It's cold outside and reports of the flu season being one of the worst is coming upon us. Yet, there's no reason to fear... adding some of these immunity boosters to your diet will help your body defend against the germs that you'll be coming into contact with at the common areas such as your office, local coffee shop, the mall, etc.
1. Chicken Soup
It looks like this is more than just a myth. There is something to having some chicken soup according to one study that compared a hot bowl of chicken soup versus hot or cold water. The chicken soup was better able at making noses run which turns out to be good as secreting fluids from your bose helps with getting rid of pathogenic bacteria and viruses that are in your body. In addition, the chicken soup helps with keeping your body hydrated, another welcome addition for loosening secretions.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics which are labeled 'good bacteria' as they help with better regulating your digestion process and with improving your immune system. You'll want to purchase products that have labels that read “Live & Active Cultures” and contain a seal from the National Yogurt
Association. This label represents the fact that the yogurt you are purchasing will contain a set minimum of two particular types of bacteria which are beneficial.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is given it's immune-boosting effects from plant antioxidants called polyphenols. A study was recently released which showed catechins, which is a particular polyphenol, was effective at killing the influenza virus. To maximize the benefits, look for a strong green tea and make sure to steep it in near boiling water for about a minute or two. Feel free to use lemongrass or ginger, both great for boosting the immune system, along with a little honey to add some additional layer of flavor and to reduce bitterness. Make sure that you don't use milk though as the proteins from the milk will bind to the polyphenols, making them ineffective.
Besides adding these foods to your diet, make sure that you wash your hands regularly, take a good multi-vitamin and get 6 - 8 hours of sleep a day to keep your body at optimal performance to fight off any colds..
1. Chicken Soup
It looks like this is more than just a myth. There is something to having some chicken soup according to one study that compared a hot bowl of chicken soup versus hot or cold water. The chicken soup was better able at making noses run which turns out to be good as secreting fluids from your bose helps with getting rid of pathogenic bacteria and viruses that are in your body. In addition, the chicken soup helps with keeping your body hydrated, another welcome addition for loosening secretions.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics which are labeled 'good bacteria' as they help with better regulating your digestion process and with improving your immune system. You'll want to purchase products that have labels that read “Live & Active Cultures” and contain a seal from the National Yogurt
Association. This label represents the fact that the yogurt you are purchasing will contain a set minimum of two particular types of bacteria which are beneficial.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is given it's immune-boosting effects from plant antioxidants called polyphenols. A study was recently released which showed catechins, which is a particular polyphenol, was effective at killing the influenza virus. To maximize the benefits, look for a strong green tea and make sure to steep it in near boiling water for about a minute or two. Feel free to use lemongrass or ginger, both great for boosting the immune system, along with a little honey to add some additional layer of flavor and to reduce bitterness. Make sure that you don't use milk though as the proteins from the milk will bind to the polyphenols, making them ineffective.
Besides adding these foods to your diet, make sure that you wash your hands regularly, take a good multi-vitamin and get 6 - 8 hours of sleep a day to keep your body at optimal performance to fight off any colds..
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