It's cold season again! So that you can get rid of the annoying infection quickly, we reveal which foods really help against colds.
Hello cold season!
As soon as it gets colder outside again, people cough and sneeze in every nook and cranny. There it is again, the unloved cold season! And when it hits us, we just want to get well again as soon as possible. The right diet can help us: With these seven foods against colds you are guaranteed to be fit again quickly!
1. Herbal tea
Herbal tea is not a true classic for colds for nothing. On the one hand, we need a lot of fluid anyway so that the swollen mucous membranes of the nose can swell again. On the other hand, various herbs help us to get well again quickly: Chamomile, for example, has anti-inflammatory effects, and peppermint clears the airways.
2. ginger
Ginger really heats us up – Due to the hot substances it contains, it has a sweat-inducing and anti-inflammatory effect and warms us up from within. Ginger can also be drunk as a tea: Simply cut one or two narrow strips from a fresh piece of ginger, pour hot water over them and let them steep for a moment. Warning: We should not consume more than 50 grams of ginger a day – otherwise there is a risk of stomach problems such as heartburn or flatulence.
3. honey
Honey has amazing antibacterial properties – in some cases it is even called a natural antibiotic. It supports the immune system in killing viruses and bacteria and ensures that dry, irritating cough subsides. Honey, for example, is easy to stir into tea and it is also practical to sweeten it. However, be careful with phlegmatic coughs: Here honey is not suitable for treatment because it can increase the mucus in the airways!
4. Chicken soup
Another classic for a cold. And not for nothing: Chicken soup is packed with healthy ingredients and helps reduce inflammation. The following applies: the more fresh, seasonal vegetables are used in the chicken soup, the healthier it is! You can find the best recipe here:
5. yogurt
Probiotic yogurt contains many healthy lactic acid bacteria, which not only ensure good intestinal flora, but are also suitable for colds. One study shows that probiotics can help prevent colds. And if it did get us Probiotics can even shorten the infection.
6. Garlic
Garlic has an antibacterial and antiviral effect and is therefore often used to prevent and treat infections. Certain phytochemicals known as sulfides are responsible for this. Garlic is most effective when eaten raw. If you can't bring yourself to that, you can also cook a garlic tea. To do this, three cloves of garlic are peeled, halved and poured with hot water. A little lemon juice can be added to this. Then the tea is strained and drunk slowly.
7. Onions
Onions relieve coughs and sore throats with a cold and have both antibacterial and analgesic properties. An onion stock is made for this: Simply chop an onion, pour two tablespoons of liquid honey over it and let the liquid steep for several hours, then pour it off and consume it several times a day, spoon by spoon. By the way: Onions are also used for earache. The best way to do this is to cut them into small pieces, wrap them in a thin cotton cloth and place them on the affected ear.
Would you like more gentle help with infections? Then take a look at our articles Home Remedies for Coughs, Home Remedies for Colds and Home Remedies for Colds.
If you want to talk to others about health issues, we also recommend taking a look at our BRIGITTE Community.