The cold and flu season is inevitable each year. For this reason, one must prepare to fight it because the best medicine for flu and cold is prevention. There are various ways you can boost your immunity against the flu. One way is through the intake of essential vitamins and minerals sourced from the food we eat every day.
In this article, we share ways you can boost your immunity by incorporating foods and spices with preventive minerals and vitamins into your diet:
1. Ginger
Ginger for long has been associated with Asian foods which are characterized by its spicy kick. However, there are also nutritional values that it contains. It contains antioxidants that are very effective against cough and sore throats. In addition to this, it also helps decrease inflammation which is caused by the flu. When it is added to tea it helps in easing nausea and vomiting. Additional use of it helps decrease chronic pain.
2. Citrus
Vitamin C is a key factor in building our immune system. This is by increasing the production of white blood cells which are key in fighting infections. These fruits have high vitamin C content that boosts immunity. Our bodies do not store or produce vitamin C. Therefore, we need vitamin C daily for continued immunity. These fruits include oranges, grapefruit, tangerines among others.
3. Lemons
As mentioned earlier, lemons have vitamin C like citrus and additionally contain bioflavonoids which protect cell health. They can be added to vegetables and salads or cooked in recipes such as lemon dill salmon. This will help improve our immunity to fight cold and flu.
4. Chicken soup
Chicken soup is commonly associated with grandmas as their best remedy for flu. This soup contains a special chemical called carnosine which is vital to protect your body from the flu virus. It eases most symptoms associated with flu facilitating a quicker recovery.
5. Garlic
Garlic contains vitamins and minerals which help improve the immune system. These are vital in fighting the flu. It also has a compound called allicin which is powerful in fighting bacteria and viruses making it a major booster for immunity. It can be consumed in different methods such as eating it raw which preserves the majority of its health promotion qualities or used as a salad dressing.
Over the counter cold flu medications treat a wide variety of symptoms for treating stuffy nose, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, cough, fever, sore throat among others. It’s important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before choosing any syrup or pills so you can ensure you’re treating the right specific symptoms. Always see the drug labels for side effects and keenly follow the instructions of taking the medicine. And please ensure medication for cold and flu does not have an effect on any other prescription medication you are currently taking.
The best cold and flu remedies that can help you recover within a short period of time. However, if you are having major symptoms like rapid heartbeat, you should consult a doctor immediately.