Yesterday I hear, "Mom, where's the stomach medicine?" It's in the same place it's always been however, if the question's being asked, that means she re-e-eally doesn't feel good and wants to be taken care of. Mom to the rescue! With an aggressive flu season upon us it's a good time to freshen our eating habits on foods and vitamins that build the immune system.
I'm wondering if the rumbling in my stomach is something wrong or just the result of too much cayenne pepper in my scrambled eggs. (Hello, hypochondria? It's me, Ann.) Time to do some research and see what I need to stock up on:
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Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mangoes, turnip and collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon
Vitamin C: berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mango, nectarine, orange, papaya, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, tomatoes, and red, green, or yellow peppers
Vitamin E: broccoli, carrots, chard, mustard and turnip greens, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds
These foods are also rich in antioxidants:
- Prunes
- Apples
- Raisins
- Plums
- Red grapes
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Beans
Other antioxidants that can help keep you healthy include:
Zinc: oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains, fortified cereals, and dairy products
Selenium: Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, poultry, fortified breads, and other grain products
(Above information courtesy of WebMD)
I'm also going to add ginger ale and oyster crackers. Those are things that are a "go-to" when one of us doesn't feel well. Are there certain foods your family wants when they don't feel good?
Oh geez, do I feel an itchy throat?