Cold and flu season has officially arrived. I’m sure you’ve been hearing the sniffles, coughs, and clearing of throats every few seconds, hoping you don’t catch what everyone else around you has.
According to the National Institutes of Health, between 5 and 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year. While you may not be able to avoid the flu, there are many ways to aid in preventing the virus.
Tips to Prepare for Flu Season
1. Practice healthier living habits by eating more fresh whole foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.
2. Keep your home and workplace clean by regularly disinfecting your surroundings.
3. Stay away from sick people.
4. Wash your hands.
5. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
6. Consider the flu vaccine.
While preparing for flu season, consider more natural ways to help decrease the risk of getting the flu or the common cold year-round by adding more immune-boosting foods to your everyday diet. The immune system is the body’s defense against infections. Having a healthy immune system not only helps protect against the common cold or flu, but also serious illnesses like cancer.
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In order to have a healthy immune system, you want to make sure your body is getting vitamin C. Vitamin C is known as one of the biggest immune boosters. It’s an antioxidant that fights free radicals and fights to protect the body from serious illnesses.
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Here are 4 immune-boosting foods to eat to lower your risk of getting the flu:
1. Elderberry
Elderberry is known as “nature’s flu shot” and is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and relieve nasal congestion. A study in Norway concluded that elderberry extract offers an efficient, safe, and cost-effective treatment for influenza.
2. Ginger
Ginger enhances immunity, breaks down toxins in the body due to its warming effect, helps cleanse the lymphatic system, and loosens mucus. Enjoy ginger tea as an energizing alternative to your daily coffee.
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3. Turmeric
Turmeric is known as a natural antibiotic and is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. It is antiviral, antifungal, and fights
inflammation.
4. Citrus Fruits
Fruits are packed with immune-boosting properties and vitamin C. When we think of vitamin C we usually think of oranges, but there are many other fruits out there that pack higher contents of vitamin C. Guava, for example, has 4 times more vitamin C than an orange, which is 200 percent of the recommended daily intake. Pineapple, papaya, and mango are other delicious vitamin C-packed fruit.
Now that you are familiar with immune-boosting foods, here are a few of my favorite juice and tea recipes.
Ginger Tea
- Fresh ginger root, peeled and cut into medium-sized pieces
- Agave or honey
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Bring a medium-sized pot of water to boil. Once the water is boiling, drop the ginger in and continue to boil for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy with agave or honey, or without sweetener.
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Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.
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“Welle” Shots
These Welle Shots are my go-to wellness shots. If you have a juicer you can make wellness shots daily. Buy the ingredients in bulk and make a habit of taking wellness shots daily. Not only are they packed with vitamins and nutrients, but they also boost immunity and give lots of energy.
Here are my favorite combinations of wellness shots:
1. Ginger + Lemon + Cayenne
2. Turmeric + Ginger + Orange
3. Ginger + Turmeric + Lemon
4. Green Apple + Cayenne + Ginger + Lemon + Celery
How do you protect yourself from the flu season?
Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.
