Vitamins and Foods to Fight a Cold and Flu

Cold Fighting Smoothie – A Healthy Green Smoothie

Vitamins and Foods to Fight a Cold and Flu. Let me first start out by saying I am not a doctor. What I am suggesting below is what I believe is needed, and what works for me, to build a weak immune system if you are already dealing with a cold and flu. Do your research first and then try whatever methods work for you when you are sick.
YOU, AND ONLY YOU, KNOW WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BODY !!

*** SELF CARE FOR THE COLD AND FLU ***

So it all begins with self-care. Research proves that the best way to help your immune system eradicate viral and bacterial infections from your body is with plenty of rest. Because when you deprive yourself of rest, your body is actually releasing hormones that suppress your immune system. So try to get at least a minimum of 8-10 hours of rest a day. Me, I’ve been sleeping 12 hours and it’s really been helping.

When you have a cold or the flu, your immune system is already weak. So it is also important to get additional vitamins and nutrients to help fight off whatever viral or bacterial infection you may have. So if you’re not already taking a MULTI-VITAMIN – now is the time to start. And without bombarding you with different brands – here’s the basic one we all know of – Women’s One a Day. You can click on the photo to get a clear picture of what the daily recommended vitamins are needed.

MORE VITAMINS TO REDUCE RECOVERY TIME

In addition to your daily multi-vitamin, double up on some of these vitamins as well:
VITAMIN C – when you start to feel a cold or flu coming on, start taking 6,000–10,000 mg of vitamin C daily, as this has been shown to reduce recovery time. Take 1,000–2,000 mg every 2–3 hours to maximize absorption and to not upset your stomach. You want to create minimally loose stools, but you don’t want diarrhea or gastrointestinal issues. If you start experiencing those, then you can simply cut your dose in half.
VITAMIN D – when you are sick, adults should double up their daily vitamin D3 dose (up to 10,000 IUs daily)
VITAMIN A – is one of the most important nutrients for a healthy immune system. It contains beta-carotene which supports vision, and also contains anti-inflammation properties – which play a critical role in enhancing immune function.
ZINC – has been shown to be essential in immune system defense against invading bacteria and viruses. So to help reduce the duration of a cold, have some zinc lozenges on hand, and take one every 2 hours at the first sign of a cold or flu.

FOODS THAT BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
VITAMIN A

Need more VITAMIN A?
You can get vitamin A by including good sources of beta-carotene in your diet. The main food sources of beta-carotene are:
Yellow, Red, and Green (leafy vegetables), such as SPINACH, CARROTS, SWEET POTATOES, AND RED PEPPERS.
Yellow Fruit, such as MANGO, PAPAYA, AND APRICOTS

VITAMIN C

Need more VITAMIN C?
Vitamin C is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables like:
ORANGES, STRAWBERRIES, BLACK CURRANTS, BROCCOLI, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, PEPPERS, and POTATOES

VITAMIN D

Need more VITAMIN D?
Vitamin D is found in dairy products like:
CHEESE, MILK, YOGURT, EGG YOLKS. But are also high in SPINACH, KALE, AND ORANGE JUICE

ZINC

Need more ZINC?
Zinc can be found in fruits and vegetables like:
MUSHROOMS, SPINACH, BROCCOLI, KALE, ASPARAGUS, CORN, GARLIC along with NUTS, SEEDS, AVOCADOS, PINEAPPLES, AND STRAWBERRIES.

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So what better way to consume these fruits and vegetables, especially when you’re sick and don’t feel like eating, than with a SMOOTHIE – A HEALTHY GREEN SMOOTHIE TO FIGHT COLDS AND THE FLU. Simply grab the ingredients below, give them a whirl in your blender, and down this bad boy. It’ll fill your body with the vitamins and nutrients needed to help you on your way to recovery. PLUS it tastes great and is soothing to your sore throat.

So, please enjoy and get well soon 🙂

HEALTHY GREEN SMOOTHIE TO FIGHT COLDS AND FLU
thank you Bless this Mess Please for the recipe base

INGREDIENTS
1/2–3/4 cup Water (or orange or pineapple juice)
2 medium Oranges, peel removed
1/2 tsp – 2 tsp fresh Ginger, minced
1 cup Spinach
1/2 Avocado
2 frozen Bananas, sliced
Optional but HIGHLY SUGGESTED add-ins:
1–2 tsp raw Honey
pinch Cayenne pepper, Turmeric
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS
Place all ingredients in your blender, and blend until smooth. Add ice for a thicker consistency.