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Natick VNA is a not-for-profit agency committed to excellence
in providing caring and compassionate multi-disciplinary health care services to patients in their homes. Through the generosity of our donors and our communities, we endeavor to provide services regardless of
a person’s ability to pay.
Natick VNA
209 West Central St.
Suite 313
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 653-3081
www.natickvna.org
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Have you have been to the cold and flu isle at the grocery store or pharmacy lately? Confused? Runny nose, stuffy nose, cough suppressant, expectorant, sore throat, itchy eyes…the list goes on and on. And if you’re like me, the medicine may help ease the cold, but it leaves your head in a fog. Which is worse? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just avoid being sick altogether? That may be a bit much to hope for, but if an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then sign me up!
“Making healthy choices with regards to your diet on a daily basis can actually help to keep your immune system strong and ward off illness. This means less medication, fewer missed days of work, and generally feeling better,” says Kate Saunders, a Registered Dietician with the Natick VNA. “Eating healthy foods doesn’t have to be difficult or unpleasant. There are many delicious foods out there with immune-enhancing benefits that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.”
We hear a lot about antioxidants, but what are they? Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals are called antioxidants and can be found in colorful fruits and vegetables. And colorful goes past green – think variety! “I often encourage clients to ‘eat the rainbow’ when it comes to fruits and vegetables.” Eating them raw or lightly steamed, instead of boiled or overcooked, will give you the biggest antioxidant bang for your buck. There are many supplements pill and powder form, but by choosing the whole fruit or vegetable you receive the unique combination of nutrients in that food which may have benefits beyond those of only antioxidants.
There are some foods which are immunity powerhouses and help support your body's ability to fight infections:
- Protein (lean meats, dairy, nuts and tofu)
- Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, eggs, fortified milk)
- Vitamin C (citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit)
- Vitamin E (wheat germ, whole-grain products, seeds and nuts)
- Zinc (lean red meat, poultry, beans, nuts and fortified cereal)
There are two other simple steps you can take to make sure that your body’s immune system stays at its strongest this cold and flu season:
- Minimize intake of alcohol at those annual holiday parties since excess alcohol consumption may lead to immune deficiency and cause increased susceptibility to certain diseases.
- Get moving! If you are able to engage in physical activity this can help your body fight off various infections, and over the long term it decreases your chances of developing heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Always consult with a medical professional prior to initiating an exercise program.
This winter, aim to avoid the cold and flu isle by shopping in your supermarket’s produce isle more. You’ll be healthier for it!
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