The winter season is often a time for colds, and other respiratory infections.  So I wanted to give some information about some foods and vitamins that have helped me to fight colds.  The foods, minerals, and vitamins below will help prevent illness during the winter season.  But these are also items that you can use daily.  When you feel the onset of cold like symptoms, just take each of these.  They will help fight the germs in your body.

Vitamin C to fight Infections:  Vitamin C is one of the most widely known, and universally effective antioxidants known to man today.  This wonderful vitamin boosts the immune system, aids in beautiful skin, and also helps in the prevention of various types of cancers.  Other benefits include protection against immune system deficiencies, prenatal health problems, eye disease, cardiovascular disease, and even skin wrinkling.   Some excellent food sources of Vitamin C include broccoli, oranges, parsley, bell peppers, strawberries, lemon juice, kale, papaya, cauliflower, greens, and brussels sprouts.

Zinc for Overall Health: Zinc supplements have been shown to aid in decreasing the severity and duration of colds.  They help to reduce the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokinesis, that’s aggravated during cold infections.  This powerful antioxidant also helps with wound healing, protects against infectious disorders and fungal infections like pneumonia & conjunctivitis, and boosts immunity overall.

Oil of Oregano for Fighting Illness:  The oil extracted from wild oregano plants is widely known for strengthening the immune system, improving respiratory health, increasing muscle and joint flexibility, and destroying bacteria that causes skin infections and digestive problems.

Garlic for Healing:  Garlic that many of us use in everyday cooking is also called a “herbal wonder drug”.  This is because garlic is a natural broad spectrum antibiotic.  It’s also a very powerful antioxidant because it helps to protect the body against free radicals.

Herbal Tea:  Drinking tea has many benefits.  This includes helping your body’s immune system fight against infections.  Tea also contains antioxidants that protect against heart attack, stroke risks, and reducing risk of cancer.  Tea will also aid in hydration that’s vital when fighting off colds.

Water for Nutrient Transportation and Absorption:  Drinking a lot of water during an illness helps to flush the system.  Water also regulates body temperature  and transports oxygen and nutrients into the cells for healing.  Water also aids your organs to absorb nutrients better, so shoot for at least 8 -10 glasses of water during this time.

Ginseng for Stimulating your Immune System: Ginseng is well known for stimulating both the immune system and the nervous system, reducing stress & anxiety, reducing fatigue, and also helps in treating diabetes.

Vegetables: This is of course already known to most of you  I just wanted to bring to attention the importance of vegetables – they prevent illnesses and are powerful antioxidants.  Vitamins also help by neutralizing the acid-base balance in the body.  An acidic environment in the body can be a host to many diseases as it results in inflammation.

So here you have a proven formula to stay healthy, illness-free, and to fight colds if you currently are fighting one.  What are some of your favorite cold and flu remedies?  Please share below.