10 Foods That Help Fight Infections

By adding certain products to our diet, we can strengthen our immune system and thus more easily fight infections and many other diseases.

When the cold months come, we have to be very careful not to get sick. Viruses and bacteria are “the order of the day” and infections such as colds, tonsillitis, bronchitis are common.

Also, if our immune system is not in good condition, we can suffer from other infections, for example caused by fungi.

For this reason, in the following article we are going to give you the foods that can help you during this time.

What foods prevent or treat infections?

1. Ginger

It is a root extremely beneficial to our defenses. It has an antibacterial effect and is a strong antibiotic that helps the body fight colds or pharyngitis.

• It is advisable to take it in small quantities, either grated with meals (for example in salads), or in infusions.
• If you combine it with honey, the result will be even better.

2. Yogurt

This dairy product contains good bacteria called probiotics, which treat yeast infections. They appear when there is an imbalance in the levels of bacteria that are beneficial and harmful to our body.

• Consume one yogurt per day for breakfast or in the middle of the morning to take advantage of all its properties.
• We recommend that you choose Greek yogurt, sugar free or flavorless for the best benefits.

3. Fermented foods

In this group, we find for example kefir or sauerkraut, as well as certain canned foods (such as pickles or pickled olives).

• They contain probiotics similar to those in yogurt.
• During the fermentation process, they create vitamins and digestive enzymes which, entering our body, reduce inflammation and allow detoxification.

4. Garlic

It is a superfood that cannot be lacking in our kitchen, and of course, in our dishes.

Garlic is a powerful antibiotic that can cope with infections of all kinds, either by eating it with meals or using it as an external remedy.

The components responsible for giving it this characteristic flavor are also those which effectively treat the problems arising from viruses, bacteria and yeasts.

• You can eat a raw garlic clove in the morning or add it to all your favorite recipes.

5. Cinnamon

This rich spice mainly used to flavor chocolate and desserts contains a good amount of antioxidants and minerals, including calcium, fiber, iron and manganese.

• A pinch of cinnamon a day strengthens the immune system.
• It also allows us to take advantage of its main properties (antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial).
• Cinnamon is even recommended for treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism or diabetes.

6. Grapefruit

It is an excellent source of vitamin C, known to have the ability to deal with viral and bacterial illnesses.

In addition, grapefruit suppresses infections caused by yeast and allows for faster healing.

Thanks to its components, cells work faster to eliminate and control bacterial invaders.

If you often get sick in winter or due to temperature changes, we advise you to increase your intake of not only grapefruit, but also other citrus fruits such as orange or lemon.

You can also eat other fruits rich in vitamin C, such as kiwi or strawberries.

7. Turmeric

Like cinnamon, this yellowish spice that is used for rice is common in Indian dishes and has the ability to reduce symptoms of infections.

In addition, curcumin (its main component) is beneficial for bones and joints. Which is ideal if you have, for example, osteoarthritis.

Also, turmeric maintains good liver health. We cannot forget that when our system is not functioning properly we are more prone to disease.

8. Whole grains

Unlike what is refined (white), whole seeds do not cause inflammation in the body. And, therefore, there is less risk of disease.

Whole grains retain all the nutrients and have a low glycemic index, which prevents blood sugar levels from rising.

When the opposite happens, the body’s response is to encourage the entry and proliferation of viruses, bacteria, and yeasts.

9. Green leafy vegetables

Swiss chard, spinach or lettuce are good allies to strengthen the immune system and avoid getting sick or suffering from infections.

Try to consume them raw to reap their full benefits.

10. Red fruits

In addition to their reddish colors, one of the properties shared by red fruits is the amount of nutrients they offer.

Also called berries, they are part of a very large group which includes among others the following varieties:

• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Raspberries
• Red currants
• Sour cherries
• Blackberries

They are small in size but very nutritious, grown with wild shrubs and contain polyphenols, phytochemicals and flavonoids that strengthen our defenses.

A handful a day, whether for breakfast, mid-morning, or for dessert is great for saying goodbye to infections.