Foods Don’t Stop the Flu

With the swine flu and the regular flu impending, many are trying to boost their immune systems by eating foods high in vitamin C, antioxidants and probiotics. However, an article in the Washington Post discredits eating certain foods to improve immune health. The article says no single food, or group of foods, will substantially enhance immune response.

Instead, the article advocates eating on a regular basis to keep the immune system busy. I don’t buy this advice, as I’m not sure how often “on a regular basis” is and if I eat too much, I will become overweight, which the article states is harmful to immune health.

Advice I can follow form the article: good hygiene and eating a well-rounded, healthful diet with the nutrients that helps the whole body stay healthy, not just the immune system.

As it turns out, these experts say there is not much one can do with diet to protect against the swine flu or any other illness, which is depressing. I guess if I’m going to get the swine flu this year, I am going to get it regardless of what foods I eat.