create an account

Create an account to track orders, manage your meal plan, and update your delivery preferences.

Already have an account with us?

pinterest Save

How to boost your immune system for the cold and flu season

While the fall is a beautiful time of year, it also comes with some added germs. The truth is that cold and flu season is upon us, and there’s no better time than now to take the steps needed to bolster our immune systems to fight off germs that we may come in contact with everywhere we go.

So, if you want to start taking the steps to prevent getting sick and wasting all of your sick days on actually lying in bed sick this cold and flu season, read on.

 

 

Boosting Your Immune System the Plant-Based Way

First off, let’s talk about the fact that plant-based eaters already have a leg up when it comes to safeguarding their health and fighting off the cold and flu. Why? Because nutrient-dense plant-based foods like the ones found in Veestro’s meal plans are loaded with anti-inflammatory and naturally immune-boosting properties.

So, here’s a breakdown of the top five plant-based ways to boost your immune system for the upcoming cold and flu season.

 

#1 Boost Gut Health: Boosting your gut health is key to supporting a strong immune system. In fact, 70% of your immune system is in your gut, and those little microbes in your gut play a large role in keeping you healthy. So, boost your diet with plant-based gut-boosting foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, miso, and kombucha.

 

#2 Get Spicy: Add some spice to your foods this fall and winter. Spices like turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper are powerful anti-inflammatory options that can help keep your immune system strong all season long. Veestro’s Golden Chickpea Stew is packed full of flavor and immune-boosting ingredients like turmeric and spicy pepper to keep you healthy this year.

 

#3 Amp up Your Zinc Intake: Zinc plays an important role in supporting immune health. Many cold-soothing cough drops contain zinc to help ease symptoms and ward off the germ, so why not add some extra zinc to your diet as a preventative measure? Reach for more pumpkin seeds, nuts, spinach, and beans this cold and flu season. It may make all the difference in keeping you cold and flu-free.

 

#4 Get Enough Z’s: Chances are, we all could benefit from more sleep, as many of us simply aren’t getting enough. This becomes even more important during cold and flu season, as slacking on sleep may make you more susceptible to germs. Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep each night, and if time permits, get a short nap in during the day! This can really make a difference in keeping you healthy all season long.

 

#5 Wash, Wash, Wash: Oh, and let’s not forget the number one way to prevent the spread of infection. Don’t forget to wash your hands! And, while this may seem like such a basic task, it’s easy to forget to stay on top of handwashing among all the business of day to day life.

Another tip here is to stay away from the harsh chemical-filled antibacterial hand soaps as these are hard on the skin. Stick to plant-based, fragrance-free options, or make your own using castile soap and a few drops of therapeutic-grade essential oils.

 

Don’t Get Bit By The Flu or Cold Bug This Year

Keep germs at bay by giving your immune system what it needs now to stay healthy all fall and winter long. The power of diet is key to a healthy cold and flu season, so stick to plant-based eating, and take great care of yourself. These tips will be the key to helping you stay healthy, even if everyone else around you seems to be getting sick.

Veestro.com

Related Blog Posts

the best ways to stick to your resolutions

5 winter superfoods for more energy

5 tips for plant-based eating while traveling

plant foods that boost your energy

what difference can one person make by going vegan?

5 plant-based foods to ease anxiety

foods that help your body produce collagen naturally

5 hacks for a plant-based july 4th bbq

snacks: eat this, not that!

5 high protein veggies to add to your diet 

how long do vegetables last?

fresh is not always best: 4 surprising benefits of frozen food

5 ways plants power us in 2021

4 reasons why a plant-based diet will give you healthy, vibrant skin

what are food deserts and food justice?

5 easy and healthy vegan holiday side dishes 

benefits of fermented foods for gut health

tofu: is it good or bad for you?

the surprising benefits of chocolate for health and well-being

here’s why eating vegan isn’t just good for you, it’s good for the environment

benefits of eating beans

5 easy plant-based substitutes

3 easy vegan recipes for dinner

5 delicious and refreshing vegan summer beverages

5 advantages of plant-based diets for children

use this one hack to make going vegan easy 

here’s how a plant-based diet may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes 

easy plant-based breakfast ideas

6 reasons why veestro is the best vegan meal delivery service

eat these 5 foods to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals

how protein and fiber help digestion and muscle recovery (and where to get them on a plant based diet)

how to stay hydrated this summer

5 foods that are good for your gut health

5 plant-based foods for better sleep

when cravings hit; eat this, not that!

5 superfoods that help boost immunity

5 real superfoods + 3 that are all hype

not all carbs are created equal: complex vs. simple carbs

5 foods for beautiful skin

breakfast: eat this, not that

top 5 mood-boosting foods to add to your diet

how can eating more plants help your heart? 3 benefits

5 health-boosting spices

here’s why the body thrives on carbs

the power of choosing beans over beef

how to boost your immune system for the cold and flu season

is oat milk healthy?

what you eat can impact climate change

an easy approach to reducing your risk of breast cancer

why does magnesium matter? 5 magnesium-rich foods

3 simple tips for losing weight starting today

deaths linked to heart disease are on the rise: here’s how a plant-based diet can help

your second brain - tips for a healthier gut

microwaves and nutrition: do microwaves kill our food?

