What Should I Eat to Prevent a Cold?

Although a cold is not a serious ailment for most people, the symptoms are not always fun. To prevent getting a cold in the first place, you should boost your immune system by eating foods that are filled with immune-boosting nutrients. The immune system is complicated, and it is made up of a wide variety of cells. These require certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to function at their best. Although you can get cold and flu medication over the counter when you do not feel well, why not avoid getting sick all together by eating the right types of food?

Immune Boosting Foods

Although you should always eat a diet that contains food densely packed with nutrients, there are some nutrients that are especially important for the immune system. These include antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and iron. There are a number of ways you can get the nutrition you need, from dietary supplements like this vitamin d supplement, a more rounded multi-vitamin to, of course, your diet. The things your body needs to function can be found in a wide variety of foods, and some of them contain a combination of immune-boosting nutrients that have lead to them being labelled as “superfoods” due to the benefits they can offer. Examples of some of the best superfoods for immune system include:

• Vitamin C sources: strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, white potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage
• Vitamin D sources: mushrooms, salmon, cod liver oil, beef liver, sardines, swordfish, tuna, and egg yolks
• Selenium sources: brazil nuts, halibut, shrimp, turkey, chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, and brown rice
• Zinc sources: oysters, red meat, poultry, seeds, legumes, nuts, dairy, and whole grains
• Iron sources: beef or chicken liver, mussels, red meat, perch, haddock, and dried apricots

Packed with Antioxidants

One nutrient that is imperative for a strong immune system is antioxidants. These are best known for fighting off free radicals in the body. Free radicals result from a number of things, including air pollution, tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays, and even as a byproduct of regular cell processes. Too many free radicals in the body have been shown to potentially result in chronic health issues and advanced aging. They also negatively affect how the immune system functions.

Antioxidants support the immune system, so it is important to eat a diet that contains lots of them. The good news is they are present in a wide variety of items, especially colorful vegetables and fruits. Some foods that are high in antioxidants include:

• Pecans
• Dark chocolate
• Artichokes
• Goji berries
• Raspberries
• Elderberry
• Blueberries
• Kale
• Beans
• Red cabbage
• Spinach
• Beets
• Onions
• Apples
• Green tea

Fighting Cold Symptoms Quickly and Safely

Even if you eat a great diet, there is still a chance you will catch the cold or the flu. When this occurs, it may be tempting to reach for over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, these meds just cover up symptoms, and they have side effects.

As an alternative, consider homeopathic cold and flu relief. These remedies are made with natural ingredients, so they are safe to use. They also work directly with your immune system to rid the body of the illness quickly. This means not only that your symptoms will be less severe, but you will also be back to normal quicker.