7 inexpensive foods that are excellent for treating the common cold.

Washing hands thoroughly, avoiding touching your face, wearing a mask when going outside... these rules are always passed around during flu season, especially given the extremely harsh weather this year due to El Nino.

However, those are only secondary preventative measures. What few people know is that the foods you consume daily can also effectively boost your body's ability to fight the flu. Below are 7 inexpensive, readily available, yet extremely effective foods:

1. Yogurt

Probiotics have more uses than you might think. They help balance beneficial bacteria with harmful bacteria in the gut, and according to recent scientific studies published in the journal Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, this balance is closely related to strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of infection. Therefore, if you want to increase the good bacteria in your gut, look to yogurt and kefir. Unsweetened yogurt is best, although it may not be as easy to eat as sweetened yogurt. In addition, functional foods that regulate gut function are also a good source of nutrients.

2. Chicken soup

Chinese chicken soup contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent white blood cells from aggregating in the lungs, meaning it can alleviate cold and flu symptoms, according to a recent study. Furthermore, chicken soup is easy to eat when feeling tired, can quickly replenish nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and boost immunity.

Furthermore, when you're sick, both fever and heavy breathing cause dehydration. In this case, a bowl of chicken soup will quickly rehydrate your body.

3. Green tea

When you're sick, staying hydrated is crucial. But even when you feel perfectly fine and healthy, the high doses of polyphenols and catechins in green tea are very effective at fighting viruses and stimulating the immune system. These are two of the most powerful antioxidants, including EGCG. According to doctors, green tea can benefit and support many organs simultaneously, such as the heart, brain, joints, and metabolism.

4. Ginger

Besides nasal congestion and headaches, the flu can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms, try eating a few slices of ginger for quick relief. Compounds in ginger, such as galanolactone, can activate the central nervous system, affecting serotonin levels in the body and eliminating nausea. This is also why ginger is a very effective remedy for motion sickness. Try drinking ginger tea, eating spicy ginger candy, or even biting into a slice of ginger for a more comfortable and relaxing experience.

5. Citrus fruits

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can effectively neutralize free radicals in the body. Whether vitamin C can fight the flu is still debated, but it's certainly recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin C year-round, especially when feeling weak or unwell. Top choices include citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Additionally, vitamin C seems to be most effective in people who exercise regularly.

6. Sardines

Most of our vitamin D intake comes from sunlight, and in winter, when the weather is cloudy, this supply is significantly reduced. Therefore, if you don't eat foods rich in vitamin D, your body will likely be deficient in calcium during the winter. Furthermore, vitamin D is an essential component of the immune system. Immune cells contain cells that absorb vitamin D. Doctors advise taking fish oil, eating sardines and herring to supplement this vitamin, and even using vitamin D supplements if necessary.

7. Beef

Zinc can boost the body's ability to produce white blood cells, which are the leading warriors of the immune system. Many believe that zinc can help shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms, leading to faster recovery. Foods rich in zinc include beef, chicken, lamb, spinach, sesame seeds, lentils, etc.

According tovietnamnet