Six Ways to Kick Colds and Flu to the Curb
It’s that time of year again—the air is crisp, the snow is falling, and colds are all the rage. While that last one might not be your favorite, it’s an inevitability from October through March. To prevent yourself from being another checkmark in the wiped-out-by-a-cold column, healthy eating habits are your best bets for keeping the sniffles at a safe distance. Try these cold-fighting foods:
Chicken soup: The ultimate in cold-weather, under-the-weather comfort food, chicken soup really does warm the soul—and help your colds, according to a study from the Nebraska Medical Center.
Whole grains: Loaded with zinc, a mineral vital for maininting a healthy immune system, whole grains like quinoa, oats and brown rice keep you healthy all season long. Plus, whole grains pack fiber, iron and vitamins B and E to ensure that you are not only cold-free but free from a host of other ailments like heart disease, obesity and constipation.
Water: If you’ve caught a dreaded cold, fluids are vital, and water is best—this will keep your mucus thinner and help it drain. Milk and other dairy products, on the other hand, keep you stuffed up, so steer clear until you’re feeling better.
Bananas: Thanks to a dose of vitamin B6, bananas help your body fight infection and might keep you from achooing up a storm this season.
Garlic: You won’t get any bonus points for your breath, but you might get some bonus protection from viruses (and lots of personal space) with garlic. Researchers think the benefits may be from allicin, a compound in garlic that shields its eaters from the enzymes that play a role in bacterial and viral infections.
Oysters: With about 13 milligrams each of zinc, oysters are the biggest dietary source of this mineral, which is thought to push colds out of your system faster or even prevent them altogether.
Remember, no one food will cure you—but a balanced diet will keep your immune system stronger, making it easier for you to fight off illness and enjoy the wintry days from someplace other than under your covers with a runny nose and sore throat.
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