The Best Foods to Combat Flu

At this time of year, with low temperatures, it is common to come across people with colds and flu, which is why it is so important to use the nutrition provided by foods to combat flu. First of all, you should know that flu is an infectious disease of the respiratory system caused by a virus called influenza. This virus is characterised by how easily it spreads between people, and it usually causes some of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Muscle and body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Vomiting and diarrhoea, which is more common in children than in adults.

If we experience some of these symptoms and have flu, it is important to wash our hands frequently so as not to spread the virus, drink plenty of fluids, rest, and relieve the symptoms with flu medicines. In addition, there are some foods that can help us fight flu, strengthening our defences to avoid catching it or easing symptoms if we are already ill.

Foods to combat flu

Among the foods that will help us are the following:

Garlic

This food is beneficial for our health, helping to fight flu and colds because it contains allicin, which is attributed with antibiotic effects. One drawback of this compound is that it is very unstable and quickly loses its properties. If heated above 60 degrees C, it loses its properties. You can also take it in capsules if that is more convenient for you.

Spices

These encourage sweating by warming us up, which contributes to the elimination of bacteria. Among the most effective aromatic herbs against flu are mint, aniseed, oregano and rosemary. You can also take a supplement to help reinforce the immune system and prevent flu, such as Aquilea Echinacea.

Pomegranate

This fruit is excellent for flu, as it is rich in vitamin C and strengthens the immune system, helping to prevent and/or fight it. It relieves fever and sore throat. This fruit will give us an incredible supply of vitamin C.

Oranges

This fruit, like pomegranate, is very rich in vitamin C. This vitamin will help make flu as short and mild as possible.

Lemon

The vitamin C in lemon helps our defences by acting on the immune system, preventing flu from attacking us when our defences are low. We can make a lemon infusion by boiling water for 3 or 4 minutes with sliced lemon. We can add a chamomile teabag and honey to this infusion. Honey will increase our defences thanks to its nutritional qualities; it also works as an antiviral antioxidant and has antimicrobial effects.

Kiwi

Thanks to vitamin C, it allows the body's defence mechanism to function correctly and contributes to immune function. If we ingest enough vitamin C, we will reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. The recommended daily amount is 80 mg/day (90 mg/day for pregnant or breastfeeding women). Now that you know which are the best foods to combat flu, you can strengthen your immune system thanks to the benefits of following a balanced and healthy diet.