Eating foods to strengthen immune system may help prevent illness during cold and flu season. Why not incorporate these foods into your daily meals?
Do you feel like every time you get sick and visit the doctor; you come home with a prescription for an antibiotic? There is a problem with that!
In addition to taking medication that we probably don’t want to take, our bodies start to build up an immunity to it over time. So it gradually becomes ineffective. This leaves our body susceptible to more disease and infection.
But, if we can build up our immune system naturally, we will be able to fight off infection and disease before it even strikes. By adding these foods to your family’s diet, you will all be able to keep your immune system functioning at its best all year long.
Foods to Strengthen Immune System
Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the best natural antibiotics you can find. It contains acetic and malic acid as well as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. This makes it one of the best foods to strengthen immune system function.
Just one tablespoon a day is all you need to ward off infections. You can easily get the recommended dose by adding the vinegar to a glass of water (hot or cold) or mixing it into your salad. If you start to feel a cold coming on, quickly get some ACV, you’ll be feeling better by morning.
Garlic
Garlic is helpful in fighting fungal infections. Eating a few cloves of garlic at the onset of cold symptoms will significantly shorten the length of your illness. In addition to fighting infection, garlic is also great for lowering blood pressure.
Ginger
Ginger is great at fighting mucus and phlegm. Add a little fresh ground or chopped ginger to a cup of tea or mix powdered ginger into your favorite recipe. Ginger is also great for an upset stomach.
Habanero Peppers
With a high concentration of capsaicin, Habanero peppers promote several health benefits including fighting infection as well as some forms of cancer. Just chop a few of these spicy peppers up to season your food. Be sure to use safety practices when cutting them up!
Honey (Raw)
Raw honey helps is antibacterial and helps your body build a barrier to infections. If you’re not feeling well, try this healing tea: add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of raw honey, a fresh squeezed lemon wedge and a sprinkle of cinnamon to a cup of hot water. If you’d like, add a little fresh ginger as well. If you drink this when you first start feeling cold symptoms, you’ll be feeling better within a matter of hours. Drinking this tea every day will also help to prevent colds and flus.
Horseradish Root
Horseradish root is a natural antibiotic against a variety of bacteria, including sinus infections. Add some horseradish to your favorite sandwich spread to keep bacteria at bay.
Onion
Onions are not only a natural antibiotic, they can also help protect you from cancer. Raw or cooked, they provide the same benefits so enjoy them with your favorite meals.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is antiviral and antifungal so it will help protect your body from a variety of infections. Add it to salad dressings or use it in your cooking.
Conclusion
Keep your family healthy this cold and flu season by adding foods to strengthen immune system to your daily meals. So, be sure to pick up a few of these natural ingredients during your next grocery trip!