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5 Foods To Avoid This Winter When Fighting a Cold

posted by brigitte | May 14, 2014 | In Health | No Comments

While it’s great to know which foods help boost the immune system it is also as important to know which foods to avoid while sick or battling a cold. By eliminating these foods below, while hopefully consuming  immune-boosting foods, you can recover more quickly and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

  1. Alcohol – Alcohol weakens your immune system and dehydrates you. Both of these can make your colds more miserable and leave you even worse the next morning. If you come down with a cold, steer clear of most alcohol in order to keep your body optimally hydrated and your immune system functioning on high.
  2. Dairy Products – Dairy products, although packed with great nutrients such as Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Zinc; can increase mucus production, and mucus is one thing you don’t need more of when you are sick.
  3. Juice Drinks – If you enjoy juicing and make your own 100% juices—by all means, drink them. But if you reach for your run-of-the-mill orange juice when you get a cold, you’d be better off without. Average juices are loaded with extra sugar and that sugar can reduce the ability of white blood cells to fight illness. Any benefits you might get from the vitamin c are nullified by the sugar inside.
  4. Fried Foods – Stay away from excess fats when you are sick. This goes for processed snacks and fried foods. Foods high in fat produce inflammation, and inflammation produces a less active immune system.
  5. Fast Foods and Processed Foods – Fast food and most processed foods are void of nutritional value; that is, they bring hardly anything to the table in terms of boosting the immune system or amplifying your health.

By avoiding the above foods and sticking to a diet of whole, fresh foods and plenty of liquids, you could shorten your cold and feel better in no time.

About The Author

brigitte
brigitte

Yes I am THAT girl that hopped around on an island in Panama on the first season of survivor South Africa (my claim to fame). Thank goodness I had a modeling career to fall back on because I was left starving and I didn't win the million bucks! I am anything but ordinary and I have learned to be ok with it. What drives me is the stuff that I love doing, spending time with good friends, learning from extraordinary people, drinking wine, writing, (did I mention drinking delicious wine?) I love traveling, nature, animals, exercise helping others to achieve their goals gives me a kick, I thoroughly enjoy music that moves me and love looking at and taking pictures that speak to me. I stay slim by following a healthy diet of wine and carrying my massive baby around (not sure how he got that big but he is huge, and very cute) - He is my absolute pinnacle out of everything I have done right so far. (I actually have some real weight loss secrets on The Jog Blog) I also run with my two Jack Russell's Jesse and James, James is really, lets call it, "big boned", so I wouldn't say we run marathons but we at least enjoy it thoroughly. Like all South African's I also love the odd South African Braai and grew up barefoot playing on dirt roads. The biggest goal in my life is to enjoy and savor every moment, to be mindful of each and every person and situation in my life and to be the master of my own mind. What do I do for a living? I have a bit of digital savvy, write a lot, manage projects and initiatives that help promote brands digitally and love a challenge. I am an avid entrepreneur Sport and Sports-development is close to my heart. I also proudly endorse Futurelife, Garmin, Adidas Eyewear and Cipla Nutrition. I help where I can do the best with what I have and give it my 110% I am the Glass-Half-Full girl and thank you for supporting The Jog Blog. You can have a look at my charity projects www.glamouraid.co.za or follow me @brigittewillers @glamouraid and @thejogblog oh and don't forget instagram @brigittewillers (totally obsessed) *laughs*

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