Fight your Spring Cold & Allergies!

Even though it’s April, many are still suffering with colds, flus and of course this time of year many suffer from allergies. What you put into your body can make a big difference in how your body fights off any illness. It’s important to eat healthy during this time and cut back on unhealthy fatty and fried foods.

I used to suffer from allergies every spring and took medications daily (and nightly!). Since I changed my diet to be more health-focused, I rarely have symptoms, and I sure don’t suffer from allergies anymore. So for your Spring cold or allergies, focus on a healthy diet that mainly consisting of fruits and vegetables.

Now is not the time to limit your calorie intake as it can decrease your body’s defense mechanism. Fill up on healthy food choices to help your imune system and increase energy levels. Eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day – make sure to include dark leafy greens and citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges.

Get back to basics – before over the counter medications were readily available, our ancestors used items found right in our pantries to help fight the common cold. These are just a few foods and beverage ideas.

Tea – a mug of hot tea will help relieve congestion of a common cold. Add a little bit of honey to help soothe a sore throat. Green and black teas contain antiviral effects and also work as an anti-inflammatory to help shrink swollen tissues in the throat.

Garlic – this little wonder foods contain compounds in it that have an antimicrobial effect.

Chicken Soup – Make a nice pot of chicken and vegetable soup using numerous herbs and spices. Let it sit in your bowl for a minute under your nose so you can breath in the steam. This will help clear out a stuffy nose. Follow this by enjoying the favorable meal of healthy vegetables and spices.

Orange Juice – Freshly squeeze some oranges for some fresh vitamin C. You can also take LifeKey’s Vitamin C supplements.

Red Bell Pepper –  A powerful antioxidant loaded with nutrients and containing almost three times the C of an orange! A whopping 300% of our daily vitamin C intake. Add to your favorite recipe or roast and enjoy.

Greek Yogurt: This yummy meal or snack contains probiotics, the healthy bacteria in yogurt, and will help build strong immune system.

Take Vitamin D daily. Most think to take Vitamin C for colds, but Vitamin D is just as important. Being deficient can leave us more vulnerable to colds and flus. Our suggested Vitamin D supplement is the LifeKey brand. Affordable at 6.99 for 60 softgels!

Don’t forget to wash your hands – wash for 15-20 seconds to remove viruses associated with cold and flus. Hand sanitizer is another alternative, although not as effective as soap and water.