Each year, we look forward to celebrating the holiday season and being with loved ones. This is also the time of year when the flu and other viruses make their rounds, mostly due to people congregating indoors in large groups. We always encourage hand washing, social distancing, and receiving an annual flu vaccine. In conjunction with these preventative measures, we also encourage a healthy diet to help your body stay well during this season.
There is no such thing as “boosting” your immune system. It is impossible to increase the function of any bodily system beyond its natural capacity. However, eating well can help optimize your immune system’s function to reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Consuming 4-5 servings of produce every day is beneficial for a number of reasons, including helping you get all the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy! Aim to eat a variety of colors to get all the nutrients needed to function at your best. See below for a great winter salad recipe.
- Stay hydrated. Most adults should drink 8-10 cups of water to meet fluid needs. Consider adding fruit or a low-calorie drink mix to change things up. Foods such as soup, popsicles, and jello count as fluids too.
- Nutrients to note: vitamin C and zinc are essential to a healthy immune system. Did you know that just one orange has all the vitamin C you need in one day? Now you do! Some other foods that naturally contain vitamin C and zinc are: grapefruit, bell peppers, strawberries, meat, fish, and seafood.
- Be wary of natural supplements. There seems to be an abundance of natural supplements that claim to stop the flu in its tracks. However, there are very few human research studies that support these claims. Contact your medical provider before taking any supplements.
