Are you tired of flu season?
An expert has highlighted two foods you should eat more of when you have a cold or flu, which can speed up recovery.
In a video uploaded to his Instagram page, Professor Tim Spector revealed his ‘evidence-based tips’ for dealing with illness.
He said: “Cold and flu season is unfortunately here, and as a doctor and sinusitis sufferer, here are my six evidence-based tips to beat a cold quickly.” Among these tips were recommendations to increase your intake of two foods.
These are foods containing vitamin C and fermented foods.
However, he explained to his viewers that they should eat vitamin C-rich foods instead of taking supplements. Prof Spector said: “Get your vitamin C from food, not supplements.”
“Pills won’t shorten your cold. Instead, things like kiwis, peppers and broccoli provide vitamin C, along with powerful polyphenols that support your immune cells in your gut,” said the presenter and founder of ZOE Health on Channel 4.
Other good sources of vitamin C include:
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges and orange juice
- Strawberries
- Blackcurrants
- brussels sprouts
- Potatoes
According to Prof Spector, fermented foods improve gut health and boost immunity. He said, “Increase your fermented foods.”
“Daily ferments like your kimchis, your kefirs, your kombuchas and miso are linked to fewer infections and milder symptoms. In the first 48 hours, I always like to have a little extra,” he added.
And while you’re sick, it can be quite tempting to eat comfort food, but Professor Spector advised against this, saying: “The next thing is: go easy on those comfort foods.”
“When we are sick, we crave bread, pastries and sugar. But these will fuel inflammation even more and make matters worse,” explains Prof. Spector.
His other tips for colds were:
Act quickly and use a saline solution or a barrier nasal spray, rest and drink warm fluids
“These are my top tips. You can’t always prevent a cold, but now you have the tools to at least maximize your chance of shortening or avoiding the cold,” concluded Professor Tim Spector.
