July 10, 2019

Hey Everyone!

Just when I was feeling pretty good about myself I fell victim to a dreaded summer cold. Colds are bad enough in the winter when we are stuck inside most of the time anyway, but when the weather is warm and the sun is shining it seems like a personal insult to be forced to sit inside and rest. But there is nothing else for it. A summer cold is just like any other cold and will usually run its course in a week to ten days.

Over the counter drugs will help with the symptoms, but you can amp up your body's natural defense against colds with the right kind of foods. So I did a little research to find out what foods are the best immune-system boosters.

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Berries

You can't go wrong when snacking on berries of all kinds - especially since they're the best foods for a cold. That's because berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries - which have loads of health benefits - are a hydrating source of vitamin C. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and plays an important role in immune function.

Bananas

Chock-full of potassium, as well as other powerful nutrients such as fiber and vitamin B6, bananas are about as good as it gets when it comes to strengthening your immune system. Additionally, studies have found that the electrolytes in bananas have seriously impressive energy-boosting benefits, which certainly comes in handy when you're feeling fatigued from a cold.

[Fun hint: botanically speaking, a banana IS a berry.]

Eggs

Eggs might not be the first food you think of when you're feeling under the weather, but experts agree that they're one of the best foods for a cold. They're loaded with protein, which is an important nutrient to have in your body when you're fighting an illness, and don't skip the yolk. Yolks contain nutrients important for warding off illness, such as zinc and selenium!


Fatty fish

When lunch or dinner time calls fill your plate with a nutrient-dense protein like salmon or tuna. One study, published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, found that a diet containing DHA-rich fish oil, found in fatty fish like salmon or tuna boosted the activity of a white blood cell called B-cells, an important part of the body's immune system response.


Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the best foods for a cold because it's a good source of protein - especially Greek yogurt - which plays a role in the body's defense mechanism. Choose live culture versions, and you'll get probiotics, or 'good bacteria,' which may help ease the severity of colds. Plus, it's a great place to add all of those berries you're eating.

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'Go Green' Hint:

If you choose 'antibacterial' products because you think they kill more germs, think again. According to recent studies, antiseptic ingredients added to numerous products are not effective and may actually be harmful.

There's also toxicity to consider. One of the most popular antimicrobials, the pesticide triclocarban (TCC), defies water treatment methods. Once it's flushed down drains, about 75 percent of TCC makes it through treatments and it ends up in our surface water and in municipal sludge.

So if it's not more helpful, and can even be harmful, what is the alternative?

Vegetarian soaps contain no animal products. They are made with plant oils and natural fragrances only and the glycerine is usually left in. Most brands of vegetarian soap are comparable in price to larger name brands and in some cases they are even cheaper.