As winter approaches.. 5 foods to eat to treat colds

Strengthen the immune system throughout the winter months

Preparing for the cold and flu season includes a set of preventive and therapeutic measures. Foods and drinks play both roles together, and it is recommended to avoid some foods that hinder the speed of recovery.

According to "Healthline", here are the most important foods and drinks you should eat when you feel cold symptoms:

Healthy chicken soup

Chicken soup has been a favorite food for patients for generations, as it is an easy-to-eat source of vitamins, minerals, calories and protein, which are nutrients that the body needs in greater quantities while recovering from illness .

Chicken soup also reduces dehydration resulting from diarrhea, vomiting, sweating or fever.

Chicken soup contains the amino acid cysteine, which breaks down mucus and has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

Drink warm drinks

Chamomile and other caffeine-free teas are favorite treatments for cold and flu symptoms.

A cup of fresh, hot ginger tea may seem like just what you need when you suffer from a cold. It helps clear congestion and soothes the throat. Some studies show ginger has protective benefits against flu viruses.

Just like chicken soup, hot tea works as a natural decongestant. The tea should be hot to help relieve congestion, but it shouldn't be so hot that it irritates the throat further.

These drinks also help hydrate the body and prevent dehydration.

Eat citrus fruits

Citrus fruits, including oranges, tangerines, lemons, and grapefruit, are some of the foods that can help prevent colds and flu.

Studies suggest that eating a lot of them when you first start feeling cold symptoms can help you recover faster.

Germ fighters

According to MedWeb, this category of foods includes cabbage, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, and blueberries.

What these foods have in common is that they contain an antioxidant called quercetin, which may help you fight off the common cold.

Spicy foods

These foods help fight colds, and hot peppers help clear your nasal passages. While garlic contains a substance called capsaicin, which studies have shown may help treat head congestion.

Foods to avoid

Avoid fatty foods, such as pizza and French fries, which can be harder to digest during an infection.

Also avoid dehydrating drinks, such as caffeinated drinks and alcohol.