TRY THESE INFECTION-FIGHTING FOODS WHEN YOU HAVE COLD OR FLU
Unilab Inc. apologized to consumers on Tuesday for a temporary scarcity of its brands owing to "extraordinary demand." With the scarcity of medicine, try these infection-fighting foods to help fight the common cold and flu.
/ 10 January 2022
Banner art by Angelica Flores Juan
It started out as a meme, but it got everybody’s attention.
Photo courtesy of Pgag
A lot of people on social media posted they caught the flu or had common cold after the holidays. With whatever reason, it caused a sudden demand for cold medicine like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
While the country is experiencing scarcity with some medicine to fight the common cold, consumers can try these infection-fighting foods:
- Bananas: This common fruit contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in protecting the body against certain oxidative stress. This is widely available in ordinary Filipino households and aids in the relief of cold symptoms.
- Vitamin C-containing foods: tomatoes, oranges, strawberries. A person with cold symptoms can also drink vitamin C supplements as an alternative to these foods. Vitamin C is important for bone, muscle, and blood vessel health. Vitamin C also aids in the synthesis of collagen and aids in the absorption of iron by the body.
- Blueberries: This berries are chock-full of minerals such as vitamin K and vitamin C. It also has antioxidants, like bananas, that help alleviate stress. This fruit is not common in the market but can be acquired through fruit stores online.
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- Carrots: This vegetable can be added to soups or eaten as is. Either way, the minerals and vitamins from carrots are anti-viral and improve digestion.
- Chili peppers: according to WebMD, chili peppers may open sinuses and aid in the breakdown of mucus in the lungs.
- Cranberries: This is a widely known fact, and perhaps your tita might have already recommended cranberry juice because cranberry properties prevent bacteria from sticking to cells lining the bladder and urinary tract.
- Black and green tea: Teas contain catechin, a phytochemical purported to have natural antibiotic and anti-diarrhea effects, which help a person experiencing flu symptoms get better.
Keep in mind that serious illnesses, including Covid-19, bronchitis, meningitis, strep throat, and asthma, can mimic the common cold. Call your doctor if your symptoms are severe or don’t seem to be improving. #StayHomeStaySafe, a friendly reminder from The FEED.
