5 Things That Can Boost Your Immune System & Fight Colds

This time of year we all try to avoid catching colds and flu from other people. It’s a fact that every year, adults suffer from an average of two to three colds per year and an estimated 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu between the months of October and March.

So here are 5 foods that I recommended you have in your diet that scares away the bacteria and viruses that make you feel sick.

1. Sweet Potato
While sweet potatoes may not be considered a traditional cold-fighting food, they’re a great source of Vitamin A, which plays a key role in maintaining the health of your mucosal surfaces. Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene as well as vitamin C, two nutrients thought to help strengthen immune response.

2. Turmeric
Turmeric’s incredible healing powers have been utilised by Eastern cultures. The medicinal properties of turmeric come from its bright orange compound known as curcumin, which acts as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It is an excellent remedy for colds and in particular for coughs.

3. Garlic
Garlic is an incredible food. Garlic is anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, it can help fight off all kinds of bugs from the common cold to stomach viruses.

4. Fish
Oily fish such as salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, compounds that help reduce harmful inflammation in the body. This nutrient is critical for fending off colds and flu.

5. Citrus fruits
Vitamin C is not only important for boosting your immune system; studies have also shown that it can help get rid of your cold faster. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits are especially rich in vitamin C.