Health
KEY FOODS WHICH HELP TO
COMBAT THE COMMON COLD
By Aisha Shakti Hakim
T
here’s a misconception that
the weather contributes to
developing a cold. Many people
believe that when it’s cold,
rainy, or windy, they’re bound to “catch
a cold.” This misconception might
stem from the fact that the symptoms
associated with this uncomfortable
state of being – runny or congested
nose, coughing, sneezing, headache,
scratchy throat, or watery eyes –
are referred to as having a “cold.”
However, weather has nothing to do
with it, as many people in the UAE,
with its year round sub-tropical climate
also succumb to these symptoms.
In fact, when you have a cold, it’s
because you’ve contracted a virus.
There are over 100 viruses that can
cause the common cold, with the most
likely one being the rhinovirus. You can
develop a cold if, when experiencing
a lowered immune system, you
touch an infected surface followed by
touching your nose or mouth. You can
also contract the virus if you come in
contact with the secretions of someone
else who is infected. Having a lowered
immune system is the biggest gateway
to contracting the virus. Your immune
system can be lowered as a result of
stress, depression, certain medications
or nutritional deficiencies.
In addition to washing your hands for at
least 20 seconds with soap and running
water, or using an alcohol based hand
sanitizer, there are certain foods that
will strengthen your immune system
and should be included in a healthy
diet to help prevent colds. First, ensure
that you‘re taking a good quality multi
vitamin and mineral supplement.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its amazing health
benefits and should be at the top of
your super food intake. Include it in your
meals, as with sautéed vegetables. If
you’re concerned about the smell, take
an odourless supplement like Kyolic
(aged garlic extract).
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Nov - Dec 2014
Yogurt
The live active cultures found in natural
yogurt brands are excellent to keep
your digestive system functioning
properly. A healthy digestive system
leads to a strong immune system.
Make sure the container says “live
and active cultures”, otherwise it’s little
more than sugar filled junk food.
Tumeric & Cayenne
Spice up your meals and improve your
immune system with turmeric and
cayenne. Turmeric has been known to
have many incredible health benefits
and is found mainly in curry. Cayenne
is a digestive aid and helps to break up
congested mucous.
Cinnamon
Studies have shown that cinnamon
reduces inflammation and has a high
antioxidant count. Antioxidants prevent
cell damage and are an important factor
in healthy foods. Add up to a teaspoon
of ground cinnamon to your hot cereal
or hot chocolate for a delicious flavour.
Cinnamon is also great for boosting the
immune system.
After The Bell
Berries & Nuts
Also high on the list of super foods
to include in your diet are berries,
especially blueberry and goji berries.
You can add frozen blueberries to a
smoothie and dried goji berries to your
afternoon snack of a handful of nuts,
especially walnut and/or almonds
which are excellent sources of fiber
and minerals.
Use your kitchen as your healing
laboratory by stocking up on these
super foods to enhance your health,
boost your immune system and liven
up your taste buds. Also, remember
to get adequate rest. You’ll find that
your incidence of catching a cold will
decrease and you’ll feel much better.