Please note: the research and information presented are that of the guest author.

We are always looking for ways to reduce the affects of winter colds and flu but how about doing something to actually prevent getting them in the first place? While external measures work to some extent, the best solution for flu lies within you – your immune system. The immune system is designed to protect you against millions of bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade your body. With a strong immunity you can easily ward off cold, flu and other such infections.

So how do you rev up your immune system? The answer is simple: through your diet. There are a wide variety of immune-boosting foods that can strengthen your immune system and provide a powerful line of defense against those nasty flu viruses.

Top 10 Immune Boosting Foods:-

Garlic – Garlic is known for its immune boosting properties, and is usually the first line of treatment when it comes to treating cold, influenza or flu. The sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic, contribute to a healthy immune system. These compounds are extremely effective in fighting off viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Garlic is also a strong antioxidant and can protect against free radical damage in the body. Known for its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, Garlic is truly a miracle food.

Ginger – A hot cup of ginger tea can provide relief from cold and cough within minutes, and also ward off the flu virus. Ginger encourages the body to produce Dermicidin, a substance that helps in fighting off infections. Ginger also works well in treating digestion-related problems. You can add grated ginger to your salads or crush it and add to tea, whichever form you choose ensure that ginger is a part of your daily diet

Goji Berry – The Chinese Goji berry is rich in Vitamin A and is known for its anti-aging properties. The special nutrients contained in this berry can enhance immunity, prevent heart diseases and protect vision. As per certain studies, Goji berry can also boost brain power and prevent against Alzheimer’s disease

Yogurt – Yogurt is packed with healthy bacteria (Probiotics) that act as little soldiers lining the intestinal tract, and help in maintaining a healthy gut flora. . The intestinal bacteria are usually the first line of defense against many bacterial and viral attacks. Probiotics contained in yogurt are known to increase the body’s white blood cell count, thus boosting the immune system

Echinacea Tea – This tea is made from the petals of the Wildflower Purple Coneflower. This flower is native to North America and is known to have immune boosting properties. Echinacea increases the activity of the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production in the body. It also effectively treats the respiratory complications associated with cold and flu. Drinking Echinacea tea can cut down your risk of contracting a cold or viral infection by half.

Oranges – ‘an orange a day’ can keep cold and flu away. With a high Vitamin C content and strong antioxidant properties, oranges work wonders in fighting off the cold virus. Vitamin C protects and maintains the skin, which is the body’s first line of defense against microbes and viruses of all kinds. It also increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies, and strengthens the immune system. Fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, papaya etc also work in the same way and are good for boosting the immune system.

Elderberries – Elderberries have high amount of Vitamin C, which effectively fight off the flu virus. They are also extremely powerful antioxidants. Elderberries contain ‘cytokines’, a compound that helps the immune system recognize the attacking virus and triggers the body’s natural defense mechanism. You can use this berry for making jams, pies, juices and other tasty delights.

Turmeric – Turmeric is a powerful spice that has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines since ancient times. It is also a common ingredient used in Asian cooking, and is known for its unique fragrance and flavor. Turmeric contains ‘curcumin’, a polyphenol with powerful cold and flu-fighting abilities. Turmeric also works as an anti-inflammatory agent and is a powerful immune booster. Add a pinch of turmeric to warm milk and drink it before going to bed. This is an age-old remedy that works well for treating flu and cold.

Omega 3 – Mostly known for their heart-healthy properties, Omega 3 fatty acids also boost the immune system. They strengthen the cell membranes, making it harder for the bacteria or viruses to attack them. According to recent researches and studies, omega 3 increases the action of phagocytes which are white blood cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful bacteria and viruses.

Oregano – Oregano, the tangy flavoring agent for your pastas and pizzas is essentially a herb with high antioxidant properties. Oregano contains high amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which work as anti-inflammatory agents. Ancient Greeks used the extracted juice of oregano plants to treat viral and fungal infections. Oregano has anti-microbial and immune-booting properties, which protect against cold, influenza, flu and fevers.

