5 Flu-Fighting Foods

By Jane Farrell

American Family Care, the nation’s leading urgent care provider, shares strategies to avoid the flu in the coming months. Besides getting your flu shot, they say, eating these five foods can help ward off the pesky ailment:

GARLIC

Garlic contains allicin, a compound that is known to boost immunity. You can crush, slice or chew garlic for it to produce properties that can build up immunity to viruses that cause the common cold or flu.

CHICKEN SOUP

For years, mothers around the world have put a bowl of chicken soup in front of their sick children. A study published in the American Journal of Therapeutics supports the maternal instinct to “feed a cold”.   The research found most chicken soup recipes include a compound called carnosine, which can mobilize the immune system to fight the early stages of flu. Just watch the sodium content – too much salt can cause dehydration.

FISH

Fresh salmon, tuna, even trout, are solid choices to get a beneficial dose of Omega 3 fatty acids. A study by researchers at Michigan State University found Omega 3’s can increase activity of white blood cells that fight flu by eating bacteria.  It’s a good idea to eat two fish to three times a week during cold and flu season.

WHOLE GRAINS

Whole grains are good for your gut during flu season. Why? Brown rice, oats and buckwheat help build healthy bacteria in your stomach, and whole grains are loaded with zinc, an immune system booster.

FRUITS AND VEGGIES

A substance found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including red onions, grapes and broccoli, was found to reduce the likelihood of flu in mice in a study published by The American Physiological Society. The substance, quercetin, has been shown to have anti-viral properties in other studies, as well.

American Family Care physicians say making lifestyle adjustments, like to your diet, paired with getting the flu shot. can boost your chances of avoiding illness over the next few months.   “This flu season could be tricky,” says Dr. Jeremy Allen of ARC. “Millions of people have been affected by the recent hurricanes and wildfires, and these disasters have thrown off their routines. Many of these people may still be waiting to get their flu shots, plus they have been in confined areas, like in shelters or staying with relatives while their homes are repaired. We all need to take the time to protect ourselves, get vaccinated and make sure we wash our hands frequently – to cut down on spreading germs.”

About American Family Care

Starting with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. With its 2013 acquisition of the Doctors Express franchise, AFC has become the nation’s leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, with more than 180 clinics and 600 in-network physicians caring for three million patients a year. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., AFC’s stated mission is to provide the best health care possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient. For more information, visit http://www.americanfamilycare.com/.