Fall will be here before you know it, and with autumn comes the beginning of cold and flu season. But you don’t have to settle for getting sick each time a bug goes around. Your diet, combined with frequent hand washing, plays a big role in your body’s immune defenses. Try eating these ten foods to shore up your immunity.
1. Blueberries and raspberries: These colorful berries are very high in antioxidants, which help rid your body of toxic free radicals. Even better, they are lower in sugar than many other fruits.
2. Citrus: Lemons, limes, oranges and other citrus fruits contain lots of vitamin C, which can help enhance your immune system and reduce cold symptoms by over 20 percent.
3. Coconuts: Coconuts and extra virgin, non-GMO coconut oil contain the same compounds found in breast milk that build up babies’ immune systems. This fruit is also great for your metabolism and thyroid health.
4. Mushrooms: A compound in reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms is known for its cold- and flu-fighting power. Apart from supporting the immune system, these mushrooms also help fight off infection.
5. Ginger: Ginger has a multitude of immunity benefits, including being a cough suppressant, pain reliever and fever reliever. A common way to take ginger is brewing it in hot tea.
6. Garlic: Garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal, but these properties wear off within one hour of smashing a clove. Prepare your meals with fresh garlic for an immunity boost.
7. Honey: Honey has antimicrobial properties to help fight various infections. Additionally, a spoonful will coat your throat for a natural soothing effect.
8. Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black peppercorns contain anti-fever and pain-relieving compounds that may also help reduce a drippy nose.
9. Tea: Green Matcha tea and Tulsi tea are both extremely rich in antioxidants for immune health. In fact, Matcha tea contains 17 times the antioxidant content as blueberries.
10. Fermented foods: Fermented foods—such as kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles, sauerkraut and sugar-free yogurt—are full of the good bacteria that your gut needs to maintain proper digestive and immune health.
Your health is our priority. Call Blackabay Insurance at 541-889-8693 for more information on Ontario health insurance.