Eating healthy is always a good idea, but during cold and flu season it's especially important. But you can fight the flu from the dinner table.
We're not talking about just the basic orange juice and chicken soup. Here's a good grocery list.
A vaccination isn't the only weapon you have against the flu. Your grocery store is stocked with ammunition. "There are a whole bunch of various components called phytochemicals in food which keep you healthy," according to pharmacognosist Ara DerMarderosian.
Plants produce the chemicals to protect themselves. But DerMarderosian says they also protect humans from disease by boosting the immune system. "Garlic and onion are at the top of the list as far as, uh, qualities for keeping you well."
Forget bad breath. Those smelly compounds in garlic and onions can help ward off bacteria and viruses. "It's shown in many studies where they consume considerable amounts of garlic or onions, they have a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract infections," says DerMarderosian.
Mushrooms are also high on the must-have list. They contain compounds that stimulate the production of so-called 'natural killer' cells that fight infection. Other edible germ fighters include citrus fruits, yougurt with active cultures, and green tea. Also, protein rich foods like salmon and chicken. Or if you prefer supplements, try black elderberry extract. "Articles in the journal of clinical nutrition show that this is very, very effective in helping stave off the flu," says DerMarderosian.
Other supplements that might keep flu symptoms at bay include zinc, ginseng, and vitamin D.
