Foods That Will Help Keep the Sniffles Away

Fall brings so many great things. Pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts and Instagram pictures of people in orchards in every other photo on your feed. However, fall also marks the start of cold and flu season. When the person in the room across from you or the one sitting next to you in your 8:00 a.m. is sneezing and miserable, the best defense against getting sick is to support your immune system. Here are some foods that can help you win the fight against the cold season. 

Ginger. This merical root has excellent anti-inflammatory effects which can reduce muscle pain throughout the body. Ginger also helps with digestion in addition to being a major immune system support. Ginger shots and juices with ginger can be found on campus upstairs in McEwen dining hall at Village Juice . 

Elderberry. Elderberry is packed with antioxidants that help support the immune system and calm existing symptoms of illness. Order some on Amazon or pick some up at the store to keep on hand at the first start of any symptoms of feeling run down. 

Acai. Any excuse to have an acai bowl! Just like the elderberries and many other fruits, acai is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can fight off even the toughest cold or flu. 

Oranges. Oranges are high in vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant. See the pattern? 

Garlic. In addition to being delicious, garlic has many powerful vitamins that can reduce the chances of getting a cold. Garlic has actually been proven in labs to kill viruses and cancer cells in a petri dish. Fresh garlic in your food is fantastic, and you can also take garlic supplements to keep viruses at bay! 

Pomegranate. Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and are high in iron. 

Turmeric. Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and is very easy to throw into meals. Mix this spice into a soup or make a golden latte with some almond milk and you’ve got yourself a great weapon against cold and flu season.