Avoid Colds And Flu

We’ve all experienced that dreaded feeling of not being about to breathe freely, the achiness and all over fatigue. When we begin feeling that way it is important to determine if you are suffering with a cold or the flu. One source I found said if the complications are bad enough to make you want to go to bed it is probably the flu.

A cold or flu can often have accompanying complications – things like upper respiratory conditions, bronchitis and even pneumonia. The good news is there are ways to help prevent colds and flu.

Having a strong immune system one of the major foundations of good health. A strong immune system will help to fend off germs, bacteria and viruses that cause the illnesses. And if you do get sick, a strong immune system will help to ensure that the symptoms are less severe and the duration of your illness will be shortened.

As always, the best way to good health begins with healthy eating. Proper nutrition is based on a balanced diet of healthy foods – it’s also the best way to lose weight and maintain an ideal weight. It’s sort of a two-for-one deal.

We’ve all heard about the importance of antioxidants. Obviously, they are a good thing to include in your diet. You should also include foods rich in Vitamins A, C, E beta-carotene and zinc.

Here’s a list of foods that you should try to include in your diet:

Sweet potatoes

Carrots

Spinach

Broccoli

Kale

Winter Squash

Endive

Apricots – fresh or dried

Watermelon

Mustard Greens

Cantaloupe

Cabbage

Red Peppers

Watercress

Leeks

Turnip Greens

Fish

Dairy Products

Tomatoes

Citrus Fruits

Wheat Bran

Whole Grains

Poultry

Lean Red Meats

Many of us don’t eat balanced diets on a routine basis – and in that case we can supplement our diets with multi-vitamins. The time to start fighting a cold or flu is long before you have the illness.

Besides building up your immune system it is also important that you try to stay physically fit. This means you should include exercise in your everyday life. Start with something simple like walking a little everyday and build from there. Again, this is also a way to help maintain the weight you want.

Another fringe benefit is that being in better shape will improve your ability to deal with stress. So in essence, the tips offered in this article can help you live a better and healthier lifestyle that will result in weight maintenance and other benefits year round.