Right now, many people are wrapped in the throes of colds and flu. Sneezing, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, stuffed sinuses and fever knock people out of their routines and leave them tired and miserable. While visiting viruses cause colds and flu, some people seem to get sick more often and more severely than others. Why? People get sick more easily — and more severely — thanks to stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. What you put into your body is key to keeping you healthy. Good nutrition strengthens your immunity to fight viruses (and disease) and helps you get better faster.
Build a Strong Defense
Work in these foods to keep your body in ideal “fightin’ form.”
- Pump up the protein. Protein helps your body maintain and build strength. Many protein-packed foods also contain vitamins B6 and B12, which are key to fueling a healthy immune system. High protein foods also are rich in immunity-building minerals such as selenium and zinc.
- Get fruity. The bright colors in fruits called flavonoids add both beauty and powerful nutrition. In addition to fruits’ generous supply of vitamin C, the soft white skin in citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes are loaded with flavonoids that kick the immune system into high gear. Pulpy orange juice is also a good way to boost immunity and speed recovery if you do get sick.
- Bet on the green team. Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, collard greens, broccoli and cabbage contain a powerful, infection-fighting antioxidant called glutathione. Watercress and arugula also may have antiviral effects and can help relieve chest congestion and coughs.
There, There…
If you do get sick, add these soothing solutions to your diet to help you feel better faster.
- Take comfort in chicken soup. Used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, chicken soup really does make you feel better, especially if you sneak in more garlic. Yet even commercially prepared soup works. Research has shown chicken soup reduces cold symptoms with its anti-inflammatory effects. So put Grandma on speed dial…
- Drink warm beverages. Black tea or tea with honey can help open congested airways and soothe a sore throat. Black tea also helps your nasal passages expel germs faster.
- Spoon up the honey. In addition to soothing a sore throat, honey has been shown to be as effective as cough medicine for calming a cough. (Don’t give honey to children under age 1.)
Keep Your Body Well Fueled
After an illness, you need to rebuild your strength and nutrient storehouse more than ever. Otherwise, you leave yourself more vulnerable to the next round of viruses heading your way. To keep your body strong, healthy and more illness-resistant, fuel it with the balanced, optimum nutrition found in Reliv Classic® or Reliv Now®. Two shakes a day of Reliv nutritional supplements combined with eating a variety of fresh, whole foods will ensure your body receives the vitamins, minerals and micronutrients it craves to function its best all year round.
Wealth Thru Nutrition 