Four Foods Help You Fight Off Flu

Happy New Year from all of us at AM Warner Insurance. January has started out with a nasty blast of cold arctic air. If you haven't had your flu and pneumonia shots, I encourage you to get them right away. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 98% of flu cases in the U.S. are related to swine flu, so make sure to get vaccinated for H1N1.

Adding four foods rich in germ-fighting antioxidants can help your immune system fight off colds and flu this winter.

• Colorful fruits and veggies contain beta-carotene and vitamin C, powerful antioxidants. So stock up on carrots and sweet potatoes and try to eat at least a half cup serving every day.
• Eating two 6-ounce servings of yogurt every day, particularly varieties containing probiotics, improves digestive health, can ease diarrhea and prevent yeast and urinary tract infections.
• Four tablespoons of lemon juice stirred into a glass of water or tea or sprinkled on salad helps maintain a healthy internal climate for good disease-fighting bacteria.
• Season your food with two cloves of garlic each day to stimulate infection fighting white blood cells.