But it’s also the time when you may not always feel that jolly because this is also the cold and flu season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter whether you have been naughty or nice – sometimes winter can leave you out in the cold. In more ways than one. Ah-choo. Even as science is discovering newer and faster cures for other, deadlier, diseases, there is no known cure for the humble common cold. The best way, then, to combat the common cold is to prevent it from entering your system. And the only way you can do that is by building your immunity. Nutritionally, this can be done by just tweaking your diet so that your body can put up a fight.
Get More Protein
Protein is one of the key building blocks for antibodies that help resist infection. Raise your intake of protein during seasons where you are prone to the ‘flu’. For vegetarians, good protein sources include dal, soyabean, quinoa and tofu, and non vegetarians can incorporate more eggs, fish, chicken, seafood and lean white meats in their diet.
Get More Zinc
Minerals like selenium and zinc improve immunity. While sources of zinc include beans, nuts, whole grains, white meats and more, you can find selenium in broccoli, cabbage, spinach and brown rice, among others. You can also have your zinc and selenium in the form of oral supplements, but do check with your doctor; don’t self medicate.
Get More Water
During winter, we don’t feel thirsty, and as a result, we get dehydrated without realising it. It lowers our immunity. Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water per day to help your body combat infection. You can also replace some of your fluid intake with hot soups and herbal teas like chamomile and jasmine (which are great at unblocking the nose, by the way).
Get More Haldi
Haldi is a brilliant anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral weapon that helps prevent and heal bacterial and infectious attacks. Half a teaspoon twice a day of pure, organic haldi (not the adulterated stuff, mind you) in milk will make your immune system sing.
Get More Silver
Believe it or not, it’s not just the bling you wear that can make you in tune with the season. Silver is an important mineral that wonderfully aids immunity. Drinking/eating in silverware or from water bottles/matkas in which you have kept small silver coins infuses ions into the liquid, which again has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. You also get electrodes of silver that are commercially available, which can be put into water, thereby releasing ions. Consult a doctor.
Get More Vitamin C
Boost your intake of fresh amla shots or citrus fruit like oranges, mausambi, kiwi and guava to boost your immunity. You can also have daily oral doses of Vitamin C (500-1000 mg) but again, do check with your doctor. Whatever you do, make sure that you are geared to put up the best possible fight against the dreariest of viruses because this, as you know, is the season to be out and about. And not down and out.
By Pooja Makhija, Consulting Nutritionist & Clinical Dietician
