We are all looking forward to winter celebrations, playing in the snow, and the excitement that comes with it. But winter is also the season of inevitable colds and the flu. If you don’t want the unpleasant symptoms to get in the way of your holiday season, there are plenty of superfoods that can help boost immunity, fight viruses, and improve resistance to stress so that you can stay healthy and full of energy!
We had a look at Medical Medium’s recommendations and here are our top 10 picks:
1. Vitamin C – as well as aiding in the fight against cold and flu viruses, it also fortifies the immune system as a whole – especially the killer cells that hunt down viruses, bacteria, yeast, and other unwanted fungi. All of these nasties can impair immunity not only in the cold season, but all year long. It also gives the much-needed energy that will support you in planning the most amazing winter holiday parties! Vitamin C is available in lots of fruits, vegetables, and greens, so don’t skip your daily portions of citrus, tomatoes, red pepper, broccoli and parsley.
It’s winter time, so why not get cosy with a comforting cup of Rose Hip Tea. Besides the delicious flavour, the bioavailable vitamin C found in rose hips aids the body in warding off germs and viruses. If you need to supplement your Vitamin C intake, try the improved Micro-C version from Vimergy.
When your energy level is down and you feel the first symptoms of cold, try Medical Medium’s Vitamin C Shock Therapy:
Ingredients:
∙ 2 x 500mg capsules Micro-C
∙ 1 cup water, preferably warm
∙ 2 teaspoons raw honey or 100% pure maple syrup
∙ Juice of 1 orange or 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
Add the Micro-C powder into warm water. Stir until dissolved. Add the raw honey and orange juice and stir well. Drink every two hours.
You can increase your dosage of Micro-C if your body can handle more, but make sure you establish that together with your doctor.
2. Zinc – helpful for fighting colds and flus, plus also beneficial for chronic illness, health maintenance, and preventing future illnesses. Zinc aids the liver’s immune system in warding off all harmful microorganisms, such as cold and flu viruses, that enter the liver. Vegetarian sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, almonds, oats, nuts, and whole grains. Consider taking liquid zinc sulphate as a supplement, especially if you are vegetarian.
As soon as you experience the first signs of a cold or flu, including a tickle or sore throat, fatigue, fever, or aches and pains, you should consult your doctor and try Medical Medium’s Zinc Shock Therapy:
▻ Let two droppers of liquid zinc sulphate sit in your throat for a full minute, then swallow it.
▻ After three hours, squirt two more dropperfuls into your throat and swallow them after a minute.
▻ The process should be repeated every three waking hours for two days.
3. Cat’s Claw – this immune-supporting herb fights off germs, viruses, and other harmful microbes, including colds and the flu. It stabilises and fortifies the body but it is also a natural muscle relaxant, which can be a great support in stressful days. The bark of this beautiful tropical vine can be crushed and used to make tea. However, the bark might not be highly available, not even in specialised shops. A more convenient option is the natural, pure, and potent Cat’s Claw Liquid Extract.
4. Lemon balm – this flavourful herb is all you need on a cold winter day! It has outstanding antiviral and antibacterial properties, and also helps with nausea. When your nervous system needs to be soothed and calmed, lemon balm will have a positive effect. Because of this ability to be calming, sleep will come more quickly as your nerves will be more at ease. Read more about its amazing benefits it in our article Lemon Balm – Your Cup of Tea On Busy Days
5. Elderberries – especially when consumed as a syrup, it significantly reduces the length of your seasonal illness. Elderberries are also known to greatly improve immune function by increasing the body’s production of cytokines. Additionally, they can aid in releasing and expelling lung congestion. They are also highly helpful for bronchial and respiratory issues.
6. Vitamin B12 – essential in the cold season for its benefits on nerve cell formation, the brain, energy levels, mood, and even DNA! Vitamin B12 aids in the protection of your whole organism. Wondering which foods have a high content of B12? Fruits like bananas, apples, blueberries, and oranges as well as vegetables like spinach, beetroot, butternut squash, mushroom, and potato are all good sources of this vitamin. But if you are looking for a supplement that would bring you the necessary intake of not only one, but eight B vitamins from carefully selected sources, we recommend that you take Adapto B-Complex.
7. Turmeric – This bright yellow spice is a powerful antioxidant that helps to boost immunity. Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to ease respiratory problems brought on by invaders like the flu virus or other pathogens. Additionally, it reduces discomfort and is excellent for colds, the flu, congestion, coughs, sore throats, and sinus issues that are so common in the cold season.
8. Peppermint – a mild and calming anti-spasmodic, peppermint tea can soothe intestinal tensions and spasms that can occur for example, as a result of the flu. It also strengthens the immune system and relieves congestion and headaches. You can make a hot and flavoured peppermint tea with dried or fresh mint.
9. Garlic – This potent little bulb is a powerful immune booster. It contains allicin – a compound that has antibiotic and antiviral properties. It also helps to improve circulation and increase white blood cell production.
10. Ginger – Ginger is another excellent immune booster. It helps to fight off infections by stimulating the production of antibodies. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to ease congestion.
We recommend that you consult a medical specialist before taking any supplements. Always consume supplements responsibly and follow the recommended serving instructions of every supplement.
