It's Cold Season! Try These Immune System Boosting Foods

December 21, 2014
This winter, as you juggle busy rehearsal schedules, Nutcracker performances and New Year’s plans, it’s important to stay health-conscious to fight off those nasty seasonal colds that can slow you down. Try these foods to give your immune system a boost, so you’ll head to the studio feeling your best:

Fish

Oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help fight harmful inflammation. One study in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that omega-3s may help to reduce anxiety as well—this can also strengthen the immune system.

Garlic

Its cloves contain allicin, a sulfuric compound that produces antioxidants. A study in Advances in Therapy found that those who took garlic supplements between November and February had fewer colds than those who didn’t. They also tended to get better faster if they did get sick.

Blueberries

Researchers
at Cornell University found that wild blueberries had the most antioxidants of any fresh fruit, out of the ones they tested. Try adding some to a breakfast smoothie or sprinkling them on your oatmeal.