The cold season is coming soon. Usually, during this period, our body is most prone to colds. Low temperature, wind, high humidity contributes to colds, coughing, runny nose and fever. Different kinds of medicines can help the body to fight illness. But do not forget about the contribution of proper nutrition. Of course, we all know that when you have a cold, you do not want to eat, especially when the temperature rises and weakness appears. This reaction is quite natural because during the disease our body actively fights viruses and does not want to spend energy to digest food.
Doctors advise during the illness to use easily digestible food, which is quickly digested and can give the body the necessary energy to fight viruses and bacteria. But it is important to include in the diet products that will be beneficial to our body by themselves. They contain the necessary vitamins and trace elements, as well as special substances that help to deal with the negative external influences and with inflammation if it has already started. And below we will talk about the substances we need and the products in which they are most abundant.
Beta-carotene
This substance is considered to be a powerful antioxidant that allows you to build reliable protection from the negative effects of free radicals from the outside. Beta-carotene is also able to neutralize the damage of organism caused by bacteria and has a preventive effect in the fight against viruses. A large dose of beta-carotene is found in carrots. It is also found in sea-buckthorn oil, apricots, cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins, and spinach.
Iron
Be sure to include meat (such as beef or veal), liver and offal, buckwheat, millet, apples, nuts in your diet. These products will strengthen your immunity and help you recover – so you can resist colds. Also, iron is involved in hematopoiesis and helps to relieve internal inflammation.
Zinc
Zinc (as well as magnesium, potassium, selenium, and phosphorus) helps to develop resistance to infectious diseases. What products contain it in large quantities? These include fish and seafood, eggs, cereals, meat.
Natural antioxidants
They are found in beets, broccoli, melons, corn, cabbage, pumpkins, tomatoes, almonds, and other nuts. With antioxidants, you protect your immune system from stress. In this way, you release the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of colds.
Protein
Protein is needed to fight viruses and infections. It is the main “building material” for every cell of our body, and that is why it can repair all damage. If you see that the wounds and scratches heal too long, then the body may be lacking in protein. Include to your diet such products as meat (preferably low-fat), legumes, and dairy products.
Polyphenols
These substances are a kind of barrier to viruses trying to penetrate our body. Most polyphenols are found in olive and other crude oils. Thus, they act as natural immunostimulants.
These are the essential nutrients that are badly needed during a cold. But there are other, equally important. We will find out about them in the next article.