With the holiday season right around the corner, cold and flu season is quickly approaching. For those of you traveling, airplanes can be a cesspool for germs, especially if you are stuck sitting next to someone coughing, sniffling and sneezing throughout the entire flight. Your kids take home any germs from their classmates, making you vulnerable to illness.

Why not boost your immune system by eating the right foods? Food can be your best medicine, so incorporate immune-boosting foods to avoid suffering through another cold or flu this winter.

Spinach

Iron is essential for maintaining your immune function, and spinach is rich in this mineral. Also rich in folate and vitamins A, C, K and E, spinach is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. To absorb as much most iron as possible, cook the spinach first. Your body cannot absorb as much iron from raw spinach, which is why it’s important to cook it.

Ginger

One of the key nutrients in ginger is gingerol, which has microbial and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria. If you’re feeling nauseous, you could brew up some ginger tea, which helps settle your stomach.

Garlic

Garlic doesn’t just ward off vampires, it can help safeguard you against germs, too. With both antimicrobial and antiviral properties, garlic could help your body fight off infections. The main component in garlic is allicin, which helps fight germs. If you need to boost your immunity, try eating at least one clove a couple times a day.

Berries

Rich in polyphenols, plant compounds with antimicrobial properties, berries help ward off nasty colds. One of the most powerful polyphenols in these delicious little fruits is quercetin, which helps prevent colds after exercising. Polyphenols may even protect you against coming down with the flu. Olives contain high levels of polyphenols as well, so check out The Original Olive Leaf Extract® as well.

Coconut Oil

Would you like to naturally prevent bacteria, fungi and viruses from attacking your body? Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides(MCT), which are fats with germ-fighting properties. Two of the most helpful MCT’s present in coconut oil are monolaurin and lauric acid. Try consuming up to two tablespoons of coconut oil a day to improve your immunity.

Sweet Potatoes

Vitamin A not only helps your immune system but it could help with your response to certain vaccinations. Loaded with vitamin A, sweet potatoes help bolster your body’s ability to fight viruses and colds. Other foods with high concentrations of vitamin C include dark, leafy greens, red peppers, squash and dried apricots.

Citrus Fruits

Most people are aware that citrus fruits such as lemons, lime and oranges contain high levels of vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C protects your immune cells against bacterial and viral infections. It also helps protect your skin, which is your first barrier against harmful germs. Even if you already have a cold, consuming more citrus fruits could help you feel better sooner.

By eating these foods, you could enjoy the holidays without suffering through another cold. If you would like to further optimize your health, check out our health supplements online at Ameriden International. If you are interested in immunity supplements, check out our Beta Factor®at our health supplement store.