It is only after you have come down with a nasty case of the sniffles or begin to feel your throat itch, that you wonder, "should I have done something to prevent this?" In a fast-paced world of allopathic medicine, where dehydration headaches are pushed away with aspirin rather than a bottle of water, maybe it's time you went back to your roots. Nature has many preventives that can nip infections in the bud, rather than having for you to suffer later. Here are a few gems from Mother Nature to help you combat seasonal woes.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and as a result, is flushed out of the body if unused. As a result, it is important to replenish this immunity-boosting vitamin regularly. Though studies have shown that the consumption of Vitamin C loaded foods will not prevent you from catching a cold, it will reduce the cold symptoms and the length of the infection. Citrus fruits are the most commonly known source of Vitamin C and can be easily incorporated into your diet. However, it is important to note that fruits lose their potency when stored for long periods. It is best to consume the fruits as soon as they have been purchased.
An ever-popular source of Vitamin C is orange juice, but sources of the vitamin go far beyond that. It can be found in vegetables such as broccoli, ginger, tomatoes and potatoes. For those who love their fruit – kiwis and strawberries are also a great source of Vitamin C.
Ginger is an easy and versatile vegetable to incorporate into your diet and in turn aid your immunity system. Slices of ginger steeped in hot water are a simple way to infuse ginger into your diet. Freshly grated ginger can be incorporated into salad dressings and smoothies for an instant anti-inflammatory boost.
Honey is another delicious addition to your diet which is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. It is important to ensure you are consuming the purest and most natural of honey, rather than mass-produced synthetic variations. A teaspoon of raw, pure honey goes a long way in helping your body.
Lastly, the ever-popular turmeric powder cannot be dismissed. Fresh turmeric or in its powdered form contains compounds which ward off inflammation, joint pains and prevent the aggravation of cold symptoms. A spoonful of turmeric powder mixed into your smoothie or a glass of warm water (before bedtime) can go a long way.