Foods To Boost Immunity During Flu Season

Flu Season and Our Immune System

The flu is alive and  well this season and seems to be hitting strongly around the US. Actually this is said to be one of the worst years for the flu.  What can we do to boost our immune system and avoid the flu? I am going to talk about food and spices in my post  that are supportive of a healthy immune system. And stay tuned for more posts on protecting our immune system for a healthy life.

The usual rules like washing your hands frequently and drinking a lot of liquids is always good advice to stay healthy.  Avoiding crowds is tough as there is lots of shoppers out there and parties to go to.  You cannot always avoid close contact but if you hear someone coughing back off and  at parties just drink a lot of wine.  Just kidding on that one.

Here are some of the best foods to add to your diet for their immunity and anti inflammatory properties.

1. Ginger is a very potent spice and I keep this fresh root in the house all the time. I add it to soups, salads and veggies.   As you may know it alleviates nausea and can even stave it off. As a preventative measure ginger can decrease inflammation.  Add some to your food this season.
2. Broccoli is well noted for its many health benefits and is loaded with lots of vitamins and minerals.  Rich in fiber and antioxidants it works hard at keeping the body healthy.  Eat raw or lightly steam is the best way to enjoy this vegetable.
3. Garlic has been popular for many years to season food.  It is reported to fight off infections which is a great thing during flu season.  Remember to slice garlic to get the most benefit.
4. Spinach is another soldier in the army of fighting infections.  Raw or cooked it has many benefits.  Loaded with beta carotene and remember light cooking enhances the vitamin A benefits.
5. Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and all you need to eat is half a cup which will fight off colds and flu.  Add a handful to your diet every day.

6.  Turmeric which gives the color to curry mixtures has received a lot of press as of late.

      To get the most benefit from this healthful root add black pepper to activate the benefits.  

       I use the fresh root almost daily and add it to all kinds of dishes.  Beware of the bright  yellow color as it is often creates a permanent stain.

7.   Oregano is one of my favorite spices to use in foods.  Oregano also acts as a powerful  antibiotic. It was such fun cutting a bunch daily from our small garden.

8.  Mushrooms are a delicious and low calorie addition to many dishes.  For years the  health benefits stayed in the background. Loaded with vitamins and minerals they are also beneficial to our immune system.  Check out the different types and create your own stir fries.  Remember it is important to cook mushrooms even for a few minutes.

Stay Tuned for More Advice on Avoiding the Flu


Learn more about staying healthy as you age in my book  Feel Better Every Day http://a.co/8Y7LHwq