Foods to Help with Colds and Flu

Hi All,

OK - its summer time in the northern hemisphere - and typically you don't think about getting a cold or flu during this time.  However, it happens.  Just a week or two ago, there was some bug going around.  So there's all the old sayings like, feed a cold, starve the flu, (I don't even know if I'm quoting that correctly).  Is this saying reflective of how we should eat to assist during times of working thru a cold or flu virus?

The book I refer to most on matters of nutrition is "The Worlds Healthiest Foods," by George Mateljan.  It's an in-depth, 800 page, holistic nutrition guide to foods, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc.  It also outlines how to eat to help get thru a cold or flu bug.  I'm providing the info below is from the book.  Also - there's a facebook page and website for The Worlds Healthiest Foods also - good resources.

First - Essential Foods for Cold and Flu
- Fish rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
  -- Wild Salmon, Tuna, sardines, and cod.  They are precursors for series 3 prosteglandins - compounds involved in the regulation of the immune system.

- Organically grown fruits and vegetables
  -- Rich in Vitamins C, E, and A - all good for well functioning immune systems

- Onions
  -- help reduce inflammation and severity of respiratory congestion

- Garlic
  -- has sulfur-containing compounds that are effective against the common cold

- Shiitake Mushrooms
  -- contains the phytonutrient lentinan - good for powering up the immune system and strengthening it's ability to fight off infections.

Supportive Food

- Nuts and Seeds
  -- Rich in selenium and zinc which are great for immune system support.  Walnuts and flax seeds provide immune system support thru a vital omega 3 fatty acid called ALA.

Foods to Avoid

- Cooking oils exposed to high heat
  -- can produce immune system damaging substances

- Excessive consumption of fat and calories
  -- weakens strength of immune system

- Refined grain products, white sugar, processed foods
  -- deplete the body of vitamins and minerals....not good for immune system strength.

So there you have it.  A brief and hopefully helpful guide to some foods to help and to avoid when working thru colds and flu.  Of course one of the best things you can do for yourself is to live a balanced life.  Balance in eating, exercise, with proper rest, and so on.  Take care of the body, and it will serve you well.

Have a great week and we'll see you soon.  Homework this week...do something nice for someone - for no reason at all.  Research has shown that not only will this help strengthen the immune system of the receiver, but also the giver (and even observers if there are any) - and it's really a good thing to do for someone.  How awesome it that!

Peace,

Tom

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and - my website for Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC (my holistic therapy business).