When they feel a cold coming on, many people start guzzling orange juice because they know it’s high in vitamin C and will thus help to boost their immune systems. While orange juice is certainly a healthy, cold-fighting remedy, there are other foods that can help your body fight off a cold too. Harness the healing power of these foods to restore your health sooner.
1. Garlic
Garlic is high in a compound called allicin, which helps your body fight off infections. Unfortunately, this compound is destroyed when the garlic is cooked, so you’ll need to eat it raw in order to harness its amazing healing power. Chop it up and put it in a salad, eat it with cheese on a cracker, or swallow small cloves whole with a glass of water. Eat 3 – 4 cloves per day until you are feeling better.
2. Elderberries
Elderberries have been shown to shorten the duration of the common cold. They are thought to contain the right balance of antioxidants needed to give the body a powerful cost. Elderberry syrup offers the most efficient way to enjoy the benefits of these berries. Look for it at your local health food store, and enjoy a tablespoon every 2 – 3 hours until your symptoms subside.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which will help you fight off your cold sooner. Sprinkle some on your toast or bananas for a tasty, healing treat. You could also mix some cinnamon with raw honey, another potent healing solution, for even better results.
4. Raw Honey
Honey also has the ability to help your body fight off invading pathogens, such as the common cold virus. Make sure you purchase raw honey. The pasteurized honey sold on grocery store shelves is devoid of the natural enzymes which give honey its healing power. Enjoy a tablespoon of honey every 2 – 3 hours until your symptoms subside.
5. Ginger
Ginger not only clears out your sinuses, but also helps reduce inflammation so your body can heal. Add some fresh ginger to your salads or stir fry, or make a cup of tea by pouring boiling water over some freshly-sliced ginger.
6. Yogurt
The live Lactobacillus cultures in yogurt have been shown to reduce viral replication when ingested. This may prevent a developing cold from getting worse, or shorten the duration of your cold symptoms. Choose natural, organic yogurt for best results, and eat several cups throughout the day.
7. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, a mineral that helps your immune system jump into action against pathogens like the common cold virus. Eating a handful of these nuts each day until you feel better will likely shorten the duration of your cold. Make sure you purchase pre-shelled Brazil nuts – they’re very hard to open.
8. Black Pepper
Although you probably think of black pepper as the spice that makes you sneeze more, the truth is this common household seasoning can actually help you to sneeze less in the long run. It contains a compound called piperine, which will help ease your cold symptoms and relieve pain. Enjoy pepper on any of your favorite foods, and know you’re doing your body a favor.
It’s important to remember that there is no cure for the common cold – your body needs to fight the virus off itself. However, by giving your body the nutrients and compounds that it needs, you can help it fight off a cold more effectively. Turn to the foods above for faster healing. Since they are all safe and natural, you can eat as many of them as you want to support your immune system.