Wanted: IMMUNITY

I'm sitting here, sipping my honey-loaded peppermint tea researching a cure for my ongoing 'Welcome to 2013' cold/flu bug. Yes, I'm that unfortunate one who was sick the entire holiday break. It first started with a few sniffles, then led to a full blown 3 days in bed head/chest cold, and now I'm the lucky recipient of what I think is, the flu. Guh. I think this is where people insert those 3 letters - starts with F and ends with L? You know the one.

What makes matters even more depressing is that I missed meeting a newborn baby today and my (future) nephew's birthday party tonight. As celebratory drinks are being poured, Italian rice balls served, and cannoli melting in mouths, I remain at home with Pepto by my side. How depressing!  Not how I wanted to end off my holidays!

However, it's times like these that test your faith and positivity, right? There's a reason to this madness and I just need to discover it.  Perhaps my body is telling me take a rest....perhaps my body is telling me to slow down (but how? I've got a wedding to plan! haha).....perhaps, my body is telling me it's time for an immunity cleanse.....perhaps, my body is telling me that it's time for an immunity boosting diet!

I do feel like I need a little shock to my system! I am a huge believer that food cures. I mean, how can you argue the amazing benefits of an alkaline body? (Hello, diseases don't typically grow in alkaline bodies!) I'm in need of an immunity boosting diet, alkalizing diet.  I have been known (ask any colleagues or close friends of mine) to have chronic colds come Winter. 'You're sick again?' - 'Yep...'. Enough is enough. I firmly believe that I have the power to change this cycle. It's time...

So, as I google the subject 'Immunity boosting diets', I am overwhelmed by the various answers out there. I imagined that I would be able to find the top 10, and that's that! NOPE, like everything else, there's a ton of different suggestions. So, below, I have put together a list of foods that seemed to keep popping up, from my research. They are:

1. Chicken Noodle Soup
It's not just an old wive's tale. It really works! It thins the mucous and has some anti-inflammatory effects. Goodbye nasal congestion!
2. Onion and Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, fights infection and bacteria. Who's up for eating 2 raw cloves of garlic daily? Yikes, welcome to stinkville.
3. Mushrooms
Apparently works with white blood cells to kill infection. Cool power team! Go team Shiitake!
4. Citrus Fruits
We all love vitamin C!
5. Yogurt
Probiotics - keeping your gut clean and healthy from disease-causing germs! Be sure that your yoghurt has Lactobacillus reuteri in it. Otherwise, it's just yoghurt, not the warrior style.
6.Vitamin D & Omega 3 Fatty Acids
7. Hot Tea
L-theanine, an amino acid, you can thank! Drink up! Green tea rocks this antioxidant department.
8. Ginger
A natural pain and fever reducer.
9. Honey
Soothes sore throats with it's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Look for Buckwheat honey! Warning: Never give honey to a child under 1 years old.
10. Black Pepper
Go piperine! Apparently it has anti-fever and pain-relieving qualities.

These seem to be the popular ones! What have you heard is an immunity boosting food? I'd love to know your secrets to immunity health. And once again, just a reminder that I am not a doctor or expert in this field but rather a health nut who craves information. Always visit your doctor or naturopath for more details on strengthening your immunity.  

Raise your green tea in the air and CHEERS to a healthy immune system for 2013!

xo

References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/02/06/immune-system-foods_n_1257903.html#s668462&title=ImmuneBoosting_Supplements_

http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/9-power-foods-boost-immunity