Flu Fighting Foods

Flu season is fast approaching and many of us are thinking about prevention. According to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC), a yearly seasonal flu vaccine is an important step in protecting against seasonal flu. That’s why ShopRite is offering the seasonal flu shot in stores throughout the month of October – to help you get through flu season – bug free. To find out when the flu shot will be offered in your local ShopRite, click on the image to the right, visit the pharmacy section of ShopRite.com or call 1-800-ShopRite (746-7748). But be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if the flu shot is right for you.

In addition to a flu shot, frequent hand washing and staying home when you’re sick are all important. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can help ward off illness by keeping your immune system strong. Below are some flu-fighting foods to help you and your family stay healthy and strong during flu season.

• Fruits and Vegetables – full of antioxidants that keep your immune system healthy and strong. Especially citrus fruits which are high in vitamin C. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables everyday is a great way to increase your vitamin C intake. Choose from 100% orange juice, strawberries, grapefruit, broccoli, asparagus, or tomatoes.
• Fluids – drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Choose water, seltzer, and 100% juice instead of sugary beverages like soda or fruit punch. Hot beverages like herbal tea or even hot water with a slice of lemon are also great to ease a sore throat.
• Garlic – Include garlic in your cooking. It’s a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent which together with vitamin C helps kill harmful microbes. To get the most health benefits out of garlic, crush the cloves with the side of your knife before adding them to your favorite recipes – this releases the garlic juices. Include garlic in sauté dishes or sauces.
• A yogurt a day keeps the doctor away. Your stomach is where some of the first immune responses to bacterial or viral infections begin. Yogurt, which contains live and active cultures, maintains intestinal integrity by providing “healthy” bacteria to your gastrointestinal tract. Include yogurt in your diet with breakfast or as a quick snack. Drinkable yogurt with live and active cultures is just as good.
• Get in your zinc! Zinc is a mineral which is needed for optimal immune function. Foods to include in your diet that are good sources of zinc are lean cuts of pork, beef, chicken; milk, yogurt, cashes, almonds, mushrooms, and pumpkin.
• Chicken Soup – grandma’s famous remedy. Look for low-sodium versions of your favorite canned soup or make your own