Fighting Foods

The leaves are beginning to change and the temperatures are dropping, which means cold season will soon be upon us. Why does it seem like no matter how adamant you are about washing your hands and taking your vitamins a sickness bug strikes you at least once a season? While grandma’s chicken noodle soup does feel comforting, did you know there are numerous other foods you could be consuming to help kick that cold?

The first food you should be stocking up on is good old tried a true Vitamin C. And we aren’t just talking about oranges here. Reach for other Vitamin C rich fruits such as kiwis, strawberries, and blueberries. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which means any excess ingested is not stored in the body and is flushed out every day. This means a daily intake of Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system!

Want to put those Vitamin C rich fruits on your morning oatmeal? Perfect! Oats and barley contain a fiber called beta-glucan. This fiber benefits the good bacteria in your body which in turn stimulates the immune system, so eat up.

Not into the breakfast side of food? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Fish and shellfish are amazing for the immune system. Shellfish such as oysters, lobster, and crab increase your white blood cell count which is responsible for helping the body fight infections. In addition to shellfish, cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in Omega 3’s which help improve overall immune health. Incorporating garlic and onions into your shellfish and fish dishes will give you yet another added boost to your immune system.

Last but certainty not least to improving your health is hydration. Sticking to the daily recommended amount of water is essential to every day health as well as while you are feeling ill. Try adding green and black tea into the mix as well to promote healing with their antioxidant powers. So next time you are feeling run down try eating and drinking your way back to a healthy you!