10 Foods That Help Fight Infections

When the cold months start, we must be very careful not to get sick. Viruses and bacteria are present and colds, angina and bronchitis are frequent.

If our immune system is not in good condition, we can also suffer other infections, for example, caused by fungi.

Therefore, in the following article we will tell you which foods can fight them.

What foods prevent or treat infections?

In order to fight infections and diseases that can affect your health at any time of the year, we recommend that you increase your consumption of the following foods:

1. Ginger

It is an extremely beneficial root for our defenses. It has an antibacterial effect and is a powerful antibiotic that allows the body to fight colds or pharyngitis.

It should be consumed in small amounts, whether grated in food (for example, in salads) or in herbal infusions. If combined with honey, the result will be much better.

2. Yogurt

This dairy has “good” bacteria called  probiotics that treat yeast infections. These appear when there is an imbalance in the levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria in our body.

Consume a pot of yogurt, for example, at breakfast or mid-morning to enjoy all its properties.

We recommend that you choose Greek yogurt, unsweetened or flavorless to recover faster.

3. Fermented food

This group includes, for example, kefir or sauerkraut, as well as some preserved foods (such as pickles or olives).

Contains probiotics similar to those in yogurt. During the fermentation process, they create vitamins and digestive enzymes that, when entering our body, reduce inflammation and allow detoxification.

4. Garlic

It is a superfood that cannot be missing in our kitchen or, of course, in our dishes.

Garlic is a potent antibiotic that  can fight infections of all kinds,  whether consuming it with meals or using it as an external medicine.

The components that are responsible for giving it that characteristic taste are also those responsible for effectively treating problems arising from viruses, bacteria and yeasts.

You can eat a raw garlic clove in the morning or add it to all your favorite recipes.

5. Cinnamon

This delicious spice that we use mainly to flavor and flavor coffee or desserts has a good amount of antioxidants and minerals, including calcium, fiber, iron and manganese.

• A pinch of cinnamon a day boosts the immune system.
• Furthermore, it provides its main properties (antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial).
• Cinnamon is even recommended to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism or diabetes.

6. Grapefruit

Also called grapefruit, it is a great source of vitamin C that has the ability to fight viral and bacterial diseases.

In addition, grapefruit  suppresses yeast infections and allows for faster healing.

Thanks to its components, cells “work” faster to eliminate and control bacterial invaders.

You can also eat other fruits rich in vitamin C, such as kiwi fruit or strawberries.

7. Turmeric

Like cinnamon, this yellowish spice that is often used in rice and is common in indigenous dishes has the ability to reduce the symptoms of infections.

In addition, curcumin (its main component) benefits bones and joints, making it ideal if you suffer, for example, from arthrosis.

Turmeric also maintains good liver health. We must not forget that when the liver system does not work properly we are more prone to disease.

8. Whole grains

Unlike refined (white), whole grains do not produce inflammation in the body and, therefore, there is less risk of suffering disease.

Whole grains retain all nutrients and have a low glycemic index. Therefore, they prevent blood sugar levels from rising.

When the opposite happens, the body’s response is to provide the entry and proliferation of viruses, bacteria and yeasts.

9. Green leafy vegetables

Chard, spinach or lettuce are good allies when it comes to strengthening the immune system and preventing us from getting sick or suffering from infections.

Try consuming them raw to enjoy all their benefits.

10. Red fruits

In addition to their reddish colors, one of the properties that the so-called “red fruits” share is the amount of nutrients they offer.

The also called berries or fruits of the forest, are a very broad group that includes the following varieties (among others):

• blueberries
• cherries
• raspberries
• gooseberries
• sour cherries
• blackberries

They are small in size, but very nutritious. They are grown in wild shrubs and  have polyphenols, phytochemicals and flavonoids that strengthen our defenses.

A handful a day, whether at breakfast, mid-morning or as dessert, is ideal for saying goodbye to infections.