With the cold/flu season coming up soon and the potential
for an H1N1 flu outbreak (also known as the "Swine Flu"),
it is especially important to know what you can do to stay
healthy. Along with washing your hands, staying fit, and
getting adequate sleep, what else can you do to minimize
your risk of getting sick?
 |
MULTIPLE DEFENSES: Eating a well-
balanced
diet, taking a multivitamin,
skipping soda and
eating yogurt can help
strengthen the body's immune
system
agains the flu and other diseases. |
Eat a well-balanced diet. It sounds obvious,
but consuming all of the required nutrients is especially
important for the immune system to function. A deficiency
in just one vitamin or mineral can weaken immunity. Common
culprits are Vitamin A, C, D, E and zinc deficiencies.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans are good sources
of most of these nutrients. For tips on planning a balanced
diet, visit mypyramid.gov
Take a multivitamin, for the same
reason as above. This
is especially important for vegetarians who may not be
getting adequate amounts of zinc and B vitamins in their
diets.
Skip the soda and choose water or decaffeinated
tea instead. Regular and diet sodas may contribute to bone
loss later in life, and the caffeine content may make you
dehydrated. In contrast, tea has the added benefit of containing
phytochemicals that may strengthen the immune system.
Eat yogurt and/or products fortified
with pre- and probiotics.
Live bacteria in yogurt aid in the health of your gut,
where more than 50 to 60 percent of your immune system
is located. Check product labels for the phrase "contains
active cultures."
For more information, contact the EMU Office of Nutrition
Services at 487-6572 or e-mail them at chhs_nutrition@emich.edu
