Page 4 - SYNERGY HomeCare Magazine - Winter 2016
P. 4
FLU FIGHTING FOODS SENIORS ANDTHE
FLU SHOT
In addition to plentiful in green Flu season. It’s that time of year, and no
getting a shot, leafy vegetables like one looks forward to its arrival. Millions
there are certain kale and spinach. of Americans find themselves on the
foods that can Dark leafy greens front lines of this health battle, hoping
strengthen your are also packed to avoid this season of sickness.
immune system with cold-busting
and help fend off zinc and a ton of Most seasonal citizens account for 60
the flu. Here is a vitamin A, which flu activity percent of flu-related
list of eight foods has been shown to typically occurs hospitalizations and
nutritionists say boost immunity. between October and 90 percent of all flu-
can help keep this May. Flu activity most related deaths.
year’s flu virus ► Flava Flavonoids commonly peaks in the
Flavonoids, found in United States between Experts at the CDC say
at bay. grapefruit, oranges December and February. the best way for older
and lemons, have adults to avoid the flu is
► Turn Up the Heat been found to People over the age to get a flu shot.
Add a little cayenne increase immune of 65 are among those
pepper to dishes to system activation. at greatest risk of Flu symptoms in the
give them a power- According to doctors, contracting the flu. elderly include:
packed punch. Hot these vitamin-like According to the Centers • Cough
peppers contain substances have been for Disease Control • Fever
anti-cold and anti- shown to decrease and Prevention, people • Lethargy
flu agents. the rate of arterial over 65 are vulnerable • Sore throat
aging and immune to the flu because • Congestion
► OJ Makes it OK system aging. their immune systems • Body aches
Orange juice is are weaker. Senior • Headache
packed with vitamin ► Pineapple a Day
C, which helps to An apple isn’t the
boost immunity only fruit that can
and speed recovery keep the doctor away.
from illness. Research suggests
that eating a 1/2 cup
► Heal Me Honey of pineapple every
Adding some honey day can improve
to your tea will the immune system.
do more than just Pineapples are shown
sweeten it. Research to boost white blood
suggests honey might cell production,
reduce the risk of flu which is the body’s
infections by flushing first line of defense
bacterial and viral against bacteria and
pathogens from flu bugs.
the body.
► Berry Good
► Something Fishy All berries have
Salmon provides high concentrations
the body with of antioxidants to
tons of immune- help fight off flu
boosting omega-3s, viruses. Blueberries
protein, vitamin E pack the most
and calcium. punch, containing
more antioxidants
► Great Greens than 40 other fruits
Glutathione has been and vegetables.
found to strengthen
the immune system. Before trying out any
This powerful of the foods on the list,
antioxidant is check with your doctor to
determine if there could
be adverse reactions with
any medications you may
be taking.
