Foods to Help Fight the Flu




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Summary: Eating right when you're body's immunity is low can help you bounce back from the flu.You've done all you can to prepare for flu season; you got the shot, have taken your vitamins religiously and carry a travel-sized hand sanitizer everywhere you go. However, even with all the precautions, the flu virus can manipulate its way into your body, knocking you down on your butt. Over 200 strains of the flu virus are easily obtainable right outside your door, causing millions of people to fall ill during the colder seasons and turn to over the counter medications to help. You may feel like there's not much more you can do other than rest and let your medicine kick in... or is there? Could there be such a thing as a flu diet? The cure is located in your pantry. And, if you truly are what you eat, eating healthier foods with super antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can help boost your immunity and thus fight off the flu. For example, one of the most common spices used to fight a scratchy throat is ginger. Containing sesquiterpenes, a chemical that specifically targets the rhinovirus (predominant cause of the common cold), ginger also is a natural pain and fever reducer. Registered dietician and President and founder of Nutrition Housecall, LCC, David Grotto, RD, LDN, shares the foods that help fight the flu.