Let’s not talk about Covid-19 now, although some studies show that a more robust immune system also makes your body more resistant to Corona. Let’s talk about winter instead, the cold, the snow (oh, I wish there was some), the lack of sun, and the resulting cold I get every year. Sometimes a bigger one with fever and staying in bed for some days, sometimes just a runny nose and a small cough.
We’re not immortal, and some of us are prone to getting sick easier than others, but there’s also some ways to keep your body healthy and fit. I’m not talking about the fact that you should eat more fruits and eat healthy in general because – I hope – this goes without saying. Sleep, eat well; don’t stress and move. Other than that, these five things are great for your body and will make your immune system stronger.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric (or Kurkuma) is a root that looks similar to ginger. You can buy it fresh or ground, and it’s said to prevent cancer, inflammation, and boost immunity. It’s delicious when sliced and added to hot water and as a concentrated shot mixed with apple juice, in sauces, curries, even in cakes. Something delicious is golden milk: warm milk with half a tsp of turmeric and some honey.
2. Ginger
Take a thumb-big piece, cut it into slices, and pour hot water over it. Ready is your ginger boost tea that is great for a sore throat but also prevents inflammations. If you have a cold coming, it’s also great to chew on a piece of ginger. Don’t forget to spit it out! Ginger works anti-inflammatory and is an antioxidant, so eating a bit every day in sauces, curries, or drinking it as a tea, can keep you away from annoying colds.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Every day, I drink a cup of water with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp honey. The fermented drink gives you a good start to the day by giving you a little detox at the beginning of the day. It has probiotics and also helps your immune system to stay strong. In general, fermented foods have a high amount of bacteria that are great for your body. Just as ginger, it has antioxidants, and research says it even lowers blood sugar levels. Don’t drink too much of it, though!
4. Chicken soup
The main good thing about chicken soup is that it keeps you hydrated, and that is very important not to get sick, but also while you’re sick. Chicken has a lot of Vitamin A, B-6, and C. Vitamin B-6 is responsible for creating red blood cells. Stock or broth made from chicken bones contains gelatin and nutrients that are good for boosting immunity and acting as an antioxidant. Of course, it’s even better if your chicken soup has all the great veggies like carrots, parsnip, celery root, and garlic, for example.
5. Citrus fruits
Eat more citrus fruits, like mandarins, oranges, clementines, pomelo, grapefruit, limes, and lemons. Each of these is very high in Vitamin C and might keep your cold down to just a cough rather than developing into something worse. Just eating an orange a day makes a difference. Other than that, citrus fruits are high in magnesium, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals that are good for our bodies.
