While some people only experience the sniffles during the cold season of sickness, most individuals will undoubtedly battle a nasty cold or even the flu. And while we’re conditioned to praise vaccines and pharmacy solutions to survive, you really don’t have to load up on over-the-counter medications to feel better. There are plenty of foods and herbs that can reduce the severity of your symptoms and even help you get over the cold more quickly.
Here are 7 immune-boosting foods to help you overcome and prevent sickness: Continue reading →
Coughs, colds, and illnesses in general are more common in cold winter months, as we stay out of the sun, producing little to no vitamin D, and stay indoors exchanging germs with everyone. Though spring is around the corner, boosting your immune system to fight potential respiratory infections is never a bad idea. You don’t have to wait to treat a cold or cough when you are in the thick of it – you can use natural means to prevent sickness before it shows up.
The foundation of preventing respiratory infections is found in a healthy, strong immune system. If your immune system is functioning properly, you will be able to fight off illnesses with little to no conscious effort on your part. Although there are many factors to consider for strengthening your immune system, such as minimizing stress and avoiding toxins, a healthy immune system starts with the diet.
Eating whole, natural foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other important plant compounds will nurture a healthy body. Steering clear of highly processed foods including over processed carbs and sugar will create a healing environment within your body, one where illness cannot thrive.
You can also add these 4 natural healers and immune boosters to your repertoire:
Kiwi
Kiwi is a natural immune booster containing numerous immune-boosting vitamins and minerals – namely vitamin C. Research has repeatedly shown vitamin C to encourage healthy immune function. One study involving military personnel who lived in close quarters found those who take vitamin C had a significantly lessened risk of contracting the common cold (45-91%) and of contracting pneumonia (80-100%).
Attention kiwi lovers. As delectable as the kiwi fruit is, did you know that this fruit also offers numerous health benefits? It’s not surprising, as nature offers countless natural foods that have been used as medicine throughout history. Also known as the Chinese gooseberry, and once the “sunny peach”, kiwifruit has been declared by some to be one of the world’s most nutritionally perfect foods. It’s time to experience all of the kiwi fruit benefits that the fruit has to offer.
The Many Kiwi Fruit Benefits – Experience them Today
Weighting in at about 4 ounces and resting at about 3 inches long, the kiwifruit is known for it’s high vitamin C content – containing more of the vitamin than even an orange. Overall, some notable vitamins and nutrients in kiwi are:
Vitamin C
Vitamin K (helps with absorption of vitamin D)
Folate
Flavonoids
Potassium (as much as a banana)
Vitamin E
Beta-carotene
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Fiber
Magnesium
Copper
Phosphorous
Kiwi is also a great ‘prebiotic’ food. Prebiotic nutrients help to feed the probiotic bacteria in your gut (these bacteria are essential for optimal health). This helps keep digestive health in check while also helping to prevent a number of health issues.
