Food to the rescue!

originally published Thursday, Jan 25th, 2007

It's officially winter, and the holiday rush is over. It's the perfect time to come down with that cold you've been meaning to get! I've been hearing a lot of coughing and sneezing around town lately. Here are a few ways that I boost my immune system with food.

Vitamin C
Everyone knows that vitamin C helps you heal and boosts immunity. Citrus is a great source of vitamin C, but don't forget other great sources such as red bell pepper, broccoli, berries, tomatoes and potatoes with the skin. Check out the web site for more nutrition facts here . I also love packets of powdered vitamin C. They are perfect for busy people!

Ginger
The healing properties of ginger are well documented. Besides being an anti-inflammatory, ginger aids in digestion and settles the stomach. Ginger has a warm and spicy bite that can help clear a stuffy head. In addition to soups, curries and teas, try fresh ginger added to carrot or vegetable juice.

Thyme
An old-timer once told me that the herb thyme is a potent anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Besides using this fresh herb often in my cooking, I like to keep a bottle of essential oil of thyme around. A few drops on a hankerchief gives me a little extra peace of mind when that person next to me has a coughing fit on the bus. A pot of hot water with rosemary and thyme makes a great steam for someone with a stuffy nose.

Eating Light
When I'm feeling under the weather I like to include a bit of lean protein in my diet and some simple vegetables. I have found a piece of fish and a salad or cooked greens is ideal. When your body is out of balance, it needs energy to repair. Eating light and getting lots of rest makes me feel much better quickly.

Good old fashioned chicken soup
There is something to the old remedy of chicken soup for a cold. Recent scientific studies have shown that chicken soup has many healing properties. A steaming bowl of broth relieves a congested head and garlic and pepper (common ingredients in chicken soup) are traditional remedies for respiratory ailments. Chicken soup is also said to act as an anti-inflammatory, which aids the healing process. Chicken and vegetables cooked in a broth release a combination of important minerals and amino acids. If you can get someone who loves you to prepare it, even better!

So take care of yourself! Winter is a time of rejuvenation. Take a cue from nature.. enjoy the rest, even hibernate a bit, and look forward to spring!