With the cooling of the weather, an increase in respiratory viral infections and seasonal illnesses is observed. People with weak immune systems are particularly at risk during this period. Cold weather, stress, improper nutrition, and physical inactivity reduce the body's defense power. Therefore, healthy nutrition, lifestyle, and preventive measures become even more important.
Which products should definitely be included in the diet to strengthen immunity during cold months? To what extent is the role of natural remedies such as honey, garlic, and ginger medically confirmed? What special recommendations are there for children and the elderly during cold weather?
Speaking to Medianews.az on the subject, endocrinologist and dietitian Günay Həsənova stated that in cold seasons, decoctions must definitely be taken together with nutrition. According to her, this helps both to strengthen the immune system in the body and to prevent widespread infections in people, and generally to prevent any infection during colds: “For example, coltsfoot is a remedy for colds. Along with this, chamomile tea against colds can also be taken during the cold months. Of course, ginger and honey water also show a strong effect against colds.
Foods rich in vitamin C should dominate the diet. For example, orange juice strengthens the immune system. Also, since it thins the blood, ginger or grapefruit juice can be used to improve blood circulation. You can add a clove of ginger to grapefruit juice and drink it.”
G.Həsənova recalled that the Azerbaijani national cuisine includes khash: “Khash is a food that strengthens the immune system. Besides, it is a strong collagen source. Although it is digested a little slowly in the body, its content is very rich in vitamins.
There is more fish in cold seasons. Unlike summer, we can eat all kinds of fish during the cold months. Therefore, we should give omega-containing foods to our children. Omega is more abundant in fish. It is better to cook fish itself for children instead of fish oil.
Raising the immune system means that hemoglobin should increase in the blood. For this reason, eating spinach, liver, and feijoa is beneficial. When the weather is cold, foods that increase iron should be added to the diet. For example, lentil soup, which is rich in iron. Spinach is also rich in iron.
Leafy greens are also rich in vitamin C and minerals. In addition, it is advisable to use chia seeds. The minerals in them are not found in other seeds. During cold seasons, it is very appropriate to use avocado as a fruit. The fatty acids in avocado nourish the brain.”
Nailə Qasımova,
Medianews.az
