It is the end of the semester and your "plate is full." You are busy studying for exams, finishing term papers, volunteering at the food bank, shopping for holiday gifts, and attending end of the semester festivities. You're crazy busy! Being overcommitted can be taxing on your immune system and can increase your chances of catching the wretched cough your neighbor across the hall has had for over a week.
In order to stay healthy it is important to get enough sleep and eat well- balanced meals. Unfortunately, the end of the semester generally doesn't allow for sleep, so you will just have to put more energy than usual into eating healthy meals to try to keep yourself from catching a cold.
Here are some great seasonal foods that will help boost your immune system this holiday season.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is an abundant source of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to regulate the immune system by making white blood cells that destroy the cold culprits - bacteria and viruses.
Cranberries: Cranberries are loaded with vitamin C. Scientific studies suggest that people who get enough vitamin C may shorten the duration of their cold. Studies also suggest that those who take 8,000 milligrams of vitamin C on the first day of their illness may get better faster.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin C and beta-carotene - two powerful antioxidants. As mentioned above, white blood cells destroy bacteria and viruses. They do so by releasing powerful disinfectants (oxidizing agents) to destroy the infecting agent. Excessive accumulation of oxidizing agents can damage cells and cause inflammation. Inflammation weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to catching a cold. Antioxidants help to reduce the number of oxidizing agents in your body, which can help to prevent inflammation.
Remember, the best way to stay in good health and boost your immune system during this fa-la-la-ing season is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that resemble the colors of the rainbow.
Good luck on exams!
- Jasmine Chan
