Foods To Fight Sickness from Edna Sanders

Between Flu Season and now this scary Coronavirus that’s spreading like crazy, everyone in Shady Pines Story Town is worried about getting sick. So, in this edition of Edna’s Kitchen for The Shady Pines Way Blog, I’m going to talk about what to eat and drink to help fight off those nasty bugs.

Since I’m always on the lookout for new ideas when it comes to food, and I found some information on this very topic from health expert, Gabrielle Frank.  She’s the Health and Senior Editor for the TODAY Show online. She tells us about 17 foods you should be eating and liquids you should be drinking, to help keep your bodies strong and increase your ability to stay well.

So, here we go!

Ginger Tea – Studies show when it comes to treating a common cold, ginger is one of the best foods around. It seems there’s something in the makeup of the ginger root that gives it a powerful ability to fight off colds and flu. Did you know that the ginger root can play a big role in revving up your system in a good way? Think of ginger as a superhero that can increase your body’s germ fighting ability. You can always add a little honey to your ginger tea to make it taste sweeter. 

Oranges – You like oranges and orange juice, don’t you? Here’s some good news. Oranges are packed with vitamin C. That’s the important vitamin your body needs when you’re not feeling well. This delicious fruit is one of the best things you can eat to prevent the common cold. Remember to eat oranges or take vitamin C tablets when you think you might be exposed to places where there are lots of people who might be sick, like at school. Also, if you live or visit a location with really cold weather where you might catch a cold, taking vitamin C can help if you do get a cold. With vitamin C on your side, you won’t feel as bad and your cold won’t last as long as it would if you didn’t take it. 

Water – This is pretty simple, huh? When you’re feeling sick, good ‘ole H2O can be one of the most helpful drinks to sip. Most experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water every day. That might seem like a lot, but it’s the best way to keep yourself fully hydrated. Why is that important? Well, because we lose fluids when we’re sick. By drinking lots of water we flush out all the bad stuff in our bodies and keep everything hunky-dory, as my mother used to say.

Blueberries –  These are a double header of goodness. Not only are they tasty and nutritious, but they are considered a powerhouse when it comes to jump starting your energy. Blueberries pack vitamin C and they also come equipped with Vitamin K. These wonderful, little blue berries are filled with something called, an-ti-ox-i-dants. Those powerful ingredient help treat and prevent colds and flu. You can eat blueberries right along with other fruit in a bowl, top your cereal with them, or bake them up in a blueberry muffin. However you like to eat blueberries is fine, just remember to make them part of your diet this flu season.

There are a lot more suggestions than I have time to go into here. But if you’re interested in seeing the whole list of foods and drinks, I am going to give you that chance. For more on Gabrielle Franks immunity boosting foods for you and your family just GO HERE.

But before you go, please leave me a comment and let me know if this has been helpful!