Foods that boosts your immunity

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What works when it comes to cold prevention? It turns out some of the most effective options could be hiding in the fridge.

There are a lot of options when it comes to fighting winter sickness. Most medications you take to treat colds and flu can only target the symptoms.  But if you act early enough, some natural remedies show promise when it comes to prevention.

There’s plenty of lore about how to stave off cold and flu.  But many natural remedies have actually proven effective.

Research has shown some products can reduce the length of a cold if taken at the onset.

Carolyn Whiskin, Pharmacist: “For others, it won’t be shorter, but it’ll just be the severity of those symptoms. The aches and pains and so on may be lessened.”

We don’t know exactly how it works, but oil of oregano can help fight off oncoming infection. So can zinc lozenges.

Oscillococcinum, made from duck liver, is less well known, but some people swear by it.

Carolyn Whiskin: “Basically it helps give you a higher level of defense against bacteria, viruses and even the onset of the flu.”

Allicin, an antiviral found in garlic can be taken in capsules to fight infection. But you can also reap the benefits from eating it, raw or cooked.

The same goes for ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Jacqueline Sales, Naturopathic Doctor: “In your sinuses and your mucus membranes, that phlegm and that productions is often elevated inflammatory markers. So the component in ginger would help to decrease that.”

There may be benefits to choosing certain foods, but the best way to boost your immune system is taking care of your overall health.

Jacqueline Sales: “Just eating a balanced, healthy diet with enough protein, fibre and all of your nutrients.”

And while some natural remedies seem to work, they may be successful simply because the people who take them are more mindful of their health.

Carolyn Whiskin: “Often the person who does that may also be the person who is really adamant about good hand washing and always coughs into their elbow and doesn’t sit beside someone who’s sick.”

None of these products are guaranteed to work, but sometimes just knowing that you’re taking control of your health can make you feel better. You should talk to your pharmacist before trying anything new. And of course, the best way to prevent flu and cold is hand washing and the flu shot.