Best Power Foods for Cold and Flu Season
Learn what foods can help support a strong immune system now and all year long.
Are you tired of getting sick every winter? While experts say the best way to protect yourself from flu is by getting your annual flu shot, there is still no vaccine or cure for the common cold. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you are entirely powerless to protect yourself. Taking action to support your immune system with some of these winter power foods can be extremely beneficial.
Garlic: Though it certainly won’t do your breath any favors, garlic can do wonders for your immune system. It can fight infection and bacteria and increase the efficiency of your body’s antibody production.
Sweet Potato: Orange foods like sweet potato are high in Vitamin A, one of the most important vitamins for immune protection. Vitamin A acts as an anti-inflammatory and also stimulates the production of T cells to help fight foreign infections.
Oatmeal: A morning bowl of oatmeal delivers a dose of beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. Beta-glucan may help fortify the immune system and even help antibiotics work better.
Mushrooms: All kinds of mushrooms contain ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that can survive cooking and help support your immune system.
Broccoli: When you digest broccoli, you get an abundance of DIM, a chemical that has been shown to stimulate immune cell production in mice.
Tea: A hot cup of tea does more than warm you up and keep you hydrated in winter. It also contains antioxidants known as polyphenols.
Citrus: Citrus fruits are most commonly associated with Vitamin C. And while Vitamin C does have antioxidant benefits, research is mixed on whether Vitamin C can help prevent colds. However, citrus products like orange juice also contain other nutrients such as folate, potassium and thiamin that can help support the immune system.
Fermented Foods: At any time of the year, fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, kimchi, and tempeh can deliver the healthy bacteria you need for good digestion and a stronger immune system.
Need Help with Your Diet?
Of course, the nutrients in your diet affect much more than your immune system. They can also affect the effectiveness of your testosterone replacement program and your aging process in general. If you would like expert help meeting your changing nutritional needs, please contact Renew Man™ for a healthy living consultation.
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