How to Fight Illness Straight From Your Kitchen
By Genevieve Cunningham
It’s almost the time of year for cool winds and cozy fires. Hot drinks and hay rides. And while that probably sounds quite appealing to many, it’s important to remember that this time of year also brings in more illness than ever. Colds, the flu, and various other illnesses are passed around like wildfire. It suddenly feels as though all of your free time is spent in the doctor’s office. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. To protect your health throughout the upcoming season, take a look at these foods that can help you fight sickness right from your kitchen.
Break Out the Garlic
It might have a strong smell, but garlic is incredibly good for the body, especially when you're trying to boost the immune system. Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and a natural antifungal. Adding this to your diet can help boost your immunities in a way that prevents illness from taking over your body in the first place. While it’s certainly not a foolproof method, it's a great start to a diet geared towards illness prevention.
Stock Up on Chicken Soup
As it turns out chicken soup really is good for the soul, and in the cooler months, it's also really good for the immune system. Chicken soup, or more specifically the broth, contains certain minerals that help to fight off colds. If you feel a scratchy throat or a runny nose coming on, sip on some chicken soup every night. While it will never take the place of antibiotics when they are needed, it definitely helps keep away mild illnesses and prevent colds from turning more severe.
Fill the Fridge With Leafy Greens
You’ve probably been told that leafy greens should be part of your diet. So, what is a leafy green? These are going to include foods such as spinach, kale, and lettuce. Literally think foods that look like leaves! When you eat these greens, they work in the digestive tract to clean it out and move it along. Since most of the immune system lies within the digestive tract, this means keeping this area free and clear of toxins and boosting your overall immunities. If you need a simple way to keep sickness away from your home, try adding a salad before or after every main meal.
Sometimes beating illness and staying well is easier than you think. While doctors and medicine absolutely have their place, there’s a lot that can be done from the comfort of your own home. Get your kitchen ready for flu season with these easy foods, and you may find this to be one of your healthiest seasons yet.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Mo.
