Do you eat certain foods when you feel a cold comming on?

[kurt28]

People like to quote Hippocrates as saying "let food be they medicine, and medicine be thy food. And I got to thinking that maybe it would be a good idea to eat certain foods when you feel you are getting sick or coming down with something. Like a cold or flu.

So I guess it would be a good idea at those times to eat something that is high in vitamin C, right? I heard that bell peppers are high in vitamins C and brocolli. And of course oranges. So, does anyone try to eat certain foods like this when you feel like you're comming down with something? What do you eat at those time? Do you feel it helped or prevented you from getting sick?

And, besides vitamin C, are there any other nutrients that we should be getting at those times that boost your immune system?

[smiley]

Interestingly enough, I actually crave garlic when I get sick (which is rare now that I've been raw for 8 years). When this happens, I put a garlic clove in my mouth and suck on it and gently bite down and surprisingly it tastes sweet for a little while before it turns too spicy. I enjoy the sweetness thinking that my body must need the antibiotics. :)

[betty boop]

I haven't had a cold or flu for a couple years. I like to think it's because of eating raw, but the last time I had the flu I remember craving and eating bruchetta (garlic/tomatoes/basil/salt) I drank water for the first couple days, then green tea and wheatgrass. When my body started asking for food after 4-5 days it wanted bruschetta and I ate that for quite a few days. That really opened my eyes and cemented the fact that I was on the right track.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i eat a ton of fruit... it's what my body craves when i'm not feeling 100%.

[zinny]

I find it's useful to drink lots of liquids (water, juice, soup) and eat less food (or at least lighter and less sweet foods, eg greens rather than fruits or root veg) for a couple of days. Try juicing grapefruits plus a lime, ginger, and/or kale.
I also love a clove or two of raw garlic on tomato slices, although I tend to think of that as more of a preventative.

[cbowden]

I am mostly raw but have had a horrid sinus infection for at least 4 weeks now. Very frustrating. Nasty sinus inflamation, then it migrates to a sore throat, mild chest congestion. Just when I think it's on its way out it comes back again! Urgh!

Examining my diet I do see I don't get enough Vitamin C. I do eat lots of fresh greens. When I juice a throw in a couple of garlic cloves.

My brother who is all raw says I need to take a vitamin supplement. My feelings have been that if I eat well then supplements aren't necessary. But having this nasty thing which is refusing to go away I'm wondering if maybe I do need to start taking supplements.

Now that this nasty infection has found a home in my body any suggestions on how to get it to move out?

I wish everyone wellness this winter season and always!

[EscapeArtist]

I haven 't had a cold for a long time, unless cold-like symptoms during detox count? I would probably do a lot of green juices, eat little, and include a lot of herbs.

[CathyA.]

Juice some lemons. Leave the rind on. Make some lemonaide with it or just shoot it down.