People typically think of the cold season occurring during, well, the cold season. However, you can get a cold at any time of the year, and that’s more likely to happen when your immune system is compromised due to poor nutrition. That’s why it’s important to boost your immunity.
Your diet is closely linked to your health. So, it stands that boosting your gut health and immunity puts you on a faster track to recovery and getting back into the flow of life.
 

Almonds

 
Many people have a love-hate relationship with almonds, but you should eat more when sick if you want to quit your cold. In one study, researchers found that almond skins cue the immune response and lend assistance to antiviral defense. Almonds improve the ability of helper T-cells to fight infection.
Snack on a handful while watching your favorite show. Mix them into warm oatmeal to soothe a sore throat as you stimulate immune defense.
 

Citrus

When you catch a cold, vitamin C is the first defense most folks select. Researchers believe vitamin C supports the immune system, and that frees it up to create more white blood cells, a major component of fighting infection.
Vitamin C also supports the creation of interferons which are made after pathogens are detected. You’re essentially boosting your body’s ability to detect and defend against invasion. You can’t technically overdose on vitamin C, so give these citrus fruits a try:
 

• grapefruit
• lemons
• limes
• oranges
• clementines

 
Eat a fruit by itself, as a salad or squeeze it into your water. You’ll feel the boost immediately with your senses.
 

Yogurt

 

Good gut health is incredibly important to maintain your overall health and a strong immune system. To improve gut health, turn to fermented and probiotic foods.
Yogurt is a natural probiotic, which will also minimize any damage done by antibiotics taken, should the cold turn out to be something more. The coldness of yogurt will also lower your temperature when you have a fever. Add almonds and citrus for a better form of nutritional defense.
 

Ginger

This spice treats many colds symptoms. Ginger contributes to a decrease in inflammation and helps reduce and soothe your sore throat and painful cough. It also decreases pain and nausea and helps you keep down food. Due to the component gingerol, which ginger is named for, the spice packs a heat punch beneficial to producing the above effects.
 

Garlic

Garlic contains natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties thanks to the component allicin — created when you crush garlic cloves. While many people include garlic powder in chicken soup as a home remedy, it’s better to go straight for the clove, according to experts, and ease up on high-fat diets which could slow down your immune system.
Skip the cream in chicken or vegetable soup, and serve it steaming to calm a running nose. Crush garlic cloves at the last minute. Add them, and let the soup stand momentarily. Chew the clove a bit before swallowing.
 

Spinach

This dark leafy green contains powerful nutrients that help improve your health while sick, including vitamins A, K, C and B6, along with folate, magnesium and manganese. Spinach’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities help fight the cold and work to reduce your fever by calming inflammation responses.
There are many ways to get the health benefits of spinach in while sick, though it’s best not to cook it too much. Eat spinach as a part of a sandwich, wrap, salad or a green smoothie.

Unfortunately, no known cure exists for the common cold, and the best remedy is to treat the symptoms and take it easy. Don’t strain or exert yourself. If your temperature is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to visit the doctor for a more thorough diagnosis and treatment solutions.
Use this as the perfect excuse to make the best blanket burrito ever and catch up on your shows. Read a good book and nosh on nutritional cold-fighting foods.
From almonds to yogurt, consume these six foods to kick a cold and boost your immunity. Combine their powers for a better boost. Soon, you’ll feel ready to take on the world again.
 
About the Author:
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.”  Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her.  Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Connect with her at https://twitter.com/kacey_mya https://www.pinterest.com/kaceymya/  https://www.instagram.com/thedriftercollective/
 
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