4 Foods to Help Beat the Common Cold

The common cold is something we have all experienced at some point, and undoubtedly, we will cross paths with again on our journey. It seems like an inevitable part of life -- especially if you have little ones in the house, work in a large office, take the subway or fly frequently. I'm currently recovering from a cold that I contracted in Hawaii, one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and definitely not a place I would expect to pick up a cold!

However, germs are everywhere, and without the ability to see them lingering, we can’t always avoid them. Even though we can’t fully evade germs, there are many simple, natural things we can do to prevent those germs from winning the fight against our immune system – and even shorten the lifespan of the cold if and when we do happen to get sick. You don’t even have to leave the kitchen to find a slew of helpful immune boosters.

My favorite foods that can help combat an illness and boost the immune system are ...

1. Garlic — if you can stomach raw garlic, this is the best option. Adding it into tea is another option, if you enjoy the taste. If you’re not a big fan of garlic and you’re staring at your screen in horror at the thought of eating raw garlic ... have no fear. Just cook with it as much as possible when you’re feeling a cold coming on, or if like me, you are currently battling one. Toss in several cloves during each meal and enjoy the benefits.

2. Probiotics — we’re programmed to hear the word bacteria and think it’s a bad thing, but good bacteria exists and your body needs it. Probiotics provide your body with the good bacteria it needs to function at its best. You can take probiotics as a liquid supplement, capsule, or you can enjoy the probiotic properties of fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kombucha.

3. Cloves — it doesn’t have to be the holiday season for you to break out the cloves. Cloves have incredible properties that help the body fight against germs, alleviate pain and even helps with
loosening the phlegm that you may be battling with a cold.

4. Cayenne — this is another simple option that you can sprinkle on any meal. Adding that pop of spice can help decrease the mucus buildup and assist with easing your sore throat and congestion. Adding fresh lemon and cayenne into boiling water as a homemade tea packs a punch against that cold you’re battling. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which only helps boost the immune system response.

There are many more natural ways to boost your immune system, but starting with a few will help you have other options in battling your next cold. Make a note of these foods and remember them the next time you feel a cold coming on.

What are your favorite natural ways to fight off an illness? Tell me in comments box below, I’d love to hear any tricks you may have!