Eating to fight the flu

No matter what side of the vaccine debate you are on, one thing is certain, when the flu season hits, most people get mild to severe flu symptoms, vaccinated or not.

All flues, including the swine flu will have the greatest impact on people with weakened immune systems.  Everyone should take great care to build a strong immune system by adding immune building foods to their diets. Eating organic foods helps the immune system by removing the chemical toxin load from your diet.  Unfortunately, not everyone can eat organically 100% of the time, but you can eat it some of the time. Check out the Free Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides to find out which foods are loaded with chemicals and which are not.

Learn about your food allergies.

Find out about any food intolerances you may have.  Many people are allergic to wheat, soy, gluten, corn and milk/milk products in addition to the more commonly know food allergens such as peanuts, strawberries and shell fish.  How do you know if you have a food intolerance?  Look for sleepiness after a meal, food should give you energy, not make you tired.  Notice if you have bloating or a “beer belly” even if you don’t drink much beer.  Some people may have sinus issues or puffiness around the eyes.  And of course itchiness, rashes and hives can all indicate food allergies. Common food allergies all help in weakening the immune system allowing for viruses and flues to get a hold on you.

Anyone wishing to build a strong immune system and avoid the flu including the swine flu should eat:

• Lots of bright orange (carrots, pumpkins, apricots, and mangoes) and green (spinach and cabbage) fruits and vegetables. The vitamin A in these foods help strengthen the respiratory membranes.
• Vitamin C-rich foods like peppers, spinach, citrus fruits, berries, and peas, which have anti-viral properties and help mobilize bug-eating macrophage cells.
• Whole grains and pumpkin seeds, which also build antibodies against flu.
• Apples, spinach, and other greens with iron in them.
• Cloves and raw garlic (a source of allicin), another defense against swine flu.
• Healthy doses of raw foods (be sure that during the fall and winter they are not too cooling for your body type)
• Herbal teas.

Take immediate action to include these healthy foods in your diet to build up immunity and avoid the flu.

For additional information on nutriments, homeopathic remedies and other holistic natural ways to help combat the flu please visit… Swine Flu a Medical Intuitive Perspective.