By Justine Olivier
While most dose up on vitamins and minerals during the flu season, wrapping up and staying warm, often sustenance and what part nutrition plays in the war against flu and viruses is overlooked. Experts note that a poor diet is a leading contributor to making us susceptible to illness.
Top of our list is water. Water helps to maintain the overall functioning of the body. Experts advise that even mild dehydration leaves your body open to viruses. A glass of cool water which will not only boost your immune system but will flush out toxins.
Consuming probiotics, like those found in yoghurt, has been found to stimulate immunity cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Yoghurt is extremely beneficial, especially for those who have been prescribed antibiotics, as yoghurts containing live active cultures not only provide a source of healthy bacteria, but also provides one with a medium to maximise calcium absorption.
Keeping on the subject of calcium, broccoli is highly beneficial in aiding the body with its calcium requirements as it is a very good source of calcium, along with copious amounts of phytochemicals and antioxidants. The deeper, more rich the colour, the more beneficial the fruit or vegetable is.
Fruits which contain vitamin B6 such as bananas, cantaloupe, dates, figs, raisins and watermelon are good antioxidants and immune-boosters. Those containing beta carotene, like carrots, pumpkin, brussels sprouts, apples, strawberries, mango, spinach, sweet potatoes (the list continues), increase the number of immune cells, making them stronger. Beta carotene turns into vitamin A which has been shown to dramatically reduce infection.
We cannot forget eggs – our neatly packaged bundles of goodness. While those with high cholesterol levels should watch their egg intake, eggs are packed with a wide variety of nutrients (also categorised as a functional food: providing health benefits beyond its basic nutrition) – the perfect punch for confusing the enemy as it provides vitamins A, B6, B12, D, folate, iron, phosphorous and zinc.
It’s no doubt that with winter upon us, we need to ensure that we haven’t left ourselves open to any immune-threatening viruses.
