Why is it that something as simple as the common cold can lay even the strongest of bodies out for the count? We’ve all had one, and no matter what you do to avoid it and fight it, eventually it will win. The winter months keep us closed up indoors and expose us to more germs, which is why we tend to see more colds in the winter. (Contrary to what our Grandmothers have always told us about getting our colds from being outside in the winter!) Even though there’s no cure for a common cold, there are ways you can try to prevent it, and lessen the severity of it if you do.

The best way to combat a cold is by eating a healthy diet. There are so many benefits to a good diet, but one benefit that’s often overlooked, yet is so important in this case, is the boost to your immune system. A diet full of vitamins and minerals will give you much needed energy, and help you in your fight against the germs causing colds, flu and other infections.
What Are The Best Foods To Boost Your Immune System?

Balance is a must in any diet. You can’t just eat one or two things, and expect your body to be in top shape – you need to offer a variety of foods to keep your immune system functioning properly. Choose a vast array of foods that can contribute to improved immune function, and in turn help you to prevent colds and other illnesses from striking. Here are some good choices when deciding on your healthy diet:

Fruits

• Our immune system needs many of the substances that fruit offers, with the most well known of these being Vitamin C. Vitamin C encourages production of white blood cells and “interferon,” which is an antibody that covers all cell surfaces, preventing the viruses from gaining entry. Citrus fruits are what are fruits most commonly thought of when we think “Vitamin C” — and while they do contain the most Vitamin C, there are lots of other fruits that also have it.
• Strawberries, cherries and blueberries are also full of antioxidants, which helps to maintain healthy tissue and fix any damage that has been caused through such things as infection.

Vegetables

• Many different vitamins and minerals are found in vegetables, which is surely why mom has always told us to eat our vegetables! You’ll find all kinds of vitamins – vitamin A in spinach, parsley and carrots, vitamin K in cauliflower and most green vegetables, and both A & E in turnip and mustard greens.
• The immune system is also stimulated by zinc, which both collard greens and squash contain high levels of. Carotenoids are another necessary element to a healthy immune system, with beta carotene being the most well known. They work together to boost the creation of infection-fighting cells. The best sources for carotenoids are carrots and dark green, red and yellow vegetables.

Whole Grains

• The reasons for whole grains being important to overall immune function are simple. They are an excellent source of fiber, which helps to cleanse the body of toxins. This cleansing is necessary for increased immunity, as well as overall health. Not only that, but whole grains actually contain vitamins and minerals as well.

Protein

• Protein, which can be found in meats, beans and soy products, boosts energy and encourages production of cells that fight off infection. Fish is an excellent choice since it’s also a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which offers a great boost to the immune system.

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet is one way to help boost your immune system, and fight off infection and illness, such as the common cold. While there are many other ways of preventing illness, such as thorough hand washing, a healthy diet will ensure that if you do get a cold, your body will be in top form to fight it off quicker.

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Eat better, move more, and believe in yourself!

(About Me)