Summer Colds: Colds are not the heritage of winter. What’s more, you’ve undoubtedly heard that “summers” cost more to cure. But some foods help you beat them.
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1. Citrus
Thanks to the vitamin C they hold, foods such as orange, lemon, tangerines, or grapefruit stimulate our defenses to fight against colds. The belief that they stop you from catching a cold is not valid, but they help reduce discomfort and shorten its duration.
The good idea is to dress your salads in lemon. In addition to giving it a refreshing touch, you will be strengthening your defenses.
2. Kiwi, Strawberries, and Peppers
They are potent antioxidants that boost our immune system. Although they are not citrus fruits, they carry large amounts of vitamin C. In fact; kiwi has even more than orange.
Have a bowl of strawberries with a couple of kiwis,, or add green or red bell peppers to your salads.
3. Probiotics
The yogurt, miso, kefir, and sauerkraut or “Sauerkraut” are great for fighting colds. Its lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus) favor the growth in defensive cells (such as T lymphocytes), and this helps make the symptoms milder.
Remember that even if you don’t have a cold, having a yogurt a day helps keep your intestinal flora in satisfactory condition and, with it, your immune system.
4. Garlic and Onion
Both are considered a natural antibiotic. The allicin in garlic has antioxidant, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, making it a great ally against colds.
Similarly, the sulfur compounds in onions are “magic” for fighting coughs and congestion.
Taking a garlic or onion soup is hand in hand to soften cold symptoms. And remember that place half an onion next to the bed when you go to sleep will help you breathe better.
5. Green Leafy Vegetables
Cabbages, broccoli, spinach, arugula are a magnificent source of vitamin C, which, as we have already mentioned, helps us to ease the symptoms of colds. Its chlorophyll also strengthens our immune system.
A starter with lamb’s lettuce or arugula, lentils, and bell pepper is a real bomb against the cold.
6. Fish, Seafood, White Meat
According to some research, taking 75 mg of zinc a day helps reduce the duration of colds by 20-40%. The chicken, turkey, rabbit, fish, and seafood are good sources of this mineral.
Make ready a fish with garlic and parsley or chicken with Sanfaina to sense better.
7. Nuts, Cereals, and Legumes
They are as well foods with high zinc fulfilled, which acts as a reinforcement of the immune system and assists you heal speedily.
Consume whole grains or whole wheat bread with turkey for breakfast. Greens of arugula, tomato, white beans, and dried fruits will also give you a good zinc dose.
8. Infusions of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants like the thyme, echinacea, mallow, or ginger are recommended to fight accesses cough, muscle pain, headache, and low-grade fever.
Cut a piece of fresh ginger, add it to cold water, boil for 5 minutes, and let it rest. If you have a rasp, you can add honey to mine infusions to improve it.
9. Water, Juices, and Broths
It would help if you drink enough liquids. Ideally, between eight and ten water glasses a day, although you can combine it with homemade juices or herbal teas.
The liquid not only favors the fluidization of secretions but also prevents the mucous membranes from drying out.
You can also have defatted broths (especially chicken). Of course, despite the heat, swallow it at room temperature.
10. Foods Against Summer Colds
A reasonably high figure, and the main culprit is something as familiar as the abuse (or misuse) of the air conditioning.
Two million people suffer from colds every year in summer.
Keep it between 22º and 24º to avoid sudden changes in temperature when going outside, do not jump into the water if you have been sunbathing, and limit icy drinks is vital to prevent summer colds.
Nutrients That Help You Overcome Them
If you have a cold, you do not need to eat solid foods during the first two days if you do not have an appetite, but you should hydrate yourself well by drinking plenty of fluids.
After these days, light and rich diet in fresh fruits and vegetables are convenient for you.
Many vitamin C. Foods rich in this vitamin, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are a must because, thanks to the antioxidant and stimulating effect of the defenses that this substance provides, they do not prevent you from infectious a cold, but they do help reduce discomfort.
It also includes probiotics. They hold lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus) that favor increasing defensive cells (such as T lymphocytes). And this helps make the symptoms milder.
Do not lack zinc. This antioxidant mineral has also been shown to help shorten the duration of colds.
And a lot of liquid. It will help you avoid dehydration and fluidize secretions.
