During this time of year we are all exposed to germs that can lead to some sort of sickness whether it be a cold, flu bug or worse. Just as there are precautions like washing your hands or sneezing into your sleeve, your diet can help wort off these unwanted germs as well. Here are a few food that will help keep you feeling your best during this season.
1) Orange Juice- One cup supplies the body with more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement (75 mg a day for women and 90 mg a day for men).
2) Milk- Along with fish, dairy is one of the best dietary sources of vitamin D — a power nutrient that may effectively boost your immune system and help prevent colds.
3) Chicken Soup- The soup thins mucus and calms the symptoms of a stuffed-up nose and wracking cough.
4) Pumpkin and Sweet Potatoes- These foods are rich in vitamin A, which plays a key role in preventing and fighting off infections.
5) Garlic- According to a study published in Advances in Therapy, subjects who swallowed a garlic capsule for 12 winter weeks were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold; those who did suffered for 3 1⁄2 days less. Garlic contains infection-fighting compounds, including allicin, a potent bacteria fighter that is even more effective in food form.
6) Mushrooms- They contain more than 300 compounds that rev up immunity, in part by escalating the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and making them more aggressive.
7) Fish and Shellfish- Salmon, mackerel, herring, and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which increase activity of phagocytes — cells that fight flu by eating up bacteria.