7 Foods to Fight Sickness This Winter

by Ken Meyers on December 11th, 2018 | 2 Comments »

There is a great deal of truth to the adage, "you are what you eat," and while many people get flu shots each winter in an attempt to fend off sickness, there are ways you can bolster up your immune system with food. Eating healthier isn't just a way to help you lose weight or stay trim. It is a method that can help you keep yourself and your children from succumbing to being sick. So what kind of foods can you prepare to help you and your family stave off common ailments this winter?

7 Foods to Fight Sickness This Winter

Here are 7 foods that will help you fight off sickness and fell better this winter:

1. Spinach – Commonly touted one of the healthiest greens you'll ever eat, spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals that can aid in the development of the immune system. This versatile leafy green can be added to salads, cooked on the stove top and even boiled, and its mild flavor makes it a favorite among even the pickiest of eaters.

2. Clementines - Everyone knows that oranges are a great source of vitamin C, but did you know that clementines are just as nutritionally sound? Clementines belong to the mandarin orange family and are small enough to fit in just about any bag. They’re also much easier to peel than other citrus fruits, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike. Just two of these small fruits can fulfill your daily required amount of vitamin C.

3. Fish - Most fish contain a healthy dose of protein, and many also contain high levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is arguably one of the best vitamins for defending the body against a cold or flu. While this vitamin is created in your skin from exposure to sunlight, you can also replenish your body of this nutrient by eating more fish. In addition, fish also allows your body to utilize omega-3 fatty acids to help induce weight monitoring and metabolic control.

4. Chicken Soup - Chicken soup prepared with onions, carrots and celery can have a profound impact on your health. There is a great deal of truth behind chicken soup being a good cure for the common cold. Not only do you benefit from the lean protein in the chicken, but it also contains amino acids that help thin out the mucous within the lungs,making it easier to, "cough it up." The inclusion of onions, celery and the beta-carotene of carrots adds even more of a nutritional punch to the healing properties of the soup. For the best experience, don't just settle for what's in a can of chicken noodle soup – whip up a homemade batch that’s packed with veggies.

5. Dairy Products - Depending on the sickness you are suffering from, dairy products could exacerbate the situation or prevent you from becoming sick in the first place. Many dairy products, such as yogurt and milk, contain probiotics, which are a type of bacteria that help keep the body healthy and reinforce the immune system. You can help keep sickness at bay by regularly including healthy amounts of milk and/or yogurt in your child's diet. It's all about preventative measures when it comes to dealing with sickness.

6. Berries - While it may be difficult to pick berries in your yard during the winter, most grocery stores still have suppliers that provide them.Berries contain high levels of antioxidants and immune-strengthening vitamins and minerals, making them very useful in fending off a wide range of sicknesses. They can also help stave off various forms of cancer for your child's future, should he or she continue the habit of eating them.

7. Water - Keeping yourself and your children hydrated is important on many different levels. Water is the essential component for any carbon-based life form, and humans require it in order to survive. Staying adequately hydrated can help build everything from healthier skin to increased longevity in the joints and muscles.

With increased obesity and health risks, health consciousness is becoming a higher priority. Eating a healthy, balanced diet doesn’t just keep you in shape, though; it helps you avoid sickness as well. Discover tasty Shot of Joy tonics to add to your healthy diet. With a little dedication to better eating habits and a willingness to provide a better life for yourself and your family, you can keep everyone happy and healthy this winter.

What are ways you fight sickness during the winter months?

Picture courtesy of Flickr

Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.