Updated: March 31, 2024
No one likes having a cold, a Coronavirus infection or disease, suffering from a sore throat and a running nose.
Keeping yourself warm with clothing is probably one of the best ways to avoid a cold.
Social Distancing or better physical distancing is great, but there are other things you can be doing right now to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
To fight against coronavirus and other viruses and bacteria. Or super bugs!
Scientists do know that this type of coronavirus has a penchant for attacking people with compromised immune systems.
Older adults, people with autoimmune disorders, diseases, and chronic conditions are the most affected by Coronavirus and have the highest mortality rate.
I do not know about you, but I am not willing to risk my health or the health of my family without doing anything and everything in my power to make sure we are safe.
Like you, I wonder if there is a good way to naturally strengthen my immunity so my own body can protect itself against foreign invaders.
Eating a nutrient dense diet is one of the best and non negotiable ways to support your immune health.
Firstly, it is important that you eliminate refined sugar, refined oils, artificial ingredients, processed foods and junk food.
And instead, focus on a diet that is rich in greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, fermented foods, fruits, and healthy fats.
Certain foods are particularly beneficial for your immune health because they have higher immune boosting properties than others.
It is important that you add them to your nutrient dense diet.
1. Cinnamon
Each time you have a hot drink such as tea or coffee, it is recommended to add a touch of cinnamon.
It is great for the stomach and immune system all while giving you a cheery feel. It works by stopping the multiplication of bacteria.
If you already have a cold, cinnamon will make you feel better sooner.
Cinnamon is full of polyphenols and antioxidants, and is a known antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and heart healthy spice.
You can add it to tea, baked goods, hot cocoa, coffee, and warm stir fries.
Cinnamon helps reduce the risk of heart disease, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and can protect you against cancer.
2. Oranges
Having ample Vitamin C during the colder months is important to fight off fungal infection, and your body needs plenty of it.
There are plenty of foods that contain Vitamin C such as peas and peppers but oranges, contain the most and is a favorite.
Oranges are quite rich in vitamin B6, which helps produce hemoglobin which keeps your blood pressure under control.
3. Lemons and limes
Lemons and limes are some of the best sources of vitamin C and antioxidants, and help to alkalize and cleanse your body.
4. Bone broth
Bone broth is rich in vitamins and minerals and is soothing for respiratory conditions.
5. Garlic
Garlic may reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and effectively fight infections.
6. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most potent medicinal spices that help to reduce inflammation, boost your immune health, improve sore throat, and lower pain levels.
Garlic and ginger have potent antiinflammatory and immune optimizing properties. As a side benefit, ginger can help settle your stomach and reduce the
pain associated with migraines, while garlic may reduce cancer risk. You can incorporate both of these into stir fries, casseroles, pasta dishes, and baked goods.
7. Onions
Similar to garlic, onions are powerful infection fighters that boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar provides great disinfectant support against even the most resistant bacterial strains and viruses and offers antioxidant support.
- Olive oil
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated healthy fats which are incredible for your immune system.
- Watermelon
This fruit contains a lot of water. It is both great for keeping you hydrated and making you feel full.
It contains lycopene and vitamin B6 and C, which helps improve your heart health as well as keeping your immune system balanced.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals.
If possible eat broccoli raw as it maintains most of its nutrients and is also a fantastic veg cooked.
Broccoli contains plenty of Vitamin C which is beneficial in supporting your immune system.
- Oysters
To help you with colds, you will need more zinc in your body and oysters contain a lot of it.
Zinc produces white blood cells which helps fight off fungal infections.
They contain plenty of vitamin C and E and other minerals which help our immune system.
As well as being good for your heart, it is also good for your eyes, improves brain function and boosts your mood.
- Mushrooms
Not everyone likes mushrooms, but they are really good for boosting your immune system.
As well as providing you with crucial vitamins and minerals to help protect yours against many different types of diseases.
Once your immune system is back to a healthy, vitamin D is what keeps the immune system strong.
Medicinal mushrooms are fantastic immune boosting and inflammation fighting superfoods.
Recently, scientists have found that mushrooms contain adaptogenic properties.
In other words, they help restore harmony to your body.
And ease stress and tension. So you can adapt to whatever situation you are dealing with.
Medicinal mushrooms are chock full of a compound called beta glucan.
This is a complex poly saccharide that contains both adaptogenic and immunostimulant properties.
In other words, beta glucan is a powerful stress relieving, immune supporting nutrient.
These beta glucans attach themselves to white blood cells, such as these natural killer cells, and stimulate them to destroy bacteria and viruses.
So the more beta glucans you have in your body, the stronger your immune system.
And, as I said before, mushrooms are one of the richest sources of beta glucans.
But each mushroom, for example Chaga, Maitake, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Turkey tail, Reishi contain a slightly different type of beta glucan.
- Kale
Kale contains a high amount of vitamins K, C and can be added to a variety of dishes such as salads.
It can also be enjoyed in your daily green juice.
Back in the day, people who suffered from a cold ate plenty of kale due to the level of antioxidants it contained.
- Almonds
Almonds are rich in nutrients and contain plenty of vitamin E, iron and magnesium which will benefit your immune system in the long run.
- Beets
Beets are high in nitrates, which become nitric oxide in the body and open up your blood vessels, improving circulation and lowering heart rate.
They also contain betalains, which can reduce inflammation, as well as fiber, an important nutrient to prevent a number of diseases.
- Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a good source of fiber and prebiotics, which are beneficial to gut health.
They also contain antioxidants, like vitamin C, which enhance immunity.
And they include heart-healthy compounds called flavonoids, like betalains.
- Purple Veggies
Purple vegetables like purple cauliflower, purple carrots, red onion, eggplant, and purple cabbage, are loaded with antioxidants called anthocyanins.
Which give them their coloring and heal your cells from damage. Anthocyanins may help prevent cancer, promote heart health, and boost your memory.
- Zucchini
Zucchini contains compounds that can improve digestion, slow the effects of aging, lower blood sugar, promote heart health.
And protect your body against oxidative damage that can lead to disease.
- Turmeric
Turmeric, an Indian spice known for its bright orange color, is rich in curcumin, a compound with known disease fighting and antioxidant rich characteristics.
Turmeric can reduce inflammation, boost heart and brain health, and even prevent heavy metal toxicity.
Add turmeric to rice dishes, soups, stews, and aromatic sauces.
- Hot peppers
Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which is not only responsible for their spiciness.
But also their remarkable benefits in bringing down excessive inflammation.
Some studies indicate that eating hot peppers may even increase longevity.
- Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most powerful herbs for fighting off upper respiratory infections.
Studies have shown that taking it at the earliest signs of the cold or flu can reduce the severity of illness.
Extracts of echinacea can stimulate immune function, and may even be as effective as the flu drug without potential adverse side effects.
The most common way to consume echinacea is as a tea or capsule.
- Black Tea
Black Tea is rich in many polyphenols including two, tannic acid and 3 isotheaflavin 3 gallate, which have been found to be inhibitive against the original SARS virus.
While there have been no studies conducted as of this writing, with the use of black tea against SARS Coronavirus 2, it seems likely that it could be helpful.
And if you want to steer clear of the caffeine, there are herbal teas like ginger, thyme, sage, green, or rosehip.
Which have also been studied for their catechin and antioxidant content, and subsequent ability to shorten the severity and duration of cold and flu.
First off, be safe, take precaution and protect your health. This is a given and the obvious.
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Keywords: immune system, health, natural remedies, natural cures, natural health cures, natural health
