5 Foods Your Body Needs (especially during flu season)

What you eat makes a big difference when it comes to health.

Have you noticed this?

 

When you feel under the weather, you naturally gravitate toward certain foods. Your digestive system slows down, and by default, you crave a hot soup or a simple meal.

 

It's simple logic. It all boils down to the old saying, “you are what you eat.”

So, why not eat the right foods and bolster your defense system. Prevention is better than cure! Don't you agree?

 

During cold and flu season, it helps to amp up your immune system with the best foods.

 

Your immune system is not an organ, but it is very complex.

This system involves proteins, organs, cells and tissues that work hard to protect us. This sophisticated network fights virus, bacteria and other pathogens that could make us sick.

 

It is crucial that we nourish ourselves with the right food, so these systems can do their job.

5 Power Foods to Boost Your Immunities

 

1. Fermented foods  

Include plenty of fermented foods which carry a host of healthy probiotics.

 

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that promote your gut health. With more than 80% of the immune system residing in your gut, taking probiotics is the right step.

 

The next time you're at the supermarket grab a quart of kefir. It has more active bacteria than a probiotic pill.

 

2. Include Herbs

 

Include plenty of herbs like Cilantro, Tulsi (Holy basil) and Oregano. Research confirms Tulsi has outstanding immune-boosting effects.

 

Oregano is a powerful healing and immune-boosting herb. Both these herbs have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral effects.

3. Spice Up Your Meals

 

Spices like turmeric and ginger have extraordinary immune-strengthening effects.

 

Ayurvedic medicine cites their effects on our immune system. These spices have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which work to improve immune cell's function.

 

Ginger helps to break down toxins in our organs through its warming effects.

Turmeric's yellow pigment curcumin is a potent antibiotic.

My favorite way to reap the benefits of these potent spices in a detox tea.

 

4. Add Cruciferous Veggies 

 

They are rich in sulfur-containing nutrients. These are powerful antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

 

Examples include broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.

 

5. Boost Your Antioxidant intake

 

Include plenty of antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

Go for a colorful palate and eat from all the colors of a rainbow to get a spectrum of antioxidants.

 

Antioxidants scavenge dead cells and free radicals and free up the immune system. This reduces the toxic overload in the body and refreshes the disease-fighting cells.

 

Building your immune health is a holistic approach. Besides diet, other factors weigh in too.

 

Here are a few other things to keep in mind to enjoy perfect immune health.

Other Ways to Fire Up Immune Health

 

• • Don't smoke
  • Eat a diet high in fruits, and vegetables
  • Exercise daily
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Maintain adequate vitamin D levels
  • Drink enough water
  • Lower your stress via meditation

 

Don't forget to include healthy fats and protein. They go hand in hand with a vitamin and mineral-rich diet. Take a proactive approach to avoid infection, such as washing your hands often. A healthy diet is the key to lower the risk of diseases and keeps your immune system great.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

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