A diet rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C can work wonders for your health, by boosting your immune system and providing effective protection against cold, flu and influenza. This season stock up on the colorful fruits, herbs and vegetables and give your immune system a boost.

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This flower is native to North America and is known to have immune boosting properties. The special nutrients contained in this berry can enhance immunity, prevent heart diseases and protect vision. Immune Boosting Foods The sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic, contribute to a healthy immune system.http://www.bewellbuzz.com/general/immune-boosting-foods/

I’m not complaining though about the late start of summer. I loved the rain and cool weather and so did the 2,000 Ponderosa Pine trees we planted on our property this spring as we reclaimed our little part of the forest from the overgrowth of brush that feeds the fuel ladder if a fire ever erupts. Those little trees grew more in 3 months than the few that I planted previously grew in 3 or 4 years of drought.

But we have already enjoyed spring crops from the garden and now the raspberries are ripening, a delicious summer treat.

Wouldn’t it be great if all children loved gardens and fresh fruit and vegetables?

In the college nutrition course I taught this spring we watched a DVD that revealed some of the Hidden Dangers in Kids Meals. That DVD presented one school that took the initiative to feed their students healthy food at school.

Here’s what three students learned from Hidden Dangers in Kids Meals:

First, I’d like to say that it was amazing to learn that changing the type of food that was served at the school affected the kids’ behavior, attention, and performance in school drastically! If I recall correctly, they mentioned replacing soda machines with water dispensers and serving foods that were not processed, without artificial coloring, high sugar content, or high fructose corn syrup.

Before the school switched their dietary program they were having issues with delinquency (vandalism, violence, weapons, etc.). The delinquency rate not only decreased when the school changed the diet program, but it was brought almost completely to a halt.

                                                                                     By Ryan Kwiatkowski

Some of the hidden dangers are: human problems that may be hidden for years, food supplements that cause sickness and death, the Scientist are pressured and they use the public as their guinea pigs, children are more susceptible to: toxins, nutritional problems, allergies, potential problems with milk, antibiotic super diseases, there is an influence of the mood and behavior, but we can have an impact on children by providing healthy food at their schools. 

                                                                                     By Abigail Brink

The food children consume at home and at school is usually fast food type with hamburgers, hotdogs, candy, soda pop, cookies, candy bars, processed cheese, potato chips, etc.  Already, there are plenty of genetically modified ingredients tripled in the menu. As a result, children have excessive energy, always hungry, becoming more irritable and more difficult to discipline.

On the opposite side, a diet of grass fed meat, grains, fruits, vegetables, and a proper balance of oils will work in the system freeing the pancreas from being overworked resulting in balanced blood sugar.

On the healthy eating plan children are calm, able to concentrate in school, communicate easily, and are not hungry as often.

                                                                                    By Jennifer Schipper

Jeffrey Smith, bestselling author of the book Seeds of Deception, narrated this DVD. He felt that the elimination of genetically modified food was one of the major reasons the children’s academic work and behavior improved so drastically.

 Of course, I would have to add that removing the sugary food and drinks also made a huge difference in improving their mental and behavioral functioning.

Is there a way we can influence more schools to offer only health- building food and drinks at their school?

Can we come up with some healthy ways of rewarding children for academic accomplishments and good behavior instead of giving them candy or some other sugary sweet?

Would you be willing to help a school grow a garden on campus? Kids love to work in the garden. They enjoy the awe of watching new life spring forth from the ground. And amazingly, they will actually eat vegetables that they grew themselves when they wouldn’t touch store bought food.

My grand children thought it was a real treasure hunt to dig up the potatoes grown in my garden last fall.

Let’s get kids back in touch with nature and help them grow up healthy. It’s all about making disease optional.

Blessings,

Dr. Jo

Bessie Jo Tillman, MD teaches about making Disease Optional.