10 Foods That Help Fight Infection

Especially when the cold months start, we have to be very careful not to get sick. Viruses and bacteria are everywhere and colds, inflamed tonsils and bronchitis are common. We can also suffer from other infections, such as fungi if our immune system is not in a good state. What helps fight infections?

In this article, we want to share with you foods that can help fight infections.

Which foods prevent and help fight infections?

To fight infections and diseases that you can get at any time of the year, we recommend that you increase the following foods in your diet.

1. Ginger

Ginger is a root that is extremely beneficial for our immune system. It has an antibacterial effect and is a powerful antibiotic that helps the body fight against colds or pharyngitis.

• Use it in small amounts whether grated in meals (for example in salads) or in an herbal tea.
• If you combine it with honey, the result will be even better.

2. Yogurt

This dairy product contains “good” bacteria called probiotics that help fight infections caused by yeasts  . These appear when there is no balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria in the body.

• For example, eating yogurt with breakfast or as a mid-morning snack can help you reap all the benefits.
• We recommend that you opt for natural Greek yogurt without sugar or flavorings to speed up recovery.

3. Fermented Foods

In this group you can find kefir and sauerkraut, as well as some jarred foods (such as pickles or pickled olives).

• They contain probiotics that are similar to yogurt.
• During the fermentation process, vitamins and enzymes for digestion are created. When eaten, the body reduces inflammation and provides detoxification.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a superfood that should not only be in the kitchen, but also on our plates.

It is a potent antibiotic that can handle any kind of infection whether consumed with our meals or used as an external remedy.

The components responsible for giving it its well-known flavor are also the components that effectively treat problems caused by viruses, bacteria, and yeasts.

• You can eat it in the morning like a raw garlic clove or add it to your favorite recipes.

5. Cinnamon

This delicious spice that we mainly use for adding flavor and aroma to coffee or pastries contains a large amount of antioxidants and minerals such as calcium, fiber, iron and magnesium.

• A pinch of cinnamon a day is perfect for boosting the immune system.
• It also allows us to take advantage of its main ( antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial ) properties.
• Cinnamon is even recommended for treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism or diabetes.

6. Grapefruit

This is a great source of vitamin C that has the ability to fight viral and bacterial diseases.

Grapefruit helps fight infections caused by yeast and speeds up recovery.

Thanks to the components, the cells ‘work’ faster to eliminate and control bacterial invaders.

If you tend to get sick as soon as winter sets in or with changes in temperature, we recommend that you increase your consumption of not only grapefruit, but also other citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.

You can also eat other fruits that are rich in vitamin C, such as kiwi and strawberries.

7. Turmeric

Like cinnamon, this yellowish spice has the ability to reduce the symptoms of infections. It is often used in rice dishes and in traditional Hindu recipes.

Curcumin (the main ingredient) also helps your bones and joints. This makes it ideal for people who suffer from arthritis, for example.

In addition, turmeric helps to maintain liver health. You should not forget that when the liver is not functioning properly, we are more susceptible to disease.

8. Whole Grains

Unlike refined grains (the white ones), whole grains do not cause inflammation in the body. As a result, there is less risk of developing diseases.

Whole grains retain all their nutrients and have a low glycemic index. This ensures that our blood sugar level does not rise quickly.

When blood sugars do peak quickly and high, our body reacts by stimulating the entry and growth of viruses, bacteria and yeasts.

9. Green Leafy Vegetables

Swiss chard, spinach or lettuce are great allies when it comes to strengthening the immune system and preventing us from getting sick or getting infections.

Try eating them raw to reap all their benefits.

10. Berries

In addition to their bright colors, one of the properties that berries have is the amount of nutrients they provide.

They are fruits with a lot of variety and include the following types:

• blueberries
• Cherries
• raspberries
• gooseberries
• sour cherries
• Blackberries

They are small in size, but very nutritious. Picked from bushes, they contain polyphenols, phytochemicals and flavonoids that boost your defenses.

A handful a day, with breakfast, mid-morning or as a dessert, is ideal for saying goodbye to infections.