Top “Flu Buster” Foods

• Whey Protein: Popular among the bodybuilding crowd, whey protein contains key substances called immunoglobulins or immune peptides that support a healthy immune system.
• Cultured Yogurt: Check labels of yogurt products for active cultures representing a class of “friendly” bacteria (probiotics) found throughout the GI tract.  The intestinal tract is the largest immune organ in the body, and probiotics help fend off germs that make you sick.
• Mushrooms: Once thought to be void of nutrients, recent research shows that most mushroom varieties contain antiviral constituents called polysaccharides that shore up the immune system.
• Elderberry: Cooked into jam and syrup, or mixed with cranberries for a special sauce, elderberries have been shown to prevent replication of the flu virus. Preliminary findings suggest that the berries may speed recovery from the flu.
• Garlic: This aromatic bulb contains several constituents, such as allicin, with proven antimicrobial effects. Warding off nasty bugs by generously adding garlic to foods may boost immune resistance and help prevent flu.
• Oats: In addition to the grain’s cholesterol-lowering effects, components in oats called beta glucans are powerful immune regulating compounds that have been studied with positive effects in animals and humans.

Honorable mentions: Fish for omega 3’s, nuts for zinc and selenium, sweet potatoes for beta carotene, and citrus fruits for vitamin C are all important nutrients that support a healthy immune system.

“Daily exercise, healthy diet, supplements, being hydrated, and getting adequate rest, help provide a potent arsenal to prevent the flu,” says Germano, who is also Chief Science Officer for Surgex. “Another healthy tip that can never be said enough?  Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently!”

When is the Flu Contagious?

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

Nearly everyone. For the first time, the CDC is recommending that everyone over six months old be vaccinated  to protect themselves and others from flu symptoms and complications that can put the heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, and brain at risk.

Flu-Buster Foods The Saturday Evening Post

Dorothy,

Pocatello, Idaho

Don’t give up soy and flax yet! While it’s true that estrogen can increase cancer risk—especially when abnormal cells have “docking stations” (called receptors) for the powerful hormone—the estrogen-like compounds in soy and flax may actually provide health benefits. Post advisor Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, explains:

“Soybeans and flaxseed contain phytoestrogens, which react with the same receptors as estrogen from ovarian or fat tissue. Phytoestrogens, which are sometimes called ‘plant hormones,’ may have estrogen-like effects. However, they trigger a far weaker response than do the estrogens produced by the body. In fact, consuming soy and flax may prevent stronger-acting estrogens from binding to the receptor sites and produce an overall antiestrogenic effect, similar to the way tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug, works.

“The potential benefit has caused many to question whether the high soy consumption in Asian populations contributes to the low breast cancer rates in those countries. Although studies have not been conclusive, some of the data suggest increasing soy intake during adolescence or early adulthood may decrease cancer risk. Alternatively, studies do not show a direct correlation between high soy consumption and the risk of breast cancer.

“While I wouldn’t recommend loading up on large amounts of flax, tofu, soy milk, and other soy products, I don’t think it’s necessary to completely avoid them. Stay away from phytoestrogen supplements, though. They may increase your consumption too much. Instead, focus on staying lean and physically active to reduce body fat, which is a major source of estrogens. And of course, schedule regular checkups with your physician to discuss treatment options and answer any questions that may arise.”

Of the foods that Americans eat, soy and flax have the highest content of phytoestrogens. Other sources (with lesser amounts) include: sesame seeds, wheat, berries, oats, barley, dried beans, lentils, yams, rice, alfalfa, mung beans, apples, carrots, pomegranates, and wheat germ.

Soy, Flax, and Breast Cancer The Saturday Evening Post