Cold Season and the Foods That Help You Survive It

The cold season is in full force. Did you know, however, that there are certain foods we can eat to help us
survive the common cold and emerge a bit less scathed on the other side? It’s true. And you might be
surprised to learn exactly which foods they are.

Fermentation of some foods produces a probiotic effect, and as everyone these days knows, probiotics
can help keep your immune system strong. They can, in fact, help you avoid catching that common cold
in the first place–and even if that doesn’t work (you are exposed to germs everywhere you go) it can help
lessen the severity and the amount of time you suffer from that cold.

So what can you eat that provides the needed fermentation, a.k.a. probiotics?

Yogurt is an excellent source. Eat some for breakfast and later in the day as a healthy snack, too. Kefir is
a fermented milk drink found in many health food stores. Whip up a smoothie or shake made with this
before heading to the office–a major source of cold and flu germs.

Miso is made from fermented rice and makes an excellent soup. That provides a twofold weapon–
especially if you’ve already been knocked down during cold season. It will up your immune system while
helping clear your sinuses and soothe your throat with the benefits only hot soup can provide.

Tempeh is made from fermented soy and is the perfect meat substitute in many dishes including chili,
soup and burritos. The probiotics in these dishes will go unknown to your family, but you will know how
much their immune system will appreciate the boost.

Try one or more–or all–of these suggestions for battling the nasty symptoms of cold season. See if you
don’t emerge a bit more triumphant than you have in seasons past.