What Kind Of Food Should You Prepare During Flu Season To Stay Healthy

What Kind Of Food Should You Prepare During Flu Season To Stay Healthy

When most people think of staying healthy, they think of things like exercising and getting enough sleep. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that what you eat has a direct impact on your immune system – and that’s especially true during flu season. So if you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy when there’s a lot of illness going around, it’s important to take a closer look at your diet.

1. Vegetable-Based Foods

A diet that’s rich in vegetables is always a good idea – but it’s especially important during flu season. That’s because vegetables are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, which are all essential for a healthy immune system. So load up on leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and other veggies to help keep yourself healthy. Of course, vegetables retain the most vitamins when eaten fresh, and if you’re worried that you’re not able to incorporate enough of those, the incredible team at thesupplementreviews.org has prepared in-depth reviews of different supplements you can include into your diet. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits that getting plenty of vitamins brings you, without breaking the bank or living off of only fresh produce.

2. Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut are also great for boosting your immune system. That’s because they contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. And a healthy gut is important for a strong immune system – in fact, 70% of your immune cells are located in your gut. So make sure to include plenty of fermented foods in your diet during flu season (or any time of year!). While you can find plenty of fermented goodies at grocery stores, you can also make them yourself at home. Some of the more popular fermented foods include kimchi, kombucha, and sourdough bread.

3. Soups And Stews

Old wives’ tales are hardly ever based on science – but there is some truth to the idea that chicken soup can help you feel better when you’re sick. That’s because hot soups and stews can help break up congestion and make it easier to breathe. They also tend to be packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can all help boost your immune system. So the next time you’re feeling under the weather, make yourself a big pot of soup and see if it doesn’t help you feel better. Ideally, you want to make the broth with chicken wings or legs, as they contain more collagen – a nutrient that’s great for gut health. Adding in plenty of veggies will also help you get the vitamins and minerals you need to fight off illness.

4. Meat And Protein-Based Foods

Your body needs lots of energy to fight off infection – and one of the best ways to get that energy is by eating plenty of protein. Protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans are all great for boosting your immune system. They’re packed with nutrients like zinc and selenium, which are both essential for a healthy immune system. However, if you’re on a vegan or vegetarian diet, it’s important to find suitable substitutes for meat and fish. Some good options include tofu, tempeh, lentils, and quinoa. You can also get plenty of protein from nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

5. Fruits And Berries

Fruits and berries are also great for boosting your immune system. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – all of which are essential for a healthy body. So load up on oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits during flu season. You can also enjoy plenty of other fruits like apples, bananas, strawberries, and raspberries. Whether you go the traditional route and make a fruit salad, or do a more modern take and make a warm spinach and strawberry salad, enjoy plenty of fruits and berries to help keep your immune system strong. Smoothies and juices are also great ways to get your daily dose of fruit. Just be sure to watch out for added sugars – too much sugar can actually weaken your immune system.

6. Herbs And Spices

Herbs and spices are not only great for flavoring food, but they can also help boost your immune system. That’s because they’re packed with antioxidants, which help fight off infection. So make sure to incorporate plenty of herbs and spices into your cooking during flu season. Some of the best herbs and spices for boosting your immune system include ginger, garlic, turmeric, oregano, basil, and cayenne pepper. You can even kill two birds with one stone and make a fermented garlic paste to add to your soups and stews. As with vegetables, it’s best to buy fresh herbs and spices if possible. But if you can’t find them fresh, dried herbs and spices will also do the trick.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is always important – but it’s especially crucial during flu season. There are some key types of food that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy, including fermented foods, soups and stews, meat and protein-based foods, fruits and berries, and herbs and spices. So make sure to incorporate plenty of these into your diet during the flu season – and hopefully, you’ll be able to stay healthy all season long!

Author: Allen Brown.