Grandma
was right -- nothing beats chicken soup for fending off sniffles. Not
only does it provide the fluids needed to help fight off viruses, it's a
powerful mucus stimulant so it helps clear nasal congestion as well as
thin mucus. It's also thought to have a mild anti-inflammatory effect
than can help ease cold symptoms. Keep some organic chicken stock on
hand, because studies have found that even commercial soup is as
effective as homemade.
Chicken Noodle Soup:
Grandma was right -- nothing beats chicken soup for fending off
sniffles. Not only does it provide the fluids needed to help fight off
viruses, it's a powerful mucus stimulant so it helps clear nasal
congestion as well as thin mucus. It's also thought to have a mild
anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease cold symptoms. Keep some
organic chicken stock on hand, because studies have found that even
commercial soup is as effective as homemade.
Onion And Garlic:
If you want to punch up the healing power of your chicken soup -- or
any other dish -- add plenty of garlic and onions. When combined, these
flavorful healers contain numerous antiseptic and immunity boosting
compounds. As an added plus, garlic helps to open clogged sinuses.
Mushrooms:
No herbal medicine cabinet should be without mushrooms. They increase
the production of cytokines, which are cells that help fight off
infection. They also contain polysaccharides, which are compounds that
support the immune system. The most potent cold- and flu-fighting
shrooms are shitake, maitake and reishi.
Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits contain hefty doses of powerhouse vitamin C. Studies have
found that this antioxidant can reduce cold symptoms by 23 per cent,
and all that's needed is just one to eight grams (1,000 to 8,000
milligrams) to do the trick. Besides citrus fruits, other foods that
have high amounts of vitamin C include papaya, sweet potatoes, butternut
squash, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts and red bell peppers.
Yogurt:
Studies have shown that eating a cup of low-fat yogurt each day can
reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 percent. The beneficial
bacteria is Lactobacillus reuteri which has been found to block the
replication of viruses that invade the body when we get sick. Not all
brands have that particular bacteria, so check labels and be sure to go
organic.
Immune-Boosting Supplements:
While yogurt is a great source of probiotics, some have more than
others and we can really benefit by taking an additional supplement.
Other immune-booster "musts" are vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acid.
Hot Tea:
Hot tea is soothing and a great home remedy, helping to thin mucus and
ensure proper hydration. For added health benefit, sip green or black
tea -- both are filled with flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.
Ginger:
Ginger comes to the aid when we're sick in some powerful ways. Besides
soothing a scratchy throat, it has chemicals called sesquiterpenes that
target rhinoviruses -- which are the most common family of cold viruses
-- as well as substances that help suppress coughing. Ginger is also a
natural pain and fever reducer and a mild sedative so you -- ll feel
more comfortable and be able to rest easier. Add a couple of tablespoons
of shredded gingerroot to your tea, or make ginger tea (it comes in tea
bags, but you can also simmer fresh sliced ginger to make a potent
brew).
Honey:
Honey has numerous medicinal properties and because it coats your
throat it is a natural way to soothe sore throats. It also has
antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help fight infections from
viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Skip the common clover honey that you'll
find in the supermarket as it has the lowest antioxidant level. Look for
buckwheat honey, which has the highest. (A note of caution: never give
honey to children under one years of age because their immune systems
are not developed enough to ward off infantile botulism, which is
carried in honey spores.)
Black Pepper
It's ironic that black pepper -- the spice best known for making you
sneeze -- can ward off the sniffles. Black peppercorns are high in
piperine, a compound known for its anti-fever and pain-relieving
qualities.
Spices
Make recipes more flavorful with garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage and
oregano -- while spicing things up, you'll also get an added kick of
immune-busters, too.
