WELLNESS
Fight the Cold and Flu Season with Food
By Vickie Bunzey
Often when we talk about food we are talking about it in regards to weight loss, cravings, cel- ebrations, that time of the month or having a blue day. It’s true that we talk about food constantly. Instead of talking about the norm in our food conversations, I want to talk about how your food can protect you through the cold and flu season. It’s not something we generally stop and think about or maybe even know.
The flu vaccine signs started coming out in Septem- ber. A subtle warning that the cold and flu season is approaching. Statistics show that more people come down with colds and flu during the holiday seasons than any other time of the year. Is it the weather? Or is it something else?
Let’s breakdown what is happening during this time of year. For many families it will start with children going back to school. Lunchables are being packed or piz- za and fries are being eaten in the cafeteria for lunch. The school parties start and there are lots of birth- day cakes, candy, sodas and other party food. This carries over to October when we have Halloween….. more candy that lasts until Thanksgiving. Thanksgiv- ing is a wonderful family feast of family favorites which include many sweets and desserts. Then we go full swing into the “holiday” season of Christmas parties and party food, sweets, desserts, candy, maybe more alcohol and the stress of keeping up with everything. We are horribly compromising our body and its effec-
tiveness to fight those cold and flu germs that come our way.
Our body has a hard time fighting these germs be- cause we have shut down our immune system. When we eat sugar – sweets, candy, desserts, sodas or sugary drinks as well as the amount of sugar that is found in many of our foods – we are suppressing our immune system for up to 6 hours after enjoying these foods. Another culprit of that affects us are the fried foods found in fast food restaurants or the good old southern fried cooking smothered in all kinds of things. These foods affect our digestive systems. It takes a lot of energy for our body to break down these foods. This is energy that your body should use to fight the flu or cold you may have.
We can avoid or minimize the cold and flu season by choosing foods that support our immune system and body. These foods are high in phytonutrients, antioxi- dants, vitamins and minerals. These aren’t mystery foods. We spend all summer eating salads and fruits to maintain that swimsuit body. When fall comes, we start putting on more clothes and may not focus as much on the fresh vegetables and fruits. The FDA and supporting studies show that eating 8 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day supports the proper function of our immune system. Each day you need to continue to eat as many servings of vegetables and fruits as you can. Fresh salads, lightly steamed vegetables, fresh cut fruit or all good choices. Even though the season has changed there are still many fresh, seasonal choices available.
12 Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36