Five Foods that Protect against Rainy Day Sicknesses

This rainy season, eat your way to better health! Learn how you can boost your immune system in five delicious ways.

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattmendoza/4069052407

The rainy season, also known as the cough-and-colds season, is a challenge for people of all ages, health-wise. Though there are no conclusive studies that prove that the weather itself lowers our resistance to viruses and bacteria, some scientists believe that the cold weather encourages people to stay indoors. In this close proximity with other human beings, sicknesses become easily transmittable.

To protect yourselves, you need to have a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating, not only food that’s fresh and safe, but also the right kinds of food. Here are five foods to help you fight those nasty diseases.

1. Chicken Soup
It’s not only good for the soul, but also for your health. Aside from the obvious fact that a bowl of hot soup can warm you up, chicken, while being cooked, releases a type of amino acid that chemically resembles a bronchitis drug called acetylcysteine. If you’re craving a heavier version, whip up a pot of arroz caldo that doesn’t only give you your fill of carbs, but also ginger, believed to break down toxins in the lungs and sinuses to help you breathe easier, and onions and garlic—both natural antiseptics and immunity boosters.

2. Vitamin C-Rich Munchies
Vitamin C, which reduces cold symptoms by 23%, can be found in abundance in local citrus fruits such as calamansi and dalandan. You’d be surprised that other foods such as red bell pepper, papaya, tomatoes and broccoli also have high amounts of this antioxidant!

3. Fish and Shellfish
We’re lucky to be surrounded by the ocean so we have our bounty of seafood. Shellfish such as clams, oysters and crabs aids white blood cells in producing a kind of protein that help rid the body of flu viruses. (Just watch out for red tide season!) Meanwhile, omega-3 fats reduce inflammation, protecting lungs from respiratory infections. For your omega-3 fix, stock up on tuna, tanigue, tulingan, tawilis and dilis.

4. Probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that make sure that your intestinal tract remains healthy and free from disease-causing germs. You can get these from yogurt and other food products. Just check the labels to see if they contain probiotics, particularly the bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri, which block the multiplication of viruses that attack the body.

5. Water
People aren’t kidding when they say that water is life. Water is a cure-all for all sorts of sicknesses. It keeps your body hydrated, giving you the boost to fight those viruses. It also gives you an internal cleansing, washing away the toxins, released through waste products. Drink as much water as you can everyday—go beyond the required eight glasses!

There you have it—5 super foods to help you get through the rainy season. But before you dig in, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This prevents another disease common during the rains—the dreaded diarrhea!

Sources:
http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/power-foods-boost-immunity
http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm
http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/boost-your-immunity-naturally
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/37856647/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/eat-killer-immunity/