5 vegetables that should be on your thanksgiving table

what's the deal with intermittent fasting?

eat these 5 foods to stay hydrated this summer

allergic to soy? these are 7 non-soy sources of protein

think fresh meals are better than frozen? think again!

what 1,500 calories looks like on a plant-based diet

your sugar detox guide

are you vitamin d deficient?

here’s what happens to your body on a juice cleanse

don't like what you see in the mirror? these 3 things are ruining your skin.

bad diets are responsible for more deaths than smoking

10 facts you didn't know about climate change

war on waste: are fresh veggies healthier than frozen?

got milk? the dairy industry’s mass deception

5 ways you save the world by eating vegan for lent

what happens to your body when you go vegan?

how easily can the pope go vegan?

supercharge your sex life

is it possible to prevent and reverse disease?

detox your body

eating your way through diabetes

eating healthy doesn’t have to be scary - 5 simple tips

5 kid-approved lunches

5 best summer drinks

the most unusual facts about berries

debunked: 5 myths about veganism

can you get enough protein from plants?

5 foods you should never eat

memorial day barbecuing - veggies worthy of the grill

spotlight on: activated charcoal

5 superfoods for women's health

ancient remedies we use today

five magnesium-rich foods for stress relief

how to make the most of earth day

why detox?

10 ways to sneak in more veggies

5 surprising benefits of coconut oil

high fiber foods you can snack on

myth vs fact: 5 things you didn't know about vitamin c

plant-based aphrodisiacs that work

5 heart-healthy foods

8 underrated veggies & why you should be eating them

probiotics - your best friend around the holidays

5 easy ways to detox after overindulging

holiday spotlight: pumpkin

how to trick your kids out of treats

the key benefits of juicing

should you take supplements?

veggie anatomy 101: carrots

mindful eating

is plant-based good for kids?

good carbs vs. bad carbs

food facts: tomatoes

frozen vs. fresh: know your veggies

why participate in meatless monday?

10 seasonal superfoods

5 summer foods to keep you hydrated

american classics redux

how much water should you really drink?

3 plant-based bbq tips for july 4th

stone fruit: five favorites for summer

men's health month: five plant-based benefits for men

protect our planet: plant-based goes mainstream

5 protein-packed veggies

5 tips for a plant-based memorial day bbq

7 tips for eating less meat

10 foods that boost your brain

five concerns about plant-based calories

5 ways to care for the planet

vitamin d: essential like the sun

10 tips for going plant-based

is soy good or bad for men?

12 foods to keep your heart happy

the sweet truth about sugar: myths and facts

get grounded with this winter superfood

how to: make winter eating your healthiest

best of 2016: meals

four reasons to go organic

5 winter squashes you need for better health right now

how to have a mindful and happy thanksgiving with 7 easy tips

5 simple ways to cut out dairy

halloween inspired veggies to help you live longer

easy halloween treats

fat vs. sugar: the battle rages on

why eating less meat is better for the environment

the soybean saga: myths and facts

5 reasons to fall in love with kale all over again

21 days with kathy patalsky: the full review

5 easy ways to dip your foot in the (vegetarian) pool, without jumping in head first

5 things you might not know about meatless monday, but should.

five reasons to get your calcium from plants

top reasons to have an apple a day

meeting your nutritional needs with veestro

just how important is breakfast?

can you can?

star-spangled weekend

celebrate strawberry season

food facts: watermelon

how to get dad to put down the meat

massage that kale

plant based protein to keep you satisfied

this memorial day rock the meatless bbq

the truth behind antioxidants and food

do you get enough energy from your food?

celebrating mom

8 weeks to summer: kickstart your weight loss

5 easy greens to add to your diet

earth day & passover-a day for celebration

attention all humans

is it a flower or a vegetable: discover the artichoke

meal replacement replacement meal

dining out on a plant-based diet

maple season-yum!

springtime holidays

leaders in plant-based nutrition

be uniquely green this st. patrick's day

6 foods that help reduce inflammation

celebrating national frozen food month

why be meatless?

jane esselstyn on women's heart health

how to survive the super bowl binge

5 ways to eat less and feel full

did you know these 5 things affect your weight?

new usda nutrition guidelines

pass around the pumpkin pie

8 crazy nights-lighten up chanukah treats

how to eat smart at the office

grains to protect your immune system this winter

plant-based thanksgiving

movember, prostate cancer, and your diet

meet the esselstyns-they're a plant-based family

linking breast cancer and diet

tips for busy back to school time

preserving the harvest

zucchini love

junk food day?

lower your cholesterol the easy way. eat more fiber.

red, white, & blue can be healthy for you!

nih guide: how to lower blood pressure with a dash eating plan

asparagus season

how to survive the summer bbq

it's cinco de mayo-get your bean on

earth day every day-for the planet and your tummy

stop the madness! treat heart disease with a healthy diet -- not drugs!

world health day & connection to vegan diet

maple sugaring

want to lower your cholesterol? a pill is not a magic bullet!

are you at risk for heart disease?

my thanksgiving secret...

losing your mind? try these memory boosting superfoods!

can eating more veggies save your eyesight?

don't have breakfast without one of these three!