu virus are supposed to be fought off by white blood cells. Eat them by the handful or toss them into salads for added crunch.
Hot tea
Teas come in a wide range of flavors and are readily available in the market. Which do you prefer: green, oolong, or black tea? Make a decision! Tea is high in antioxidants, which helps to relieve aches and pains. Sipping hot beverages thins mucus and helps to clear nasal passages by drawing in steam. To help with a sore throat, add some honey to the tea. If caffeine teas make you feel jittery when you’re trying to unwind, switch to herbal or decaf tea.
Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient to have when you’re sick. According to a study conducted by the Australian National University’s National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, vitamin C can help avoid the common cold in people who are exposed to sickness-inducing conditions, such as cold weather, and can also help reduce the length and severity of a cold.
