The FLU 🤒 is here!

healthy tips Dec 16, 2019

Flu season is here!

I heard on the news last night that more people are being affected by the flu ALREADY! Typically it doesn't peak until February, but it's already on the rise. So I thought I'd dedicate this weekly email to foods you can eat to stave off common seasonal illnesses -OR- reduce the duration of them.

Let's get started, shall we?!

  • Ginger

Research suggests ginger can reduce joint swelling and pain intensity! It's also shown to reduce inflammation, increase the speed of digestion, and prevent nausea.

Sipping on Lemon Ginger Tea will provide all the immune-boosting benefits ginger has to offer, while acting as a natural lozenge for the throat.

  • Garlic:

Both aged and raw garlic contain a type of fiber called fructans, which can help you digest food better and even jump-start the immune system. So if you're experiencing any diarrhea or queasiness during the flu, give garlic a try. To really reap all the benefits it has to offer, chop up raw garlic and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients. This allows time for the beneficial compounds to activate!

Another reason to munch on garlic? According to the International Journal of Green Pharmacy's 2016 review, garlic extracts can help our bodies ward off a few different viruses, including rhinovirus (cause of the common cold), as well as influenza.

This easy-to-make garlic mashed potato dish boasts 6 garlic cloves, plus warm chicken broth to up the comfort-food factor. Since consuming carbohydrates can help with nausea, it's the perfect thing to nibble on when you're feeling queasy.  

  • Beef:

Beef contains high amounts of zinc! Low bodily zinc levels weaken our immune systems, making us more susceptible to viruses, including the flu. So, consuming zinc-rich foods-like beef-may be protective during flu season.

Try this Simple Beef Stew!  

  • Beans:

Beans are high in fiber and minerals, but their main flu-fighting component is protein. When you're weakened by an illness, protein helps build your body back up by balancing fluid, enhancing the immune system's response, and building and repairing cells. If you're fighting the flu, make it a point to consume protein-rich foods like beans. 

Try this Slow Cooker Bean & Barley Soup  

  • Citrus Fruits:

Citrus fruits-are jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which impact the body in healthy ways. Citrus fruits' most powerful illness-fighting nutrient is vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. Vitamin C won't cure the flu or other ailments, but it might help you feel better faster.    Try this Mixed Berry Smoothie recipe!  

  • Classic Chicken Soup

There's actually scientific evidence that stands behind the power of a warm bowl of chicken soup to make us feel better when we're experiencing flu or cold symptoms! Lab research has found that chicken soup triggers the common white blood cells in our bodies that work to defend against infection, which could potentially help reduce respiratory tract inflammation. Plus, just the steam from hot soup of any kind is sure to loosen up stuffy sinuses and provide some warm comfort.

Try this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe!

Stay healthy, friends!