Some are advising that in addition to the usual rules about getting your flu shot, washing your hands more often and getting enough sleep, you should also think about shifting your diet towards foods that may boost your immunity. As Fox reports, some nutritional experts suggest stocking up on foods that may help keep you healthy during the peak of flu season. Now, we all know that chicken noodle soup is a go-to elixir and not just for emotional reasons. It's also a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties.
"When we're sick, we don't want to eat and don't want to drink, but you need to continue to eat and give your body the nutrients and energy you need for the immune system to function properly," Michael P. Angarone, D.O., assistant professor of infectious diseases and medical education at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
Try increasing the probiotics in your menu, because that boosts the health and wellness of your gut, which may aid your immune system. Why not have some Greek yogurt at breakfast and dress up your hot dog with sauerkraut?
"Probiotics are healthy microorganisms that can help support bacterial balance in the gut," dietitian Jaime Mass, R.D.N., L.D. told Fox.
Another good immune booster is ginger tea, a zesty and soothing choice for cold weather. In a review published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, as Today noted, researchers found that ginger's potent anti-inflammatory properties were key in the root's power to combat a cold or flu.
Another easy pick is blueberries, which are bursting with antioxidants that may help treat and prevent coughs and colds, advised Today. You can also tuck into some oranges with their famed Vitamin C, the traditional antioxidant.
You might also want to stock up on salmon, chicken, lamb, spinach, sesame seeds, lentils, and chickpeas, all of which have loads of zinc. While the jury is still out on how effective zinc is in terms of reducing cold symptoms, some studies have showed promise. As Today touted, the Journal of Family Practice published a study examining the effects of zinc on the common cold in children ages 1 to 10 years old.