A drop in temperature signals the start of cold and flu season. They say you are what you eat, so it makes sense that eating healthy foods can help you stay healthy.
Here are seven foods that can enhance your health and boost your immunity:
1. Ginger
Ginger has been taken as a medicine by numerous cultures for thousands of years. This amazing spice is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain, and is excellent for many types of digestive distress (especially nausea). Because inflammation can affect your body’s immune response, anti-inflammatory ginger can play a key role in boosting your immunity during cold and flu season.
2. Citrus Fruit
Recent research suggests that vitamin C may not be as useful in preventing colds as once thought. However, studies do show that taking the vitamin at the first sign of illness may reduce a cold’s duration.
3. Goji Berries
Small fruits that grow on evergreen shrubs in the Himalayas, goji berries are slightly chewy and have a mild flavor. High in fiber and containing the highest antioxidant powers of any berry or fruit, they are used in Chinese medicine to increase longevity, strengthen the immune system, improve vision, protect the liver and improve circulation.
4. Omega 3’s
Anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids help keep joints healthy, reduce pain and swelling and can also help with depression, stress, arthritis and menopause. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for optimal health.
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include: salmon, sardines, tuna and other cold water fish; nuts and seeds, notably flaxseeds, hemp seeds and walnuts; and soybeans and winter squash.
5. Green Tea
Green tea contains flavonoids, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, there has been much research on the anti-carcinogenic properties of green tea. Studies of people in Asia who drink copious amounts of green tea daily have shown a correlation between green tea consumption and lower rates of a variety of cancers.
6. Garlic
These pungent cloves do more than just flavour your food. Garlic also contains allicin, a sulfuric compound that produces potent antioxidants when it decomposes. Garlic boosts your immunity, increasing your ability to fight off infection. In addition, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
7. Turmeric
This rich, flavorful spice has been used for centuries as part of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines. Its golden color is the result of curcumin, a polyphenol with strong cold and flu-fighting properties.
With the seasonal changes, comes environmental shifts and more susceptibility to colds and flus.
If you aren’t on a regular acupuncture treatment plan, I suggest all patients get a regular tune-up either monthly or seasonally. This will help to build up your natural immunity, ease stress, thus decreasing your chances of getting sick. It can also be utilized to decrease the length and severity of the illness when you start feeling a cold coming on.
If you are interested in learning more about chinese medicine food cures or you would like to set-up an acupuncture treatment plan, give us a call or book an appointment at our Surrey acupuncture clinic.
