Winter Health Food Tips
A Hassle-free Guide to Preventing and Treating the Flu with Diet
Nov 7, 2009
An apple a day keeps the doctor away... but does it really? Statistics have shown that the majority of people in the US and UK do not meet the "5 a day" daily fruit and veg requisite. This is especially bad news during winter when exhaustion, lack of sunlight and cold climate factors see the body's resistance to the flu at its lowest ebb.
The run-up to the winter holidays means that breakfast can sometimes be as hasty and basic as a cup of coffee and a round of toast. However, a nutritious breakfast should put your morning on the right foot, diet-wise. When coupled with healthy snacks, followed by a balanced lunch and a nutrient-satisfying dinner, out-eating the flu can be as easy as 1 - 2 -3.
Fruit, Vegetables and Glutathione
Why is eating fruits and vegetables so important? Apart from the immunity-boosting effects of vitamin C, they contain a compound called glutathione, which stimulates the immune system in the releasing of macrophages - that is, special cells set on destroying viruses.
Foods particularly high in glutathione are; avocados, watermelons, asparagus, winter squash and grapefruit. Other good sources include; oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, cantaloupe, strawberries and peaches.
Drink Plenty of Water
The motto "fluids, fluids, fluids..." is echoed in every health article. That is beause drinking lots of water may help banish viruses, as moisture allows the mucus that lines the throat to trap viruses and send them down to the stomach to be destroyed by digestive juices. Six to eight cups of liquids a day is enough to meet the daily fluids quota; double this when ill and avoid alcohol along with other dehydrating beverages such as tea and coffee.
Double Up on Vitamin C
Some people will swear by this method; on the first symptoms of flu, take 2,000 mgs of vitamin C an hour for three hours. If the cold persists after three hours, take 1,000 mgs until it has abated. However, remember that the daily reccomended amount for vitamin C is only 60 mgs. Doses larger than 1,2000 mgs can cause diarrhea and may be ineffective. To be on the safe side, try taking a single dosage every hour for three hours, allowing time to digest. Never ingest pills on an empty stomach.
Go Gothic; Eat Garlic
Garlic does more than scare off vampires - it scares off colds too. Garlic boosts the production of antibodies in the immune system and helps protect from viruses, thanks to two vital compounds - allicin and allin. Garlic, however, is best eaten raw for its health properties (up to a bulb a day). For those not keen on the taste, try ingesting garlic capsules with breakfast.
The Chicken Soup Myth
Chicken soup is often quoted is a handy remedy for the common cold. Is there any truth in this? Studies at the Mount Sinai Medical Centre (FL) have found that hot chicken soup appears to increase the flow of mucus (good news for bunged up noses). Meanwhile, further studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Centre in Omaha discovered that chicken soup was able to prevent white blood cells from causing inflammation of the airways. While consuming chicken soup won't prevent you from getting the cold, it'll certainly make you breathe a little easier.
This also applies to spicy foods containing hot peppers, curry and chili powder - suggesting that there is something in the taste and aroma of certain foods that drives mucus wild.
For further winter health tips see here.
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