The swine flu has caused panic among many people because it can have severe and potentially dangerous symptoms. According to David R. Boyd and David Suzuki, authors of "Dodging the Toxic Bullet: How to Protect Yourself from Everyday Environmental Health Hazards," there are certain things you can do to increase your immunity and decrease your chance of getting the swine flu. One easy way to reduce your chances is to add nutritious foods to your diet.
Fruits and Vegetables
Adding any type of fruit or vegetable to your diet will increase your resistance to swine flu, say Boyd and Suzuki. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen your body's ability to fight off invading bacteria before they cause you to experience swine flu symptoms. Produce with vitamin C may be the most effective at protecting yourself from swine flu because this vitamin encourages your white blood cells to work more efficiently so your body is able to destroy swine flu germs before they make you sick. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, strawberries, kiwis, red bell peppers and broccoli are nutritious sources of vitamin C that may boost your immunity.
Figs and Dates
Figs and dates are considered one of the oldest foods used to build the immune system and may also prevent swine flu, according to Frances Sheridan Goulart, author of "Super Immunity Foods: A Complete Program to Boost Wellness, Speed Recovery and Keep Your Body Strong." Figs and dates contain high levels of protective antioxidants that may help your body fight off germs and bacteria that can cause you to get sick. These fruits also provide a healthy dose of potassium, which aids your body in staying well. Figs and dates can be eaten plain, and Goulart suggests them as an alternative to sugary desserts. They can also be baked into pies or breads as another way to eat them for your immunity.
Oats
Oats are another food that have immunity-building benefits, Goulart says. In addition to having plenty of fiber and minerals, regularly eating oats can strengthen your body's ability to fight off germs and bacteria that cause swine flu. Oats can also boost your body's ability to respond to illness, which may allow you to recover more quickly. A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast is one way to eat oats. Oats can also be baked into breads, cookies, muffins and cakes or sprinkled on your favorite cereal. You can also add oats as a filler in meatloaf and hamburgers to increase their nutrition and potentially boost your immunity against swine flu as well.
References
- "Dodging the Toxic Bullet: How to Protect Yourself from Everyday Environmental Health Hazards"; David R. Boyd and David Suzuki; 2010
- "Super Immunity Foods: A Complete Program to Boost Wellness, Speed Recovery and Keep Your Body Strong"; Frances Sheridan Goulart; 2009
