Ginger
Spicy, pungent, and delicious, ginger
reduces fevers, soothes sore throats, and encourages coughing to remove
mucus from the chest. Anti-inflammatory chemicals like shagaol and
gingerol give ginger that spicy kick that stimulates blood circulation
and opens your sinuses. Improved circulation means more oxygen is
getting to your tissues to help remove toxins and viruses.
Research has indicated that ginger can help prevent and treat the
flu. Ginger is also extremely helpful for stomachaches, nausea, and
headaches.
If you’re feeling a little sickly, a homemade ginger tea is one of
the best things you can drink. Slice some fresh ginger root, place it
into a pot with water, and bring to a boil. Then drop in a bit of lemon
juice or cayenne, which makes the tea that much more effective at
nourishing and purifying your system.
Cayenne
The cayenne family of hot peppers
(cayenne, habanero, Scotch bonnet, and bird peppers, to name a few)
contains capsicum — a rich source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which
aid your immune system in fighting colds and flus. It does this by
increasing the production of white blood cells, which cleanse your cells
and tissues of toxins.
Cayenne pepper is also full of beta carotene and antioxidants that
support your immune system and help build healthy mucus membrane tissue
that defends against viruses and bacteria. Spicy cayenne peppers raise
your body’s temperature to make you sweat, increasing the activity of
your immune system.
The fresher the pepper, the more effective it is. However, fresher also means spicier, so choose accordingly.
When you’re sick, add organic cayenne powder to some warm water with lemon juice for an intense immune boost.
Squash
Squash is a good source of vitamin C
and carotene. The six carotenoids (out of the 600 found in nature) found
most commonly in human tissue — and supplied by squash and other gourds
— decrease the risk of various cancers, protect the eyes and skin from
the effects of ultraviolet light, and defend against heart disease.
One of them, alpha-carotene, helps slow down the aging process.
Butternut squash is the strongest source of these nutrients, but you can
also try acorn, Hubbard, delicata, calabaza, and spaghetti squash.
Kale
Like other leafy greens, kale offers
up a good dose of vitamin E. This immunity-boosting antioxidant is known
for increasing the production of B cells, those white blood cells that
kill unwanted bacteria. Whether you eat kale raw in a salad, steam it,
or lightly sauté it, you’ll reap all of its wonderful benefits.
Citrus Fruits
Adding a bit of citrus to your diet
goes a long way toward fending off your next cold or flu. Packed with
vitamin C, oranges and grapefruits help increase your body’s resistance
to nasty invaders.
The best way to enjoy citrus fruits is to eat them whole. Otherwise,
you can make fresh juice yourself (stay away from the premade stuff in
cartons or in the freezer section at your supermarket).
Green Tea
Green tea is a potent source of
antioxidants called polyphenols — especially catechins. Some studies
have found that catechins can destroy the influenza and common cold
viruses.
Sipping a hot cup of green tea when you’re feeling under the weather
can really help you come alive again. Try adding some honey or lemon to
kick it up a bit.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is the plant-based version
of chicken-noodle soup. It has wonderful healing properties that are
amazing at boosting immunity. As a living food, miso is loaded with
enzymes and healthy bacteria that help fight infection and keep your
cells thriving.
All you need is one teaspoon of miso paste stirred into a mug or bowl
of warm water, and you’re set. Sip this down, especially at the first
sign of a cold or when you’re just feeling “off” with a stomachache,
headache, or something like that. This is sure to hit the spot and make
you feel good all over.
Mushrooms
For centuries, people around the
world have turned to mushrooms for a healthy immune system. Contemporary
researchers now know why. Studies show that mushrooms increase the
production and activity of white blood cells, making them more
aggressive. This is a good thing when you have an infection.
Shiitake, maitake, chaga, and reishi mushrooms appear to pack the
biggest immunity punch. Experts recommend eating a quarter ounce to an
ounce a few times a day for maximum immune benefits.
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