How to Boost Your Immunity to Colds and Flu

  As cold and flu season begins it seems that every place you go someone is sneezing! How can you boost your immunity so that you can stay healthy this fall and winter? Getting sick is not only unpleasant, but inconvenient, and  zaps your energy level too.

   If you have kids, you know how hard it is to avoid catching germs from those little slimy hands – they are like sponges! On average, school-age kids in America experience eight to ten colds a year? If you have two children, and the average cold lasts for 10 days, and each parent gets half of their colds. That’s (8+8+4+4) x 10=240 days of someone possibly being sick in your household –more than half the year!

   Fortunately, there are some easy ways to strengthen your immune system by adding some common yet nutritious foods to your diet. They have high immunity-boosting nutrients (e.g. vitamins A, B, and C, zinc), anti-viral and/or anti-bacterial properties:

   1. Yogurt or Kefir (ideally plain as added sugar can suppress immunity) – probiotics help strengthen immune system.

   2.  Pumpkin seeds – high in zinc and omega-3, both essential for a healthy immune system.

   3.  Cold water fish – good source of protein and omega-3.

   4.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, apples – they are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.

   5.  Ground seeds, lentils, beans and whole grains – good source of B vitamins and protein.

   6.  Ginger – has anti-viral properties.

   7.  Garlic – has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

   8.  Honey (raw) –has anti-viral properties.

   9.  Green tea –has anti-viral properties.

  10. Mushrooms (maitake, reishi, shiitake) – elevate flu-fighting agents.

  11. Avoid sugar and alcohol, both of which can weaken your immune system.